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The key to science is to never stop!
We continue sharing vibrant and engaging stories from students and postgraduates of Ural State University of Economics. A USUE postgraduate student, Elizaveta Sokolova, shared what inspires her to pursue science, the role memes play in it, and even discovered her secrets for winning the Russian Presidential Scholarship.
- Elizaveta, why did you decide to connect your life with science?
The example of my senior colleagues played a crucial role. Since my second year of undergraduate studies, I’ve been working at the Office of Scientometrics, Research, and Rankings. All my colleagues are truly passionate about science: they conduct interesting research both as part of their work assignments and on their own initiative. I really wanted to be part of this process and make my contribution. This opened up a professional scientific community for me, which encouraged me to develop.
- What field are you studying? Why this one?
I study scientometrics, scientometric services, and I am also responsible for the scientific research arranging. Studying the development trends in this field in their diversity allows me to grasp the current state of science and even dip into the future—to make data-driven predictions. For example, what topics will be in demand in the future, what people will write about, and what people will want to read. This approach combines my data analytics skills, acquired during my undergraduate studies at USUE, with a genuine desire to study and understand the scientific environment.
-Tell us, please, about your research. What problem does it solve?
My research focuses on facilitating the efficient organization of university research activities using scientometric methods. Scientometric analysis enables management decisions based on quantitative, demonstrable results, including forecasting.
- What opportunities did USUE provide you for implementing research projects?
The university provided me with far more opportunities than I could have expected. I can honestly say that all my colleagues, both administrative staff and more experienced academics, were incredibly supportive. The key to productivity lies in a well-coordinated system where you, especially as a young and aspiring professional, always know you’ll be helped, taught, guided, and further motivated.
-You received the Russian Presidential Scholarship. How did you achieve this? What’s your secret?
I’d like to point out that the way to receiving the Presidential Scholarship for postgraduate students begins long before applying for postgraduate school. The topic I chose aligns with the country’s development priorities. And I was very impressed that the expert committee assessed its significance and potential benefits. This gave me confidence that I was moving in the right direction. However, besides an idea, a potential scholarship recipient must have some already done works and publications in top-rated scientific journals. I would recommend considering the significance of the topic being researched and the availability of publications showing its relevance in advance.
- What helps you maintain your interest in research? What inspires you?
As cliché as it may sound, it is people who inspire me. I oversee the USUE Student Scientific Society and participate in various scientific events. Time and again, I see the interest in the eyes of my colleagues who have chosen science, and I hear their stories. This evokes a wealth of positive emotions. They help me persevere and maintain my personal passion.
- Is there a professional dream you’ve yet to realize? Or perhaps it has already been realized?
I’d like to conduct a global study on the organization of international scientific collaboration using scientometric tools. I previously conducted a similar study for BRICS+ in economic line. I’d also like to conduct a more precise and large-scale study of this kind, involving a team of specialists and processing a larger volume of data, so that the results could form the basis of a practical management strategy. I believe the results of such a study would be in demand.
- What advice would you give to people who are just starting their scientific careers?
Join scientists who share your interests. This is crucial! These could be colleagues from your department, your classmates, or even the USUE Student Scientific Society, where we’d be delighted to welcome you! Solve problems together, share interesting information, conduct joint research, or at least exchange encouraging memes! And don’t forget that the key to science is to never stop!
