Dr Andrew Bowman
University of Warwick

Who is your scientific inspiration and why?

Flemming, Jenner, Crick, Franklin, Brenner, Doudna….. who to choose? There are so many inspirational figures in biology & medicine!

In three words or phrases how would you describe your supervision style?

Student-led, open-door, research-active.

In one or two sentences please describe your strategies regarding the following.

Provision of training:

Lab members should take ownership of their projects and be the main driving force behind them. As we are a small lab we are discussing our projects weekly, informally, and once a month in a lab meeting on a rotational basis.

Communication:

I have an open-door policy. We have a Slack group, but notifications are turned off at weekends (for me at least!).

How often do your PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting?

At least once per week

In year 1 of PhD study, how often do your PhD students have a scheduled >30 minute 1:1 meeting with you?

At least once per month

In year 2 of PhD study, how often do your PhD students have a scheduled >30 minute 1:1 meeting with you?

At least once per month

In year 3 of PhD study, how often do your PhD students have a scheduled >30 minute 1:1 meeting with you?

At least once per month

What form do your 1:1 meetings with PhD students take?

Face to face (if allowed under current health and safety advice)

Open door policy?

Yes, I am usually contactable for an instant response (if required) on every working day.

My expectation of PhD student working patterns?

The timing of work in my lab is completely flexible, and (other than attending pre-arranged meetings), I expect students to manage their own time.

Notice for feedback (e.g. on reports, manuscript drafts, thesis chapters)?

I need at least 2 week’s notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5000 words.