And she does want to steal her colleague's (in the field) student...

I would say this varies not only across fields (as pointed out above) but also across individual departments. There is a whole range of possibilities and probabilities out there!

My advice would be - unless the fact that getting a job after is tough really puts you off - go for it!

I agree with ToL. It is a good thing to have a wide interest at this stage as it will mean more things are potentially relevant when you are searching for opportunities. As long as you are able to show real enthusiasm for whatever it is you are applying for.

Were those papers written right at the start of your PhD career/based on data from earlier on, eg from a masters? It is just that that could be a reason for not including them in your thesis. I know that there is a rule that says something like only work done for the PhD directly can be included in the thesis - eg not borrowing from your masters (or you would be getting double credit for it - which isn't allowed). Is this a loophole you could use?

Or - were other people substantively involved - eg. other authors? I think if they had substantial involvement - eg. analysed the data (which it seems like your supervisor did)... then you wouldn't include it in your thesis as it wouldn't be entirely your work. Could this be the reason you give if asked about why they are not in your thesis? You could say it was entirely joint work - ie. 50% each if there are only you two as authors - so you couldn't claim full credit for it by including it in your thesis?

The good thing is - if you don't include them in your thesis then if your supervisor's terrible behaviour ever comes to light and there is an investigation, then you would know your thesis is sound and you shouldn't lose your PhD.

I still think that if you can get away with not including them in the thesis and have a strong and solid reason WHY, then you'll be OK. Because your thesis will be "clean". As someone else has said, you could be the whistleblower yourself. I think that is something to decide once you have your PhD and are confident that the content of your thesis is completely sound. Personally I would just make a new start elsewhere but make sure I kept evidence of everything to prove my innocence the best I could later if needed. The most important thing is to decide now is surely about your thesis.

All the best

I would seriously feel like exposing him and making him lose his career. But it isn't fair that you should suffer yourself (and it is likely that you would - eg by not getting your PhD and losing your own reputation). I think he knows this - which is how he has trapped you. Sort of like an abuse case - the abused person doesn't tell because they think they will be implicated somehow (and in this case - I think you would - because you made some mistakes eg by letting him publish in your name).

How about this...
- Can you exclude all the "fake" findings from your thesis
- Successfully defend your thesis and be clear to the examiners that the papers not included (if they ask about them) aren't actually your work - even though they are in your name
- Then once you have received your PhD on the basis of your work (none of which is made up) - just move away and start anew somewhere - never listing those papers as yours (and if anyone asks, say they were published in your name without your permission)

This may be what ToL has already suggested - just written in a different format.

I think I agree with ToL. Get away from that person and do not continue that terrible practice that he has taught you to do that utterly discredits science.

If you're not coming clean then I think ToL's 3rd suggestion might be best. You'd have to prepare the answer about it being your supervisor's work. They will ask why you are first author so you need to have some response (I guess you could say you did most of the writing - if you did?).

But can I ask why your supervisor has made this suggestion about not including those papers? I mean - why should he care if those papers are included in your thesis or not?

I agree with satchi. Do what YOU want to do here.

Also - as someone who has done an MRES, I highly recommend it. It will skill you up for a PhD and/or for other research related roles. It will also provide an opportunity to get to know academics who could then support your application for a PhD, or may even be part of the interview panel. Therefore, aside from time and money considerations (which will depend on your personal situation of course), you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by doing an MRES (in my humble opinion).

Hey Helebon

It is very annoying as it can be very subjective (increasingly so the further along you get - that is what I've found at least). The thing to do is to aim high, do your best, and yet accept that sometimes the mark is going to fall wide of what you expected/think you deserve.

The main thing is that you will have obtained a Masters. It shows that you are capable of study at a postgraduate level.

Best
Tudor

Everyone makes mistakes. Do what you can to put it right if there is anything, and then when you've done that put it behind you.

Hi pm133

I'm as chilled out and outgoing as ever! I just wasn't sure what to expect in this situation. I initiated some topics in the conversation, and so did she. I did let her take the lead in that I found out how she wanted to pitch the conversation. In the end it was a mixture of general/social chit chat and about our research. It was good to have met her, although right now I can't say I can see what is so good about this networking lark. I suppose it will pay off when I come to be looking for jobs and people will know me/my name.

Ps. I've only just seen your message, but yes, I didn't write a list in the end. I don't think it is a particularly bad idea though - if one is feeling a little unsure of a situation/what to talk about. I don't advocate actually bringing the list and ticking off each item as you cover it. More just as brainstorm to get some ideas of what to talk about beforehand.

Thank you for the inspiration Nesrine! I think I am actually going to write a list of questions to ask/potential discussion points, so that if my mind goes blank I can initiate conversation! Hopefully she will be a chatty forthcoming kind of person herself to make it easier (I am quite outgoing but somehow feel she should take the lead as the senior person here!). Many thanks again and I will post an update on how it went!

Tudor

I am having lunch with a more senior researcher in my field at an upcoming conference. We are in the same field and I've cited some of their work (which is how this emerged as we'd sent a few emails back and forth). I am just a bit apprehensive now... I mean... I guess I should just be friendly and ask about what she is working on now, how she is enjoying the conference etc? I've never done this before so any tips appreciated!!!

It is terrible that you weren't informed. On the MRes I did we had a handbook informing us of all assignments and hand in dates. It was really helpful as we kept referring to it throughout the course.

I don't think this is to do with your supervisor's inexperience though. If it was their responsibility to tell you then they were negligent. But an experienced supervisor could make the same mistake. The main thing is that they have an understanding of what your project is about, are available on email or to meet if you have questions, and are happy to read a draft and give feedback on it. After all, they are the one who will be marking it so you want to make sure you are on the same page.