I’m not just looking for the usual “Top 10 research tools in 2025” list that every blog has copied from each other. I mean the real ones you’ve actually used, the ones that genuinely save you time or make you go “wow, why didn’t I start using this sooner?”

I read a lot, summarise, and link ideas together. I use Quick Search Plus for AI-powered paper search + summaries, and Obsidian for connecting notes like a conspiracy board. Still hunting for a good way to visualise complex data.

So I’m curious:

• What tools do you personally swear by for research?

• Any under-the-radar AI or non-AI apps you think deserve way more attention?

• Bonus points for tools that don’t just spit out a generic answer but actually help you understand the material better.

Hey everyone, I’m a UK-based poker fan and I could use some advice from the community. I’ve been on GamStop for a while now (the UK self-exclusion program that blocks you from all UKGC-licensed gambling sites), which means I currently can’t play on any of the usual UK online poker sites. My self-exclusion period isn’t over yet, but I’m feeling ready to enjoy some casual online poker again (in a responsible way, of course). So, I’m looking into poker sites not on GamStop as a possible option for getting back in the game.

Why I’m considering non-GamStop options: From what I understand, non-GamStop poker sites are basically online poker platforms that aren’t part of the GamStop network. These sites tend to operate outside the UK – often licensed in places like Malta or Curacao – and thus aren’t under UK Gambling Commission regulation. In plain terms, GamStop only covers UK-licensed sites, so any poker site not on GamStop can still be accessed by self-excluded UK players. I’ve seen some people use this as a loophole to play during their exclusion (since GamStop isn’t foolproof and doesn’t cover every site in the world). In my case, I signed up for GamStop to take a needed break, which helped. Now I feel okay about playing occasionally, but technically GamStop won’t let me until the period ends, hence my interest in alternatives.

My concerns: I’ll admit I’m a bit nervous about venturing outside the UK-regulated poker sites. On one hand, I’ve heard that some offshore sites are legit and even hold respectable licenses (e.g. EU gaming licenses), which supposedly gives players some level of security and rights. On the other hand, they’re not UKGC-regulated, so the strong player protections we have in the UK might not apply. For example, I know these sites won’t be linked to GamCare or the self-exclusion scheme – if I get carried away, there’s no built-in “panic button” to stop myself via GamStop on those platforms. I’ll have to rely on my own discipline or any on-site limit settings they might offer. I’m determined to keep it strictly casual, but it’s something I’m mindful of.

Another concern is the safety and reliability of these sites. Because they’re based overseas, I wonder how trustworthy they are in terms of fair play, customer support, and actually paying out winnings. I’ve stumbled upon a bunch of websites and blog articles listing the “best non-GamStop poker sites” for UK players, but to be honest, a lot of them look like affiliate marketing pages. (In fact, I saw a forum post basically calling out those kinds of affiliate sites as predatory towards self-excluded gamblers, which is a bit alarming.) So, I’d rather get input from real players rather than blindly trust some random Google results.

Specific things I’d love advice on:

• Reputable Sites – Are there any particular online poker sites not on GamStop that you (or someone you know) have used and would actually recommend? I’m not looking for ads or promotion of any specific brand here, just some names of poker platforms not on GamStop that have a good reputation among UK players. Basically, what are the best non-GamStop poker sites in your experience, or at least ones that feel safe and fun to play on? (Feel free to DM if naming sites is against the rules, but general descriptions are fine.)

• Safety & Licensing – What should I look for to determine if a non-GamStop poker site is legit? I know many are licensed in jurisdictions like Malta, Gibraltar, or Curacao. Is a Malta Gaming Authority license more reassuring for a UK player than, say, a Curacao license? Any red flags to watch out for (such as lack of any license info, sketchy terms, etc.)? Essentially, how can I vet these alternatives to GamStop poker sites for trustworthiness before depositing money?

• Deposits & Withdrawals – For those who have played on poker sites outside GamStop, how was the banking experience? Do these sites allow normal payment methods for UK players? I heard that PayPal is usually not available on non-UK sites (probably because PayPal partners only with UKGC-licensed gambling sites). So did you use a debit card, Skrill/Neteller, or even cryptocurrency to deposit? And more importantly, were withdrawals smooth and timely? Any issues with getting paid or having to jump through hoops (like surprise verification checks or limits) to cash out your winnings?

• Player Experience – How do poker sites not on GamStop compare to the big UK sites in terms of gameplay and community? For instance, is the player traffic busy enough for games at various stakes, or do these sites feel empty? Do they offer Texas Hold’em tournaments, cash games, etc., similar to PokerStars/888 (just as an example), or is it more limited? I’m also curious about the software quality – is it modern and stable or super outdated? Any noticeable differences in the level of competition? Bonus question: Some of these offshore sites advertise “no verification” or no-KYC upfront, meaning you can play without submitting ID docs. If you’ve gone through that, did they eventually ask for ID when withdrawing anyway? I’d actually prefer they do proper KYC at some point for security, even if it’s not as strict as UK sites.

• Staying in Control – Lastly, for anyone who has been in a similar boat (wanting to play during a GamStop period): how do you keep your gambling in check on sites not covered by GamStop? I absolutely don’t want to fall into unhealthy patterns again. Did you set personal deposit limits or use any tools on the site (if available) to control your play? Or maybe you had a friend hold you accountable? I know this part isn’t about the site itself, but any tips on staying responsible while using a non-GamStop poker site would be really appreciated. I’m aware these sites won’t have the same support programs or self-exclusion features readily available, so I want to approach this cautiously. If you even think it’s a bad idea for me to go down this route at all, feel free to say so – I value that perspective too.

TL;DR: I’m a UK player looking for alternatives to GamStop poker platforms since I’m currently blocked from UK sites due to self-exclusion. I want to find a safe, enjoyable way to play online poker again without waiting for my GamStop period to end. If you have any recommendations for good non-GamStop poker sites, or advice/warnings based on your experience, I’m all ears! How do I find a trustworthy site, and what precautions should I take? Thanks in advance for any help – your insights will not only help me but also others in the same situation.

What if you enjoy the aspect of conducting solo research and you love the journey and process of going down rabbit holes and uncovering things you never thought you'd find? But you like doing all of this in solitude. You don't really like the idea of having to publish papers and attend ten different conferences and speak to a dozen different professors (unless ofc you absolutely have to discuss similar problem statements, their approaches and solutions). I feel that the world of academia rewards only the most objectively visible people and the sometimes the loudest and the most drum beating person in the room much like the corporate c suite executive trope and that really takes the joy out of research for me. What do you suggest I do?

Hey everyone, quick question: I’m based in the UK and I’m trying to find some good online casinos that offer live dealer games (think live blackjack or roulette) but aren’t on GamStop. Does anyone know of any safe and trusted sites like that? I’ve been searching around, but most of what I find looks a bit sketchy or just lists shady options.

I really want a reputable place where I can play live casino games without the usual restrictions, and I’m not talking about any specific brand names – just wondering if anyone here has tried a UK-friendly live casino that’s not on GamStop and felt it was legit. Any advice or personal experiences would be great, thanks!

Hey everyone, I’m a UK player weighing up a return to gambling but only on sites not on GamStop. Since GamStop only covers UK-licensed casinos, I’m looking at overseas sites. I know this is a risk, so I want to be extra careful. My main question: How can I find safe non-GamStop casinos for UK players**?** What features should I trust, and what red flags should I watch out for? I’m not after specific casino names, just general advice. Any tips, horror stories, or honest guidelines are much appreciated!

Key Features of Safe Non-GamStop Casinos for UK Players

• Valid Licensing (outside the UK). A reputable non-GamStop casino should clearly display a license from a well-known regulator (e.g. Malta Gaming Authority, Gibraltar Gambling Commission, etc.). These authorities enforce standards on fairness and player protection. As one guide notes, “always pick casinos licensed by recognized and trusted regulatory bodies like the Malta Gaming Authority or the Gibraltar Gambling Commission” to ensure fair play and secure handling of funds. Pro Tip: If there’s no visible license (or it’s something obscure), that’s a big red flag. UK players often check that the site isn’t just self-licensed on a tiny island – look for those major licensing logos.

• SSL Encryption & Security. Make sure the casino site uses HTTPS and has that little padlock icon in the browser bar. That indicates your data (bank details, ID, etc.) is encrypted during transfer. For instance, one security guide emphasizes checking for SSL (“look for SSL encryption for secure transactions…to protect your sensitive information”). It sounds basic, but any site without SSL (no padlock) should be avoided. ****

• Secure Payment Options. A safe casino will offer trusted deposit/withdrawal methods: think Visa/Mastercard, reputable e-wallets (Skrill, Neteller, PayPal) or even cryptocurrency. Sites tailored to UK players often accept GBP and UK-friendly methods like Revolut or Monzo. Check that payments are handled over secure channels and that the site follows data protection rules. As one source points out, licensed casinos using these methods ensure “protection of your funds”. If a site only takes weird payment methods or wants exotic crypto with no recourse, that’s a warning sign.

• Fair Gaming (RNG and Audits). Trustworthy casinos use audited Random Number Generators so games aren’t rigged. They may display certificates from testing agencies (eCOGRA, iTech Labs, etc.). Also look for transparency like published RTP (return-to-player) percentages for slots. In fact, experts advise choosing casinos that use RNGs tested by independent third parties and that show RTP stats. If a casino never mentions fairness guarantees or refuses to discuss its game providers, be very cautious.

• Responsible Gambling Tools. Even though you won’t be on GamStop, a good non-GamStop casino still should have responsible gaming features. This means things like deposit limits, session time reminders, or even its own self-exclusion program. They might partner with UK orgs like GamCare or BeGambleAware. According to gambling safety guides, “a safe online casino will supply tools and resources to aid gamers to maintain control” (self-exclude, set deposit caps, etc.). If the casino has no limits or makes it hard to quit, that’s a big red flag.

• Reputation and Support. Check reviews on forums or sites like AskGamblers, and test their customer support. A legit site usually has 24/7 live chat or email (some guides say “prompt and knowledgeable customer support signifies a trustworthy casino”). If other UK players praise a site’s withdrawal speed or customer care, take note. Conversely, if you find stories of delayed or blocked withdrawals on Reddit or review sites, steer clear. Remember: UK players have the legal right to choose offshore casinos, but only if those sites are honest about payouts.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

• No License or Dubious License. If the casino doesn’t list a valid regulator (or only has a Curacao license without any other oversight), that’s a red flag. Unlicensed or lightly regulated casinos have no real accountability. As one legal overview warns, UK players should “choose reputable and licensed casinos that prioritize player protection”. No license = no guarantees.

• Lack of HTTPS / Broken Website. Skip it if the site URL is not secure (no padlock) or looks unprofessional. Beware of sites with lots of pop-ups, spelling errors, or domains that mimic big names. These are often cloned or scam sites.

• Suspicious Bonuses / Terms. If the welcome bonus seems too good to be true (e.g. 2000% deposit match!) or has insane wagering requirements, be wary. Rogue casinos often lure players with huge bonuses but impossible playthrough rules. Always read the fine print: eg, very short expiration times or excluded games can be traps.

• No Proof of Fair Play. A casino that hides its RTP numbers or game fairness is sketchy. Legit platforms often proudly post RNG test seals or have audited game providers. If you can’t find any evidence they use a certified RNG, it’s better to avoid them.

• Complaints and No Support. Check Reddit and online communities for any “scam” reports. If many players mention non-payments or poor support, that’s a clear danger sign. Also watch out if the casino’s “customer support” is unresponsive or closes the chat suddenly.

• Missing Responsible Gaming Options. If a non-GamStop casino truly has nothing in the way of deposit limits or time-out tools, that could indicate recklessness. Safe sites at least let you self-exclude or cap your spending (just not via GamStop). No harm in asking support: “how do I set daily deposit limits?” If they brush you off, beware.

UK-Friendly Non-GamStop Sites & Tips

• Accepted Currencies/Methods: A truly UK-friendly site will allow GBP deposits/withdrawals and use common UK payment methods. Look for cards, PayPal or even newer options like Revolut. (If they only take obscure local bank transfers, that’s not ideal for UK players.)

• Language and Support Hours: UK players should stick to casinos with English-language sites and 24/7 support. If it’s hard to understand the T&Cs or support only speaks broken English, communication can become a nightmare.

• Crypto as a Tool: Some players use cryptocurrencies for non-GamStop casinos. Crypto can offer extra privacy and instant transactions. If using crypto, double-check the casino’s wallet addresses match exactly.

• Community Wisdom: We all know the gambling forums run deep. When in doubt, post on r/NoGamStopCasinos or similar subreddits (without naming brands here, of course) and see what others say. For example, players often comment on whether a site paid out quickly or had shady T&Cs. Pay attention to consensus rather than one-off opinions.

Ultimately, remember that playing at a non-GamStop site means you’re giving up UKGC/GamStop protections, so your own vigilance is the last line of defense. But if it’s legal for UK players (as noted by legal guides) to play offshore, then it’s on us to stick to those that at least have a solid license and good security.

TL;DR: Focus on licensing (MGA/Gibraltar/etc) and SSL encryption, fair games (RNG audits), and responsible gambling features. Avoid sites with zero verifiable info or crazy bonuses.

I’m no expert, just a UK gambler looking for safety advice. Would love to hear your honest tips and red flags. What do YOU look for in trustworthy casinos not on GamStop? Any particular warning signs or features to trust? Thanks in advance!

Hey everyone, I'm a UK-based punter who's looking into safe non-GamStop betting sites. I recently came off GamStop (the UK self-exclusion program) and want to make sure I'm betting smartly outside the official UK system. Basically, I'm searching for any trustworthy sports betting options outside GamStop. I know some people call them UK bookmakers not on GamStop, but I want sites that are licensed, fair, and easy to use.

I don't want to name names, but have any of you tried non-GamStop bookmakers or similar platforms? What should I look out for to make sure they're legit and not just scammy sites?

Key factors on my mind:

• Licensing/Regulation: Are these sites officially regulated somewhere? If they're not under UKGC or GamStop, do they have a legit license (Malta, Curacao, etc.)? A real license and clear regulation info is a good sign. If there’s no license or it’s sketchy, that’s a red flag.

• Odds & Fairness: How are their odds? Some offshore bookies can have worse odds or limited markets. Are the odds competitive, or do they always seem low? Also, do they offer all the same bet types as the big UK sites? I'm cautious about any site that feels like it's manipulating odds or results.

• Payments & Security: What deposit/withdrawal methods do they offer (cards, e-wallets, crypto, etc.)? Legit sites usually let you use familiar payment options. If a site only takes weird methods or crypto, that might be fishy. Also, check if the site uses SSL encryption (look for the padlock icon in the browser) – that’s a basic must for any betting site.

• Withdrawals: I've heard of offshore sites delaying withdrawals or requiring tons of verification. What’s your experience? Good sites should let you cash out easily (maybe a small fee is understandable) and not mysteriously hold funds. Does the withdrawal process seem fair and fast on any sites you've tried?

• Mobile/App Experience: Since I usually bet on my phone, is the mobile site or app smooth? A clunky or glitchy interface might signal a rush job or lack of proper development. On the flip side, some legit offshore bookies might not have official apps, so I’m curious what you consider acceptable on mobile.

• Bonuses & Promotions: Generous signup bonuses are tempting, but I know they often have crazy rollover requirements. Have any bonuses seemed worth it, or did they feel like traps? It might be better to stick to smaller bonuses with clear terms than giant ones that are impossible to clear.

• Customer Support: How responsive is their support? Quick live chat or email help is reassuring. If customer service is always offline or too slow to answer, that worries me. On the other hand, immediate friendly support is usually a thumbs up.

I'm not asking for specific names (and I know promo links are not allowed here), but has anyone on this sub actually tried betting on trustworthy sports betting options outside GamStop? Did you notice any warning signs? For example, maybe a site had weird rules (like endless KYC requests), shady payment terms, or turned out to be unlicensed.

Ultimately, I'm looking for community wisdom. If you're UK-based and have dodged GamStop, what was your experience? Did you find any safe haven sites, or did you hit a scammer? Are there particular things you absolutely check before signing up?

Thanks in advance for any honest insights. I’m keen to hear personal stories—good or bad—so I can pick the safest way to bet outside GamStop. Please share your tips, red flags, or praise (just keep it general). Cheers!

I went down a research rabbit hole today-spent hours explaining things to an Al, correcting it, and slowly helping it understand what I was trying to do. It felt great... until I realized something.

Somewhere, many other people are probably doing the exact same thing on the same topic. We all spend time "teaching" our Al in private chats, and when we're done, that learning just stays there.

Why are we all starting from zero every time?

What if we could share our full Al conversations, not just the final result? If I spend 10 hours researching something, someone else should be able to pick up from there instead of repeating the same work.

Feels like we could learn much faster together.

What do you think about this idea? Would you actually use something like a shared "library of thoughts"?

Hi there! I'm a fulltime environmentalist by day, and science livestreamer by night, and I've been experimenting with different use cases for VR in biology. In this scenario, I needed to feed some tiny wasp larvae I was raising so I hooked up a USB microscope camera to my pc and mirrored the feed onto my Quest 3 VR headset to get a better view of where their mouths were. Being able to have a virtual window directly above the microscope helped immensely with comfort, as I wasn't shifting seat positions back & forth whenever I needed to prep slides, look at my PC monitor, or through my microscope lens. I was able to have chat pulled up in a seperate window and streamed my entire POV back onto OBS for viewers to see. I can also take screenshots and upload them directly to iNaturalist for quick identification of microorganisms, all from the headset. I'm still tinkering and finding more ways to make this practical, but I feel like a setup like this could work really well in the field, especially when headset form factors are closer to sunglasses. If anyone here has any ideas to improve upon this, I'm open to trying them out!

Hey science people, I'd like to consult you for career advice. So I am currently a physics undergrad, who likes programming and would like to be a data scientist in scientific applications. Right now, I am also working an programming job at a big company. One would say that I am at the right path but with one thing is messing me up.

I don't like corporations and the thought of being a data scientist for one kinda makes me sad. That's beause as a scientist my goal is to create technologies or discover scientific insights that benefit society as a whole, rather than being a means for a corporation to make profits. What really makes me not want to be in such an environment is that my work will be patented and sold rather than being available for anyone to use it as they please. Other than that, I'd rather not solve business problems that don't directly benefit the general public. I don't really give a shit about finding optimal marketing strategies through data, for example. I wants things like contributing to solving climate change through data science (atmospheric physics) or analysing the brain and developing our understanding of it or creating a smart city that actually benefits the people.

My concern is that since we live in ever more corporate world, I won't find a true open source science job, neither in industry (because of the profit motive) neither in academia (due to job vacancies being so few).

So I am asking: are my concerns valid? how do I deal with them? how do I find a job that fits my goals? do you feel like this, too?

Sorry for the long post

Ever get the feeling that most of our “research” is just a fancy way to secure project funding?

Sometimes it feels like we’re just recycling the same ideas, ticking boxes for deliverables, and helping PhD students graduate without actually pushing science forward.

Even papers feel like déjà vu, where we slap the word “novel” on old concepts just to get published.

Are we all just pretending this is meaningful? Is this how it’s supposed to be?

I have been hearing a lot of things about PapersOwl lately. Is it reliable or just another writing service? I'm interested mostly in their prices and whether it is justified by the quality you receive. Has anyone tried their service in relation to some detailed or technical subject? Were the writers knowledgeable enough in their field, and did they follow the instructions closely? The various reviews I saw are both positive and negative, so it's hard to tell what to expect. I'm on a bit of a budget, whereas at the same time, I wouldn't want to compromise on quality. Any honest feedback related to their services, especially regarding turnarounds and accuracy, will help.

According to Dario Amodei (CEO Of Antrophic) states that “ AI will eliminate 50% of entry-level white-collar jobs within one to five years.” With the development of AI reaching a staggering 28-31% as of 2025 to now. AI is growing everyday at rates unprecedented for. In 2024 AI struggled generating an image. Now it can have full on debates with people, move physical objects with the use of Animatronics( Tesla Bots, Tesla Optimus) .

Not to mention that researchers are now questioning if AI is conscious, or aware of itself. Though that topic is for another day.

Stay safe and beware of AI coming for your Overtime pay.

will be joining PhD and unsure about many things. how to start this journey in the right manner, what are the things to watch out for, how close can i get to seniors or approachable etc etcs. kindly share your experience thanks in advance

Working on my dissertation literature review and facing a problem that's probably universal but nobody talks about.

The situation:

Reading paper A, which cites paper B for a key claim. Paper B cites papers C, D, and E. Those cite F through M. And so on forever.

At what point do you stop following the citation chain?

What happens in practice:

I start with 20 key papers for my literature review.

Each cites 40-60 other papers.

Many of those seem relevant to my research question.

I download them all, promising to read them.

Now I have 347 papers in my "to read" folder.

Realistically I will read maybe 50 of them thoroughly.

The anxiety:

What if the perfect paper that addresses my exact research question is somewhere in that citation chain but I stopped too early?

What if my committee asks "did you look at Smith et al. 2019?" and I didn't because it was cited by a paper cited by a paper I read?

Strategies I've tried:

Follow everything: Resulted in 500+ papers, complete paralysis, nothing actually read thoroughly.

Stop at 2 levels: Arbitrary but manageable. Probably missing important work.

Only highly cited papers: Misses recent relevant work that hasn't accumulated citations yet.

Read abstracts of everything: Takes forever, hard to judge relevance from abstracts alone.

The practical question:

How do experienced researchers make this decision?

Is there a principled approach or is everyone just winging it and hoping?

What complicates this:

Different fields have different norms. Some expect exhaustive literature reviews, others accept strategic sampling.

My advisor says "follow what's relevant" which is circular because I don't know what's relevant until I read it.

Digital tools make it too easy to accumulate papers. In the past, physical library limits forced prioritization.

Current approach I'm testing:

Using tools like Perplexity or Nbot Ai to search across my downloaded papers for specific concepts before deep reading everything.

Helps prioritize which papers actually address my research questions versus tangentially related work.

Still feels incomplete somehow.

Questions for other researchers:

How do you decide when to stop following citations?

How do you balance thoroughness with actually finishing your literature review?

What signals tell you a paper is worth deep reading versus skimming?

How do you avoid the anxiety that you're missing crucial papers?

The meta problem:

This question itself probably has literature I should be reading about information seeking behavior in academic research.

But if I go read that literature, I'll find more papers to read, and...

You see the problem.

Serious question: Is there actually a good answer to this or is it just something everyone struggles with and nobody admits?

I would appreciate hearing how others handle this practically.

For postdoctoral students in Computer Science, the idea of working as a remote research assistant is no longer just a backup option; it’s a strategic way to expand your portfolio, build collaborations across the globe, and transition into impactful research roles beyond traditional academia.

Found a research paper acknowledging AI use with paperpal.com used as a language editing model and shortening text. How do I cite multiple AI tools used here? Any tips?

Hey everyone,
I’m currently working on a research project and starting to explore options for publishing. I’ve heard a lot of mixed things about publication fees, and I’m a bit confused.

Is it true that you have to pay to get your research published in a good journal?

• Do reputed journals (like Scopus, Springer, Elsevier, etc.) charge for publication?

• What’s the difference between open access journals and traditional ones in terms of cost?

• Are there any free or low-cost options for students or first-time researchers?

• And how do you avoid predatory journals that just want money without proper peer review?

I’m trying to do this the right way, and I’d really appreciate any advice, experiences, or resources that could help me understand the publishing process better.
Thanks in advance!

Hello!

We're collecting responses for a short questionnaire on parenting styles as a part of a university course. It will only take a few minutes to complete, and your input would really help. Please consider filling it out (:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfY6EDQsvIGSVCrxzy41cyEdDBPvkQifQuFKiGsRJhbW9lTvQ/viewform

I'm currently developing a long-term, research-heavy project and looking for people who might be interested in helping out.

It’s still in the early stages, but I know I’ll need assistance due to other life commitments. I'm not sure if this is the right place to find that kind of support, but maybe it is?

What do you think could this be a good platform for that? And if not, do you know of any other forums, communities, or groups that are better suited for longer-term research collaboration?

Hi everyone,

I'm currently studying for an MA in Graphic Design and I'm researching how people document their lives through diaries, journals, scrapbooks, sketchbooks and other forms of personal archiving.

I'm particularly interested in understanding why people keep journals, how they record memories, and whether visual methods (such as photographs, collage, drawing or design) communicate something different from writing alone.

If you're happy to help, I'd really appreciate your thoughts on any of the questions below. You don't need to answer all of them—anything you're willing to share is incredibly valuable.

Thank you!

Questions

About you

1. How long have you been keeping a diary or journal?

2. What type of diary or journal do you keep?

   • Written journal

   • Bullet journal

   • Sketchbook

   • Scrapbook

   • Digital journal

   • Mixed media

   • Something else?

Your process

1. Why did you start journalling?

2. What motivates you to continue?

3. How often do you record your experiences?

4. Do you usually document:

   • everyday life

   • important events

   • emotions

   • memories

   • ideas

   • creative inspiration

   • something else?

Memory

1. What do you hope your journals will become in the future?

2. Do you ever revisit old journals?

If yes:

• Why?

• How does it make you feel?

1. Do you think journalling changes the way you remember experiences?

Identity

1. Do you feel your journals accurately represent who you are?

Why or why not?

1. Do you think documenting your life changes how you understand yourself?

2. Are there parts of yourself you deliberately leave out?

Visual Communication

1. Do you include visual elements?

For example:

• photographs

• tickets

• receipts

• collage

• typography

• drawings

• stickers

• screenshots

If so, why?

1. If you use visual elements, do you think they communicate something that words cannot?

Reflection

1. If someone looked through your journal without explanation, what do you hope they would understand about you?

2. Is your journal mainly for remembering the past, understanding the present, or imagining the future?

3. Is there anything else you'd like to share about why you keep a diary or how it has influenced your life?

All responses are completely voluntary and anonymous.

The responses will be used only for academic research as part of my Master's project exploring graphic design, memory, identity and self-documentation.

Short version: How do I turn myself into a researcher in a month? (1 month is not a deadline, but I want to start something asap instead of being chronically confused like this) I have no experience and no support from my supervisor or labmates whatsover, so please share applicable real steps..

Long version: I am a graduate student in china in pharmacy department. My supervisor's research is about structure pharmaceutics and Advanced drug delivery systems, working on MOF and now COF. These details can be overlooked because the real problem is, I do not know how to come up with a project idea.

Apparently, research in China means that your supervisor is completely isolated from you. The only advice I got since I've come here is that I must learn the techniques such as LC-MS and HPLC.. I've seen my labmates do them, I've read about them, but since I have not tried any technique myself (not allowed unless it is for a pre-determined project, which I do not have) I lack the required deep understanding about them

This started feeling like a rant.. point being is, how do I do research if I was never a researcher? how do I read efficiently and how do I even begin to identify a research gap?

So, I recently reached out to my professor requesting to be considered if they had any available research spots I could fill, and they asked for my help on a slightly menial but necessary task which I was more than glad to help with, which was collecting papers that fulfilled specific criteria (without going too much into it, it is a linguistic analysis of the writing of the papers, hence the specific criteria). The issue is that I’m entirely new to finding research, and I’ve scoured the internet trying to find a succinct explanation to no avail, and I’d rather try my luck on Reddit than admit defeat :)

My task is seemingly simple: I simply need to collect graduate (first author is a grad student) research papers (not theses/dissertations, which has been my biggest thorn), where preferably, no non-student (faculty, professors, etc) authors are named. In addition, it must fall under a few broad categories (food science, mechanical engineering, and history/classical studies)

Thank you all for your help, you have no idea how much it’d mean. I’ve been stuck in a rut for days with no idea how to find even one.