I only know how grad school works in the US, so take that into account when reading my comment, though I would assume things work similarly in other countries.
I too would suggest reading papers and seeing where those authors work/teach/research/etc and then checking those schools out. However, you should keep a few things in mind. Many people start grad school thinking they want to work on one thing, and then change their mind when they get there (either they find something they like better, or realize the topic they thought they liked isn't all it's cracked up to be or they can't stand doing that kind of research). So look into who else is in those departments and see if you'd also be interested in them just in case things don't work out with your dream lab. Also, just because you like someone's work, and you think you like the school, doesn't mean that the PI is taking on new students. So you'd either want to make sure they'd be open to taking you before you even apply or get there, or that there are others at that school who you wouldn't mind working with.
Another thing thats been pointed out to me by quite a few people (before I did my apps, while I was applying, and still now that I'm in) is that just because you want to do research in one specific field doesn't mean you need to do your PhD in that specific field. What you need for a PhD is a good solid training in how to do research and how to be a scientist. With those skills, you can do research in almost any field of science (of course within reason). The lab I'm in right now isn't exactly what I see myself doing after I finish school. However, I get along great with my PI (and the rest of the lab) and I think I'll get great training (and great connections) to get into the subfield that I'd eventually like to end up in.
Many people start grad school thinking they want to work on one thing, and then change their mind when they get there (either they find something they like better, or realize the topic they thought they liked isn't all it's cracked up to be or they can't stand doing that kind of research). Oh, trust me, I know what I want to do. In the US equivalent, I'm currently completing my Masters Degree, by an odd twist of fate working on a pretty odd version of ncRNA research. I've been doing this for about a year, 24/7, and am still happy and excited with the field. Just not my lab, adviser and the direction this project is going. So look into who else is in those departments and see if you'd also be interested in them just in case things don't work out with your dream lab Of course! I'm lucky since I do have a topic I'm interested in, but I'm not absolutely rigid about it and there is a whole bunch of stuff I can switch to and still have the motivation to go to the lab every morning. It's like choosing a bagel: I want the one with cheese, but when hungry will eat the sesame and chili pepper ones with as much delight. Also, just because you like someone's work, and you think you like the school, doesn't mean that the PI is taking on new students. So you'd either want to make sure they'd be open to taking you before you even apply or get there, or that there are others at that school who you wouldn't mind working with. Of course.In ,y case I think it's especially important to contact the adviser, if only to find out in they're willing to work with me. Another thing thats been pointed out to me by quite a few people (before I did my apps, while I was applying, and still now that I'm in) is that just because you want to do research in one specific field doesn't mean you need to do your PhD in that specific field Yes, but I'd much rather become more of an "expert" in my field earlier on. What you need for a PhD is a good solid training in how to do research and how to be a scientist. With those skills, you can do research in almost any field of science (of course within reason). In my case, while I still have a lot to learn, I don't think it's of the "how to be a scientist" variety any more. I've done work (2.5 years) on yeast cell wall structure using protein and DNA methods and all the classic types of microscopy, switched to DNA/RNA research in humans, a totally different field, 1.5 years ago. I've had 3 advisers, each of which has taught me a lot. I'm not exactly looking for general guidance in a PhD, more someone who can teach me about how to "think" within and without the box in the field I dream of studying.
I too would suggest reading papers and seeing where those authors work/teach/research/etc and then checking those schools out. However, you should keep a few things in mind. Many people start grad school thinking they want to work on one thing, and then change their mind when they get there (either they find something they like better, or realize the topic they thought they liked isn't all it's cracked up to be or they can't stand doing that kind of research). So look into who else is in those departments and see if you'd also be interested in them just in case things don't work out with your dream lab. Also, just because you like someone's work, and you think you like the school, doesn't mean that the PI is taking on new students. So you'd either want to make sure they'd be open to taking you before you even apply or get there, or that there are others at that school who you wouldn't mind working with.
Another thing thats been pointed out to me by quite a few people (before I did my apps, while I was applying, and still now that I'm in) is that just because you want to do research in one specific field doesn't mean you need to do your PhD in that specific field. What you need for a PhD is a good solid training in how to do research and how to be a scientist. With those skills, you can do research in almost any field of science (of course within reason). The lab I'm in right now isn't exactly what I see myself doing after I finish school. However, I get along great with my PI (and the rest of the lab) and I think I'll get great training (and great connections) to get into the subfield that I'd eventually like to end up in.
Good luck!
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Oh, trust me, I know what I want to do. In the US equivalent, I'm currently completing my Masters Degree, by an odd twist of fate working on a pretty odd version of ncRNA research. I've been doing this for about a year, 24/7, and am still happy and excited with the field. Just not my lab, adviser and the direction this project is going.
So look into who else is in those departments and see if you'd also be interested in them just in case things don't work out with your dream lab
Of course! I'm lucky since I do have a topic I'm interested in, but I'm not absolutely rigid about it and there is a whole bunch of stuff I can switch to and still have the motivation to go to the lab every morning. It's like choosing a bagel: I want the one with cheese, but when hungry will eat the sesame and chili pepper ones with as much delight.
Also, just because you like someone's work, and you think you like the school, doesn't mean that the PI is taking on new students. So you'd either want to make sure they'd be open to taking you before you even apply or get there, or that there are others at that school who you wouldn't mind working with.
Of course.In ,y case I think it's especially important to contact the adviser, if only to find out in they're willing to work with me.
Another thing thats been pointed out to me by quite a few people (before I did my apps, while I was applying, and still now that I'm in) is that just because you want to do research in one specific field doesn't mean you need to do your PhD in that specific field Yes, but I'd much rather become more of an "expert" in my field earlier on.
What you need for a PhD is a good solid training in how to do research and how to be a scientist. With those skills, you can do research in almost any field of science (of course within reason).
In my case, while I still have a lot to learn, I don't think it's of the "how to be a scientist" variety any more. I've done work (2.5 years) on yeast cell wall structure using protein and DNA methods and all the classic types of microscopy, switched to DNA/RNA research in humans, a totally different field, 1.5 years ago. I've had 3 advisers, each of which has taught me a lot. I'm not exactly looking for general guidance in a PhD, more someone who can teach me about how to "think" within and without the box in the field I dream of studying.
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