Ten simple rules for early-career researchers supervising short-term student projects

Journal article

Supervising a short-term research project at undergraduate or master’s level is a rewarding yet complex responsibility that extends far beyond subject expertise. It offers supervisors the opportunity to inspire the next generation of scientists, while providing students with a crucial platform to develop research skills, academic identity, and resilience. However, short-term research projects often come with challenges, including varying levels of student motivation, limited time frames, and the need for intensive skill development. Effective supervision can enhance student learning, foster independent thinking, and improve both the quality and impact of student work, while also contributing to a positive and inclusive research culture. In this article, we present ten simple rules to guide supervisors, particularly those with limited supervision experience, such as early-career researchers, in supporting undergraduate and master’s students through their research journeys. These rules emphasise balancing project requirements with student interests, managing scope, fostering community integration, promoting open science practices, and providing structured yet flexible guidance. By adopting these practical strategies, supervisors can create a more productive, supportive, and enriching research experience for both students and themselves.

Authors: Crossley, RM; Maini, PK

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Public Library of Science
• Journal: PLoS Computational Biology
• Volume: 21
• Issue: 11
• Article number: e1013690
• Publication date: 2025-11-18
• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1013690
• EISSN: 1553-7358
• ISSN: 1553734X, 1553-734X
• Language: English