“To start a research career within medicine and health”

Why is this book needed?

”We hear a lot about the concept of “too long, did not read”, meaning that many in Sweden, even at university level, consider texts to be too long or too difficult to read and therefore do not read them. A lot of course literature is also in English. I wanted to write a book with practical advice, in Swedish, that everyone can get through! A book aimed at doctoral students and researchers at the beginning of their careers. Over the years, I have also received a lot of positive feedback from readers who appreciated the book and its concise chapters!”

What is new in the third edition?

”All chapters have been rewritten, but some sections have undergone more extensive changes than others. For example, the regulations for clinical trials have changed a lot and the first chapter has therefore been completely rewritten. I have also made extensive changes in the chapter on ethics and ethics applications. Much has also happened in the area of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The formal conditions for doctoral students have also changed in the last ten years and this is reflected in the book. Two other chapters that have undergone quite extensive changes are on how to write your CV/résumé and the chapter on research in primary care.”

What has been most fun in revising the book?

“It feels great to update the book and make it relevant and up to date again! It was also really fun to receive a scholarship from the Swedish Educational Materials Writers' Association. The scholarship made it possible for me to spend a week in France last summer and work on the book.”

What is your best advice to someone who wants to start a research career?

“My main advice is to find a supervisor who gets a lot done and who you can enjoy working with. I think the exact research area you choose is less important. When you start digging deep, everything becomes interesting!”