Sold Out and What a Session It Was

Yesterday, I had the privilege of hosting the Next-Gen Systematic Reviews Workshop, and every seat was filled. The energy, curiosity, and engagement from participants made it one of the most rewarding workshops I’ve ever delivered.

There were so many questions, so much to digest, and it was amazing to see people from many different disciplines and regions leave with clarity and confidence. Distilling years of experience into a session I wish I had during my PhD and sharing practical strategies that can actually be applied was truly amazing.

We explored the full process of running a systematic review, from refining research questions to synthesising findings, and had hands-on practice with screening, extraction, and critical appraisal. Along the way, we discussed ways to use AI responsibly, shared templates and checklists, and created a space for participants to ask the tough questions they rarely get to ask elsewhere.

The camaraderie we built in just four hours was unforgettable. Participants connected, shared insights, and left motivated to apply what they had learned in their own research.

For those who joined, thank you for bringing your energy, curiosity, and dedication to research excellence.

If you missed out, don’t worry. You can still access the recording and catch up on everything we covered.

My Mission

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on the “TikTokification” of academic content, especially on LinkedIn. The algorithm rewards short posts, and many pseudo-academics are gaming the system with misleading content. Always check the background experience of anyone claiming to “know it all.” Short, flashy posts dominate, often sacrificing depth and substance. In this environment, people need a community where they can access thoughtful, applied expertise, not just snippets.

Anyone with AI can generate content quickly, but what really matters is access to experience, knowledge, and mentorship. This is what I aim to offer through my workshops: meaningful, actionable learning that goes beyond surface-level content.

The New Academic Year

The academic year is starting, and I’m sure everyone has their own goals, some pursuing a degree, or hitting specific research milestones. We’re all in the same boat, navigating the challenges of research and professional growth.

In this day and age, it’s easy to feel disconnected. That’s why I encourage you to reach out, connect, and share experiences so we can support each other, exchange ideas, and grow together as a community of serious learners.

This is also a big year for me personally: leading the postgraduate master’s course, supervising new PhDs and undergraduates, aiming for big grants and writing book chapters. I hope to cultivate a network of serious players who want to go beyond general content and engage deeply with their research and professional development.

Life Outside Academia

I always remind my mentees not to get entirely absorbed by academia. Life outside it is essential for perspective, creativity, and well-being. It is easy to let academia define your identity, but this often leads to mental drain.

Personally, I’ve returned to the gym with the goal of resistance training and building muscle mass. I’m also reading widely, exploring books outside academic journals, such as The Society of the Spectacle and works of Ibn al-Farabi.

While I post about academia because it is my profession, I am not living, breathing, or eating it. I am also living.

Keep living, keep exploring, keep succeeding.

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