PhD Risk Tolerance Linked to Supervisor’s Approach

The Transmission of Risk Tolerance in Scientific Research

A researcher’s willingness to pursue high-risk, high-reward projects is significantly influenced by their doctoral mentors, and this influence extends beyond the laboratory, shaping their students’ research approaches throughout their careers. This finding, based on analysis of thousands of PhD students and their advisors, highlights the crucial role of mentorship in fostering – or hindering – innovation in science. The study, originally reported in Nature, underscores that training, not just funding mechanisms, is a key lever for encouraging aspiring research.

Why risk-Taking Matters in Science

Scientific progress often hinges on exploring uncharted territory. While rigorous methodology and careful experimentation are essential, truly groundbreaking discoveries frequently require researchers to venture beyond established paradigms and embrace uncertainty. However, the current academic landscape, with its emphasis on quantifiable metrics and short-term results, can inadvertently discourage risk-taking. Research consistently demonstrates that projects perceived as “risky” are frequently enough less likely to secure funding from traditional sources, creating a disincentive for researchers to pursue them. Science Magazine reports on the growing trend of risk aversion in scientific research, linking it to funding pressures and career advancement concerns.

The mentor-Mentee Relationship: A Conduit for Risk Propensity

The recent study, led by Anders Broström, an economist at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden, investigated how doctoral education shapes researchers’ attitudes towards risk. Researchers found a strong correlation between the risk-taking behavior of students and their primary supervisors. This correlation was notably pronounced when students and mentors engaged in frequent dialogue. Conversely, the link weakened when students benefited from mentorship from scientists outside their immediate lab habitat. This suggests that close, consistent interaction with a mentor is a primary mechanism for transmitting risk tolerance.

The Role of Communication and Diverse Mentorship

Frequent communication between mentors and students appears to be a critical factor in the transfer of risk-taking tendencies. Regular discussions about research strategies, potential challenges, and the rationale behind project choices likely contribute to a shared understanding of risk and reward. The study also highlights the value of broadening mentorship networks. Exposure to diverse perspectives from scientists outside the primary lab can temper the influence of a single mentor and encourage a more balanced approach to risk assessment.

Implications for Scientific Training and Policy

Chiara Franzoni, an economist at the Polytechnic University of Milan, emphasizes that focusing solely on funding mechanisms to promote risk-taking is insufficient. “We frequently enough focus on thinking about how we can change the funding systems… but that’s not the only lever we have,” she states. This research underscores the importance of incorporating training in risk assessment and responsible