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


  • 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

  • Rest as Rebellion: The Radical Power of Out of Office Boundaries
    Rest as Rebellion: The Radical Power of Out of Office Boundaries In our hustle culture that glorifies burnout, taking real rest has become a revolutionary act. We've been conditioned to keep pushing, to always be "on," responding instantly to every email and Slack notification. But true rest - the kind...
    Wellbeing Whisperer Published on: 30 Apr 2024

  • creativity and giving up on knowing it all
    Knowledge is said to be cumulative. We accumulate knowledge throughout our formal education. We become more learned. The logic of studying is to get more knowledge. By the time we have completed a doctorate we know a lot. Right? The … Continue reading →...
    Patter Published on: 29 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

  • People Like Us
    Seth Godin, one of my favourite people in the world, defines culture as people like us do things like this. It’s helpful to unpick who “us” is and what “this” is in the context of viva prep. People like your examiners do......
    Viva Survivors Published on: 01 May 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