Sonali Majumdar, author of “Thriving as an International Scientist,” highlights the challenges faced by researchers moving abroad, such as navigating a “hidden curriculum” of unwritten social and cultural norms. These challenges are compounded by restrictive funding and visa issues, which can prevent scientists from attending important family events, as Majumdar experienced when she missed her parents’ funerals in India. Despite these obstacles, Majumdar, now an assistant dean at Princeton University, emphasizes the importance of a “growth mindset” to focus on possibilities and solutions, supported by mentors and advisers. She notes that while the U.S. is known for its cultural diversity and scientific collaboration, the environment for international researchers has become more challenging in recent years.
QUESTION: How might the increasing difficulties for international researchers in the U.S. impact the global scientific community?
How to thrive in science when you move abroad
