Desert Island Researcher Development: One book that all researchers should read for their career development

Posted on: 1 August 2023 by The Academy’s Researcher Development and Culture Team in Blog posts

In an ode to BBC’s famous Desert Island Discs, our Researcher Development and Culture team in the Academy has developed this "Desert Island Researcher Development (RD)” series of blog posts.  

What is Desert Island RD?  

Just as the castaways on the BBC's "Desert Island Discs" select songs that resonate with their lives, we select questions related to researcher development that resonate with your journey at any career stage – whether as a postgraduate researcher, a postdoctoral researcher, a seasoned academic or a member of the diverse research-enabling professional community.  

 Each month, through Desert Island RD, we share insights, strategies, and inspiration to help you thrive in the research ecosystem. The series will be a valuable resource for:  

• enhancing your skills; 
• broadening your horizons; and 
• exploring innovative approaches to researcher development.  

 This month’s question 

“What one book would you recommend all researchers read for their career development?” 

• ‘You Coach You’ by Helen Tupper and Sarah Ellis, which provides valuable insights and practical guidance on how to take control of one’s own professional growth, build a strong personal brand, actionable tools for developing effective communication skills, and fostering a growth mindset – all essential components for a successful and fulfilling research career.   

• ‘Atomic Habits’ by James Clear (also highly recommend Brene Brown’s interview with James Clear about the book: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1FCDXnrrXo9d7VTTX7bi4E) – great book for all researchers who say they don’t have time for personal development  

• ‘Find your F yeah’ by Alexis Rockley (https://www.alexisrockley.com/findyourfuckyeah you can even download a free 18 page work book) It’s really practical, well referenced, based on positive psychology and peppered with practical tasks.  

• How to be a Happy Academic: A Guide to Being Effective in Research, Writing and Teaching by Alexander Clark and Bailey Sousa  

• Making the most of the postdoc: strategically advancing your early career, by James Gould. Tips and tricks to navigating your postdoc, use your development at best and feel ready for transitioning at the next stage of your career.  

Continuous learning  

Researcher development is a lifelong journey, and Desert Island RD is here to accompany you along the way towards becoming more effective, fulfilled, personally and professional impactful research professionals. Share your own Desert Island RD examples with us on social media by tagging us on X @LivResearcher and LinkedIn University of Liverpool – The Academy.  

About the Author

The Academy’s Researcher Development and Culture Team is committed to offering support for all researchers, academics, research-enabling staff and postgraduate researchers at all career levels, providing opportunities and developing initiatives that meet their career aspirations. 

Colleagues are encouraged to regularly access the Researcher Hub for a range of on-demand development opportunities to support professional practice, supplementing live upcoming researcher development activities.