Evaluating Potential Research Labs: Track Records and Publications

Introduction

In a previous article, we discussed key factors to consider when choosing a thesis lab, including research field, mentor's management style, lab size, and research internships. This article focuses on evaluating the track record of potential labs.

1. Alumni

1.1 Degree Completion Time

• On average, earning a Ph.D. typically takes at least 6 years.
• Research the average time to complete degrees in your prospective labs.
• Check the Alumni section on lab websites or calculate based on thesis publication years in university libraries.

1.2 Lab Size and Turnover

• A well-established lab should have a steady flow of students and postdocs.
• For a lab with a 15-year-experienced advisor, expect at least 10 Ph.D. alumni.
• Adequate lab size enables peer support and reduces reliance on one-on-one mentoring.

1.3 Alumni Career Paths

• Examine the career paths of recent alumni (within 3-5 years).
• This information indicates the lab's focus on trending research areas.
• Consider why a lab might not display alumni information.
• Alumni status is particularly important if you're considering industry work.

2. Publications

2.1 Key Factors to Consider

• Number of first-author and co-author papers published by lab members before leaving.
• Journals in which the lab publishes.

2.2 Evaluating Journal Quality

• Check if journals are indexed in SCI/SCIE (https://mjl.clarivate.com/home?PC=K).
• Consider the Impact Factor (IF) of journals:
• Top-tier journals have an IF around 30 (e.g., Nature, Cell, Science).
• Use Journal Citation Reports (JCR) to check rankings in specific fields.
• IF can be checked at https://www.bioxbio.com/

2.3 Field-Specific Considerations

• In Computer Science, conferences often hold more importance than journals.
• This preference stems from the need for rapid dissemination of novel ideas.

Conclusion

Evaluating a lab's track record through alumni success and publication history is crucial in choosing the right research environment for your graduate studies.