GD
Geodynamics

PhD

From Mountains to Oceans: How the memory of ancient orogens guides the rupture of continents

and October 15, 2025
Picture showing an orogen that transform in a rift

In this new blog, Dr. Kai Li (GFZ Potsdam) talk about his PhD work, where he used accordion numerical models to explore the tectonic history of the South China Sea. His PhD research focuses on the impact of orogenic inheritance on rifts and rifted margins, employing advanced geodynamic modeling techniques. Have you ever tried to fit the west coast of Africa and the east coast of South America toge ...[Read More]

Applying for a PhD in Geoscience: To do or not to do

and August 27, 2025
Applying for a PhD in Geoscience: To do or not to do

Fresh out of your bachelor’s degree, or more commonly these days, your master’s degree, it can be tempting to pursue your PhD as quickly as possible. While there are compelling reasons to dive straight in, rushing into a PhD might not be your best choice.   To be or not to be a researcher? Before you start firing off applications, take a step back. Forget any expectations you had ...[Read More]

Resisting self-guilt as a PhD student

August 6, 2025
Resisting self-guilt as a PhD student

Self-guilt is a common feeling among PhD students. It often leads us to devalue ourselves more harshly than is fair and to form unrealistic expectations. It is important to understand how it shows up in our daily work, what fuels it, and how we can resist it — because over time, it can quietly undermine both our well-being and our work. The ideas below are the results of group discussions that hav ...[Read More]

The Sassy Scientist – the one with covid blues

November 29, 2024
The Sassy Scientist – the one with covid blues

Did I get sick again? Covid, is that you? Long time no see. It’d be better if you left me alone, but I guess we don’t have much choice here, do we? While I’m knocked out by the sedatives to stop my lungs from squeezing themselves out, I ended up thinking about one of the questions I got recently. So, today, we’re answering Ron’s question: Am I getting more stupid or is the PhD getting smarter? Dea ...[Read More]

Ada Lovelace Poster Awardees

October 23, 2024
Ada Lovelace Poster Awardees

Ada Lovelace Poster Awardees A new edition of the Ada Lovelace workshop took place this year in Sète (1-6 septembre 2024), in the exceptional setting of the Domaine du Lazaret by the Mediterranean Sea. Sincere thanks go to Fanny Garel, Catherine Thoraval, and all the Montpellier team for the excellent organization of this event. This worshop provided an opportunity for the community of mantle and ...[Read More]

Science Sisters Season 2 is out now!

, and January 31, 2024
Science Sisters Season 2 is out now!

Science Sisters is a lighthearted interview series where Iris van Zelst (postdoc at the German Aerospace Center) chats with lots of different people (with a focus on – but not limited to – women in science) to make some sense of the academic world. Filled with laughter and silliness, it explores different career paths, academic life, soft skills, and current issues in academia. At 15 t ...[Read More]

The Sassy Scientist – Hailing in a New Era

October 7, 2022
The Sassy Scientist – Hailing in a New Era

The term has just begun, you’ve settled into your new place and survived the tsunami of welcome events and inductions. But what now? There’s no guidebook to a PhD, which is why Lionel has asked us: What can I expect from the first few months of my PhD? Dear Lionel, Tears. You can expect so many tears. Or at least that was my experience anyway… And that’s not because doing a ...[Read More]

The Sassy Scientist – Remembrance

June 26, 2022
The Sassy Scientist – Remembrance

Questions permeate our daily life. What socks do I want to wear today? Which of the 10 insipid meal choices at the campus canteen do I want as my lunch today? Will I treat myself and get a Mai Tai tonight, or will I stick to a refreshing, good ol’ beer? As geoscientists, asking and answering questions really is our daily job. Not all questions are as deep as Uswah’s though… Why d ...[Read More]

The Sassy Scientist – Bend Or Break. Or Boost?

March 18, 2022
The Sassy Scientist – Bend Or Break. Or Boost?

Ruggero has travelled a tough PhD journey. Foraging for his last bits of energy to continue onward on the treacherous odyssey of academia, he murmurs: How can I (re)gain some confidence after it has been shattered during my PhD? Dear Ruggero, Ciao bello. Does that help? Never mind. Just kidding. I cannot imagine how badly your confidence was shattered during your PhD. That’s a pretty tough d ...[Read More]

The toxic and wondrous world of academia with Science Sisters

January 26, 2022
The toxic and wondrous world of academia with Science Sisters

Good morning, dear readers, this is your editor-in-chief speaking. We are currently experiencing some difficulties in academia, but we ask you to stay calm and remain in your seats with the seatbelt fastened. In the event of loss of pressure, make sure to publish your own paper first (to increase the pressure on your peers). Yes, it’s me! Your favourite (and only) editor-in-chief! And because runn ...[Read More]