Features in 2013

Meeting up in person is still the best way to make contacts and ease career moves.

Graduate students often work alone, but programmes exist to teach them how to work towards publication in teams.

Draconian US federal budget cuts due to 'sequestration' are already having dramatic effects.

Meeting attendees can use apps to network and ease logistical hassles.

Zoos provide an opportunity to work on crucial issues of biodiversity while reaching out to the public.

A growing number of biotechnology companies employ a skeleton crew of managers and outsource hands-on science.

Research-tool developers must be creative, innovative and willing to collaborate with people from a variety of fields.

Scientists often criss-cross the globe in pursuit of their careers. The practice can be rewarding — and taxing.

The city state offers opportunities for intrepid scientists, but working there has drawbacks.

With careful planning and tuned expectations, researchers can supplement their project support with donations from the public.

Options abound for scientists who want to get in touch with their inner artist, whether professionally or as a hobby.

Prospects are starting to look bright in the growing field of science intended to aid regulation of food safety and drug development.

Involving members of the public can help science projects — but researchers should consider what they want to achieve.

As the once-fringe field of long non-coding RNA moves into the limelight, young researchers could reap the benefits.

Opting for open access means considering costs, journal prestige and career implications.

The reproductive sciences offer an unusual variety of career options — but some are more fertile than others.

Scientists and engineers with an analytical bent are sought-after in natural-hazard risk assessment.

US scientists passionate about teaching can find rewarding work at community colleges.

Sustainability training is on the rise, and institutions are working out how best to translate it into marketable skills.

Talks offer scientists a chance to show off their work, but it is difficult to make an impact.