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Journal Club#

Welcome to Journal Club!

Whether you’re new to the lab or looking for a refresher, this guide will help you navigate Journal Club (JC)—our weekly session to explore research papers, exchange ideas, and grow as scientists. Let’s dive in!

What Is Journal Club?#

Journal Club is a bi-weekly session designed to:

  • Discuss: Explore research papers relevant to our lab or scientific interests.
  • Analyze: Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each study.
  • Collaborate: Share insights on how the paper could impact or inspire our work.
  • Apply: Optionally consider incorporating the findings or methods into your projects.

It’s all about learning, critiquing, and getting inspired.

When and Where?#

  • Day: Wednesdays, usually the first and third week of the month
  • Time: 12:00–1:00 PM
  • Location: PMCRT 11-710
  • Format: Two presenters (30 minutes each)

How Journal Club Works?#

  • Presenters:

    • Option 1: Each presenter discusses a different paper.
    • Option 2: Both presenters focus on the same paper, with one highlighting its strengths and the other critiquing its weaknesses.

  • Interactive Elements:

    • Dumb Questioner: A participant is randomly chosen to ask a “dumb” question, encouraging open and fun discussions.
    • Audience Poll: For shared papers, attendees vote on whether the positive or critical perspective was more compelling.

How to Present at Journal Club?#

  1. Choose a paper:

    • Select a paper that interests you or aligns with the lab’s focus.
    • Ensure its relevance and potential impact on ongoing projects.

  2. Share the paper:

    • Upload the paper to Slack at least one week before the meeting for participants to review.

  3. Prepare your slides:

    • Title Slide: Include the full paper title, complete author list, and what journal the paper was published in. Screenshotting the article webpage is allowed and encouraged!
    • Introduction: Why did you choose this paper?
    • Methods: How was the study conducted?
    • Results: What are the key findings?
    • Key Takeaways: What are the main insights from the study?
    • Your Perspective: What worked well? What could be improved?

  4. Presentation day:

    • On the day of the meeting, you are responsible for retrieving the Meeting Owl and ensuring that it is set up for the meeting. See the Meeting Owl Basics page to learn more about how to use it.

    Warning

    If you are planning on presenting remotely, please connect with someone onsite to ensure the Meeting Owl is set up for you.

Audience Role#

Even if you’re not presenting, your participation is essential!

  • Read the paper beforehand, if possible.
  • Engage: Ask questions and share your insights.
  • Be Open: Every perspective adds value.

Resources#

  • After presenting, upload your slides to the JC Slides List to maintain a shared record for future reference.

Journal Club is a great way to stay curious, collaborate, and learn together. We look forward to seeing you there!