The Whisper Collective finds and showcases the best, independent academic advice from around the web. We are here to help PhD students, postdocs and academics in their work. We feature blog posts, videos, podcasts and reviews from creators in different parts of the world. This site will update as new content is created: book-mark and visit frequently to see what’s new or become a member for free and get a monthly newsletter. Click on any of the links on this page to visit active bloggers from around the world. Check out the menu for a range of other content, merch and events. Visit our About page to find out more about the Whisper Collective and our work.

Feature article

  • Moving house on the Ides of March
    On 9 June 2011, we sent this tweet out into the world: So, it begins… — Research Whisperer (@researchwhisper) June 9, 2011 That same day, we set up Research Whisperer on Facebook and started the WordPress blog. Like everyone else starting social media accounts and blogs, we had zero followers. We were amazed how quickly […]...
    Research Whisperer /TWC Published on: 14 Feb 2023

Latest from our featured blogs

  • Mind the gap (in the literature)
    Hey – Before I start, here are some upcoming events I’m doing at Cambridge University, which are open to the public: A lecture at Wolfson College, Cambridge on Tuesday 6 June at 5:30pm, which touches on themes from my new book with Simon Clews ‘Be visible or Vanish’. There’s an...
    Thesis Whisperer Published on: 26 May 2023

  • Managing research teams
      Collaborating with other researchers or external partners can be challenging but using project management strategies for planning, communication and decision making can help. Many academics undertake their PhD and post-doctoral fellowships as solo projects. That training and experience may not prepare them for coordinating project teams or collaborating with...
    Research Whisperer Published on: 06 Jun 2023

  • Quiet Quitting or is it Quiet Flourishing?
    Quiet quitting can be harmful, so what about quiet flourishing? So what does this look like? Let’s explore as you coach yourself and find a balance between one's inner world and the external demands of work and personal life....
    Wellbeing Whisperer Published on: 22 Feb 2023

  • story and academic writing – the question of pace
    Stories typically contain a mixture of action and commentary. The writer combines action and commentary in order to keep the reader informed – they know what is going on – and engaged – they want to keep reading.  Writers deliberately … Continue reading →...
    Patter Published on: 05 Jun 2023

  • Creative Research Methods in Practice
    I have an exciting new venture to share with you. For the last couple of years I have been working with Policy Press on a new series of short affordable books on creative research methods in practice. And we have … Continue reading →...
    Helen Kara Published on: 01 Jun 2023

  • On rejecting feedback
    You might worry that examiners and reviewers will outright reject your work if you don't accept every single piece of feedback, but I can tell you from experience, that is not true. I first had to learn how to reject feedback for my PhD examination, and have used the same...
    Research Degree Insiders Published on: 25 May 2023



  • Written conversations: Break the Rules with Cathy Rentzenbrink
    We’re joined by acclaimed memoirist, writing tutor and author of five books Cathy Rentzenbrink. In this honest, frank and occasionally strongly worded conversation we explore how the ‘rules’ we come to believe about our writing aren’t necessarily true. And why we shouldn’t always believe what other writers tell us about...
    The Prolifiko Blog Published on: 31 Mar 2023

  • Doing More
    At the viva you’re doing more to tell your examiners about what you’ve done, how you did it and who you are. You’ve set that out in your thesis but now they need more from you. They need you to......
    Viva Survivors Published on: 05 Jun 2023


  • What are informational interviews?
    Thanks to my friend Jennifer van Alstyne for this fun conversation about informational interviews, why to do them, and how they can supercharge a PhD… The post What are informational interviews? appeared first on From PhD to Life....
    From PhD to Life Published on: 27 Sep 2022