Universities are strapped for cash (unfortunately), and this modified their behaviour. Students’ fees doesn’t cover the establishment’s cost. So the administrators are looking for those promising researchers who can bring in research funds. To get a research fund you need an idea which has (new) science in it and at the same time appeals to the industry. Without science you will be stopped at the granting bodies’ gate. Without industries’ appeal you won’t get an industry to put money towards your research.  Granting bodies would like to know the idea is good enough for somebody to risk its own money.  Granting bodies won’t risk the government money on new faces. You must establish yourself first.

For your first application, partner with established well respected researchers. This is a mutually beneficial arrangement. You need to get to the first rung of the ladder with their help. When the research grants flows, then you become indispensable.  It is not politic, it is hard work as Virendra said.

If you are good at pen and pencil type of work then get published in journals which your university values (this also give them visibility), but try to have an experimental element to your research, since many don’t have resources to do experiments.

In conclusion, good practical ideas with deep science is what you need; perhaps with a little bit of luck. 

Regards

Sirosu Yasseri

To some politics is the best stair to climb up but I am sure they will never  earn respect.

In my openion....Hardwork in a proper direction..!!!

Universities are strapped for cash (unfortunately), and this modified their behaviour. Students’ fees doesn’t cover the establishment’s cost. So the administrators are looking for those promising researchers who can bring in research funds. To get a research fund you need an idea which has (new) science in it and at the same time appeals to the industry. Without science you will be stopped at the granting bodies’ gate. Without industries’ appeal you won’t get an industry to put money towards your research.  Granting bodies would like to know the idea is good enough for somebody to risk its own money.  Granting bodies won’t risk the government money on new faces. You must establish yourself first.

For your first application, partner with established well respected researchers. This is a mutually beneficial arrangement. You need to get to the first rung of the ladder with their help. When the research grants flows, then you become indispensable.  It is not politic, it is hard work as Virendra said.

If you are good at pen and pencil type of work then get published in journals which your university values (this also give them visibility), but try to have an experimental element to your research, since many don’t have resources to do experiments.

In conclusion, good practical ideas with deep science is what you need; perhaps with a little bit of luck. 

Regards

Sirosu Yasseri

Thanks for the advice Sirous Yasseri. Our university has just removed journal impact factor from staff assessments and we are moving towards a model where industry partnerships and 'impact' is more valued. I think we are still working through how to measure impact and engagement meaningfully. 

In my humble opinion there are few different factors that will help you.

1. Create your "niche". This will show the pathway to specific subjects in which you will flourish and you will become known.

2. The Feedback of your learners.

3. Supervision of degrees and as result of this the successful grant applications that will support these programmes.

4. Publications add kudos not only to you but also to the institution of yours.

5. Politics. Hmm. Politics only in the face of a senior person which will be your mentor and help you to establish yourself.

In Indian college professor will be only by experience of working in a Medical College. Actually it should be teaching and research. He should be able to publish papers and should motivate his students too.

Teaching, Research and Publications

Hi Ian, 

Congratulations on your promotion.

As you know I have been a postdoc with the same university and department that you are with. It can be difficult to stay funded and obviously in this regard there are some great answers to your question already specifically relating to tradeoffs between being industry relevant and spending time amassing a scientific publication record. I reiterate that published science with an industry relevant focus is likely a strong model to becoming a professor.

However, I am certainly no professor and don't have the foggiest notion of what it takes to become one. Is being a professor that important to you? 

I'd be lying if I said I don't worry about finding financial security in our line of work. However, I do try to focus on trying to do something of benefit for species and ecosystems, and progressing societal discourse on such matters. More and more I am trying to use spare time to be creative.

While I mean no disrespect to professors out there, maybe a focus on becoming a Professor, in itself, is not the holy grail.

I think that your strength to research-work counts , with a lot of great deal of quality teachings and good services to humanity at large in your respective field of discipline.

I think focusing on papers is the right way

Best Regards @Ian Michael McLeod