Making Mistakes 🌱

Mistakes happen. In science, they’re part of the process! But how we handle them can make or break our research. The key is facing mistakes head-on and learning from them—because that’s how we improve.

Why It’s OK to Make Mistakes (But Important to Report)

  • Mistakes are unavoidable, and they don’t mean failure—they’re opportunities to learn.
  • Reporting them immediately minimizes the impact and helps us correct course early.
  • Think of it like this: “The best time to fix a mistake was earlier, the second best time is now!”

Example Scenarios (and how to handle them) 🧐

  1. You found a bug in your code after sharing a figure/statistic

    • Verify: Double-check the code and results.
    • Report: Create a GitHub issue with all the details.
    • Collaborate: Let the team know so you can fix it together.

  2. The experiment crashed or corrupted data

    • Verify: Check if the data is salvageable or if a redo is needed.
    • Report: Document the issue so the team knows and can avoid it next time.
    • Collaborate: Discuss with others on Microsoft Teams to troubleshoot.

  3. You found a typo in a paper you’ve shared

    • Verify: Reread the document and confirm the error.
    • Report: If it’s minor, just correct and update the file.
    • Collaborate: Ask for a second pair of eyes from the team for a more thorough review.

  4. Your project plan has a flaw or needs improvement

    • Verify: Review the plan and identify any improvements.
    • Report: Discuss changes with the team and update the plan.
    • Collaborate: Share new ideas and work together to improve the approach.

  5. You released a software package with an error

    • Verify: Reproduce the issue and assess the extent.
    • Report: Post the error on GitHub and document the bug.
    • Collaborate: Work with the team to fix it and release a patch.

The Action Steps: What to Do Immediately 🚀

  1. Verify: Confirm the mistake before jumping to conclusions.
  2. Report: Use GitHub or other tools to document the error.
  3. Collaborate: Talk with the team on Microsoft Teams to brainstorm solutions.
  4. Seek Guidance: Don’t be afraid to ask for help—sometimes the best ideas come from others.

Mistakes are part of being a researcher, so let’s celebrate them as learning moments. By fostering an environment of open communication, collaboration, and growth, we ensure our work is always improving. ✨