Growing Up in Science : The Untold Stories of Today’s Brain Scientists

Leading brain scientists from around the globe talk about becoming and being a scientist in their in their own wordsScientists often struggle to talk openly about the obstacles they face, particularly in the highly competitive brain sciences. On paper, science rewards the highly successful individuals whose landmark discoveries have helped us to understand how the brain works. But behind the awards, published papers, and media are people who have navigated difficulties, doubts, failures, and detours on the road to becoming a scientist. Growing Up in Science brings together twenty-seven short essays by brain scientists who write candidly about their personal and professional journeys, which make abundantly clear that a smooth and straight career path is rare. While broadly focused on the brain sciences, this collection will resonate with scientists of any field. It presents diverse perspectives from people in various stages of their careers and from very different backgrounds. Each scientist has their own way of telling their story yet many of them share similar struggles, from imposter syndrome and self-doubt to gender equality, mental health challenges, and difficult financial and family circumstances. They also speak of meaningful mentorships, rewarding academic accomplishments, and significant growth as both scientists and individuals. Essential reading for aspiring and established scientists who want to learn from the experiences of their peers, these illuminating and disarmingly vulnerable essays offer an instructive and inspirational inside look at what it is really like to grow up in science.