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

  • Writing like an artist
    I’m working on the second edition of ‘How to fix your academic writing trouble’ with Katherine Firth at the moment. We’re doing a new chapter on writing process, specifically how to think with generative AI tools. For inspiration, I am thinking about Artist Studios and how they support making work....
    Thesis Whisperer Published on: 07 Apr 2024

  • Who can say no?
    Over the last decade, we’ve written a lot of words about how to get research funders to say ‘yes’. I’d like to take this opportunity to talk about who can say ‘no’ to you applying for a grant. I want to talk about the people who can stop you from...
    Research Whisperer Published on: 05 Mar 2024


  • white ants and research education
    So I didn’t blog during my conference at all. I could say that I was out doing social things, which I was, but that really doesn’t account for the lack of posts. It’s actually that I have been pondering. The … Continue reading →...
    Patter Published on: 23 Apr 2024

  • How to bring creativity to your research
    Last year I wrote a post to announce this forthcoming series. Now, I am delighted to say, it is no longer forthcoming – it’s here!  The first book in the series, Photovoice Reimagined by Nicole Brown, is published today. There are three others scheduled … Continue reading →...
    Helen Kara Published on: 23 Apr 2024




  • 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

  • Friendly Questions
    Around submission time reach out to your friends and colleagues in your department. For the particular friends who might know a little about your research, ask for time: can they listen to you talk about your work? Would they have......
    Viva Survivors Published on: 25 Apr 2024


  • 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