ResearchCOMP – the European Competence Framework for Researchers

The new Framework for Researchers is a cool tool for planning your career. However, it is so hard to understand and remember. That is why I suggest using the following tree analogy.

ResearchCOMP is an essence like a tree. Roots of critical thinking (1) with trunk of self-management (2) and branches of collaboration (3) hold leaves as research (4) and fruits as impact (5). Water = management 6) and sun = tools (7) nourish the research tree.
The following illustration has been prepared by my son:

Art created by Naran Pavanello, 9 years old

ResearchCOMP, Like a Tree

Roots of critical thinking, deep and strong,
The trunk of self-management keeps you moving along.
Branches of collaboration, reaching far,
Leaves of research, showing who you are.

Fruits of impact, growing bright,
Water of management keeps it right.
Sunlight from tools makes it thrive,
Nourishing the research, keeping it alive.

“Content created with assistance from ChatGPT, an AI language model by OpenAI.”

With this analogy it is now easy to explain what a PhD. student should focus on.

Cognitive Abilities (Roots):
As a Ph.D. student, you first build your thinking skills like problem-solving and creativity. These skills are like roots that hold you on the ground.

Self-Management (Trunk):
You need to manage your time and stress, set goals, and balance your workload. This helps you stay focused and handle challenges, like a trunk.

Working with Others (Branches):
Collaboration is key. Branch with supervisors and teams, seek feedback, and build connections to grow your research.

Managing Research (Water):
You manage your PhD project. This includes organizing resources, meeting deadlines, and planning your work. It is like a flow.

Managing Research Tools (Sun):
Learn to use research tools like data management and software. These help keep your work organized. It is like external source of energy = sunlight.

Doing Research (Leaves):
This is your core work – running experiments, analyzing data, and writing papers to build expertise in your field. Leaves are as dynamic as your research.

Making an Impact (Fruits):
Your research creates impact. Publish, attend conferences, and share your findings as fruits to the society.

And now you can compare a young tree to a mature one. The difference is that the young one is expected to “bloom”, whether the mature one is expected to give “fruits”, as illustrated below.

An article submitted

An article titled “Electrochemical investigation of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide and tetrafluoroborate mixture at Bi(111) electrode interface” by Enn Lust, Carolin Siimenson, Meeri Lembinen, Ove Oll, Laura Läll, Marta Tarkanovskaja, Liis Siinor, Vladislav Ivaništšev, and Karmen Lust was submitted to JES.

What is so special about this article? First, the work presented is done in a joiful collaboration. Second, the computational results were obtained within a “DFT Calculations in Electrochemistry” course (LOKT.02.048), within a student project by Meeri and Marta. Well done!