Brooke Morriswood (He/Him)

writer, Total Internal Reflection

About Brooke Morriswood

Ex-academia, now in MedComms. I write a blog called Total Internal Reflection about the human side of science. Postings are generally either opinion/commentary (either serious or silly) or "How To" pieces aimed at improving young scientists' soft skills. 

A longer biography and manifesto are on the blog here.

Research Interest

Cytoskeleton Host–Pathogen Interaction Membrane Trafficking

FEBS Constituent Society

UK (Biochemical Society)

Other Expertise/Interests

Scientific communication

Followed by

FEBS Network special areas

Channels contributed to:

EARLY-CAREER SCIENTIST

Recent Comments

Dec 02, 2022
Replying to Fiona Veira-McTiernan

He gave an interesting webinar to the IUBMB Trainee Initiative a while back:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMu1anlZyHQ

Aha, super! Thanks for the link.

Feb 16, 2021
Replying to Andreas Hartig

Wonderful! What started as an innocent romance became a life-time struggle, that is one side of a coin. I'll be interested to read Science's response, the other side of the coin.

Oooh, that's a great idea! Looks like the Valentine's posting for 2022 is already sorted then. :-)

Comment on Shaping the mould
Oct 26, 2020
Replying to Andreas Hartig

Very true, but indeed difficult to achieve from both sides!

Oh, no arguments there! It's an exquisitely delicate balance, and one that has to be determined on a case-by-case basis.

May 27, 2020
Replying to Caner Geyik

Couldn't read without thinking my fellow labmates and myself. Also couldn't read without laughing.

Brilliant, delighted that you liked it and thanks for taking the time to say so! There's a few other humorous pieces on the blog if you fancy a trawl through the back catalogue...

Mar 22, 2020
Replying to Angel Herráez

An interesting point, Brooke. Thanks!

On possible issue is that many presentations look like written papers. It is not many people that deviate from the standard introduction, methods, results, conclusions, format rather than transmitting an idea and a message in a fresher and more engaging way. Think about posters, which often have the same problem.

Hi Angel, thanks for taking the time to write, much appreciated. You're absolutely right, people often end up in a straitjacket when it comes to format. It's rare and refreshing when someone takes the time - even briefly - to step back and reconnect to the big questions before joining the (publication-focused) specifics.

Comment on Personal Alchemy
Mar 18, 2019
Replying to Andreas Hartig

Once again a brillant reflexion on what's essential for a career in science. Thank you, Brooke.

Great, glad you like it! :-)

Comment on Friendly Fire
Sep 20, 2018
Replying to Andreas Hartig

I guess competition between two models is described a bit too optimistic. Have you never seen grant or manuscipt reviews downgrading your model favoring another one ultimately leading to rejection of grant money or manuscript publishing?

Hi Andreas! Yes, you're right in that for competition between models to work - in the sense of science being the beneficiary - then there is a certain level of mutual respect between labs that is essential. Without that, then you easily end up in a negative and bad-natured feud. But with that respect, it can be very productive.

Apr 12, 2018
Replying to Isabel Varela Nieto

Great post! I have already recommended it to my students.

Fantastic! Delighted that you think it's of use. Lots more to come... ;-)