Professor Steve Watson
University of Birmingham

Who is your scientific inspiration and why?

A J Clarke, the father of receptor pharmacology

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

Warm, supportive and critically constructive. Enthusiastic.

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

Provision of training:

I start with a relatively straight forward project that will lead to a publication and then embark on a more challenging project in discussion. The reason for this is to build confidence and provide of training in terms of what is required for a publication. I provide advice early on in experimental design but rely on the senior members of the group to provide specialist support.

Progression monitoring and management:

We will meet each week to discuss progress and plans. This meeting is not so much to ask ‘what have you done in the last few days’ but more to provide opportunity for thought and discussion. I will provide the support that the student needs to achieve their goal providing they are being realistic. One point of the meetings is to stop unproductive lines of work.

Communication:

I am prefer face to face (or zoom / phone) and e-mail. I will e-mail at all times of the day but please do not reply until the working days. I am happy to discuss all aspects of your work and other issues that may influence the work e.g. an outside activity.

An important aspect of the lab is the weekly lab meetings and journal clubs. We encourage questions and interaction. You will give two such meetings each year.

I encourage attendance at conferences and courses.

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 week

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 week

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 week

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 1 week’s notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5000 words.