Isabelle Kohler
Isabelle Kohler is Assistant Professor at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and founder of NextMinds. She writes in C2W International in her column “Exploring Academia with Isabelle”, where she gives tips and tricks to young scientists to navigate the academic jungle.
Isabelle is passionate about teaching. She didn’t expect that teaching and mentoring the younger generation of scientists would be so rewarding (and fun). After 15 years in academia, she realized it was time to explore this talent further, and founded NextMinds, next to her job in academia.
With NextMinds, Isabelle provides knowledge and tools to early-career scientists (students, PhD students, postdocs), to make them well-equipped to conquer the academic world.
She loves telling stories – on academia, science, career development: as long as she can write (with a good cup of coffee), she’s happy.
Contactinformatie
- Email:
- i.kohler@vu.nl
- Website:
- https://www.nextminds.net/
InternationalWomen in science: still invisible, even in space
Isabelle Kohler reflects on the recent all-female space flight and the media’s focus on celebrities over scientists. She shares actionable steps researchers can take to foster a more inclusive and equitable academic culture.
InternationalHave a break, have a breakthrough
In the relentless world of academia, taking intentional breaks is often dismissed as an indulgence rather than a necessity. Isabelle Kohler shares the lessons learned during her recent “company retreat” in Lisbon.
InternationalThe struggle of timely PhD completion
Isabelle Kohler explores the structural issues behind PhD delays and shares practical advice for both PhD students and supervisors to support timely and sustainable PhD completion
InternationalTake charge of your finances
Isabelle Kohler shares her journey from financial uncertainty to financial confidence and offers practical advice to help early-career researchers take control of their financial future.
InternationalFinding your writer’s voice
Writing is an essential skill in academia, yet many early-career researchers find it challenging. In this column, Isabelle Kohler shares her personal relationship with writing and offers practical advice to help researchers transform writing from a daunting task into a rewarding practice.
InternationalThe power of looking backwards
Isabelle shares how her personal journey taught her the value of looking backwards rather than forwards or sideways. She applies these insights to academia, encouraging PhD students and postdocs to acknowledge their progress and small wins.
InternationalPrioritise your next step
Career planning is often overshadowed by the demands of research, leaving many PhD students unprepared for their next step. That’s why they should start planning their next career move early, says Isabelle Kohler.
InternationalWhat does success mean to you?
Isabelle Kohler explores the personal nature of success and guides early-career researchers through the process of defining what success means to them.
InternationalAn ode to patience
Isabelle Kohler offers valuable tips to help early-career researchers stay patient while pursuing their professional dreams.
InternationalHow to embrace feedback as an academic writer
Isabelle Kohler shares practical strategies to help early-career researchers and students not only survive feedback but also embrace it as a powerful tool for growth.
InternationalIt’s not just about money
The government’s massive budget cuts are sparking deep concern across academia. In this column, Isabelle Kohler outlines the primary effects of these cuts on research, higher education, and innovation, with a specific focus on PhD students.
InternationalWhen persistence bears fruit: from invisible effort to visible success
As she celebrates her first year writing for C2W International, Isabelle Kohler reflects on how persistent effort can shape our professional journey. She draws parallels between her writing activity and PhD journey, both relying on invisible work behind visible achievements.
InternationalThriving in academia with a chronic condition
Isabelle Kohler shares her experience of navigating academia while managing health struggles, offering practical strategies for others to thrive too.
InternationalAn introvert’s guide to professional events
Isabelle Kohler offers practical tips to help introverts not onlly survive but even thrive at conferences and professional events.
InternationalBelow the tip of the iceberg: the hidden value of conferences
Isabelle Kohler explores the benefits of conferences that can significantly influence your research and career development in unexpected ways.
InternationalBack to work: balancing productivity with well-being
Isabelle Kohler shares her journey towards balanced productivity, exploring strategies to optimize her work without compromising her well-being.
InternationalCompete with yourself, not your peers
Each PhD or postdoc journey is unique and incomparable and it’s important to measure yourself against your past selve, rather than your peers.
InternationalProfessional development courses during a PhD: smart investment or waste of time?
Some see professional development courses as part of their doctoral program as a waste of time. ‘Au contraire!’, says Isabelle Kohler.
InternationalChoosing the right PhD supervisors: a make-or-break decision
Isabelle Kohler gives you tips for choosing a PhD supervisor, emphasizing the importance of a good fit for a successful PhD and career.
InternationalCreating a healthier academic environment for all
Isabelle calls for a shift in the academic mindset and emphasizes the need for structural changes to ensure the well-being of academic professionals.