Over the past year, Nature’s Careers team has been gathering clever, time-saving tips from scientists around the world, including quick fixes passed on at conferences and ideas spotted in their career columns. The result is a fantastic collection of 99 hacks designed to make your scientific life that little bit easier. 

Below, we’re sharing some of our favourites. There’s something here for everyone. 

Simple hacks, big impact 

Some tips are so straightforward you’ll wish you’d thought of them sooner, including our favourites:

• Date every notice on your lab board to avoid confusion 

• Fold over the end of autoclave tape to make labels easier to peel later 

• Repurpose bulldog clips as pipette holders 

Work smarter with tech 

One hack suggests following the ‘hour-a-week' rule: if a task takes more than 60 minutes of your time, automate it. From Excel calculations to data wrangling, it’s worth investing in efficiency. And don’t overlook tools like GitHub, it’s not just for coding, but for managing projects and lab admin too. 

Researchers are also getting creative with AI, using it to teach coding, design simulations, or even turn scientific literature into podcasts. 

Do you have any opinions on AI which you'd like to share with us? Join our discussion asking 'is using AI in research helpful or harmful'. 

The human side of lab life

Not all hacks are about efficiency. Some are about connection. One lab celebrates every ‘revise and resubmit’ with doughnuts. Another draws an apple tree of project goals, colouring in the fruit as milestones are reached. 

And for marathon conference days? Don’t forget your clicker, or a folding stool to survive long poster sessions.

Some personal favourites from the list: 

📢  Turn your lectures into podcasts 

Record and share your lectures using simple apps such as Voice Memos or Sound Recorder. You’ll reach more students, and they’ll thank you for the flexibility to listen on the go. 

 🌳 Fresh air fixes fatigue

If you find yourself dozing off in a lecture or at a conference, it might not just be the topic, low oxygen could be to blame. Prop open a door or step outside to recharge. 

🔥Hot things can look cold  

As one chemist wisely warns: “Thinky think before grabby grab.” 

📰Set up onboarding and offboarding rules  

Establish clear systems for welcoming new lab members and handling departing ones. Document, store, or archive data properly, your future self will thank you. 

Not every hack will suit everyone, but together they show how scientists continually find smart, inventive ways to save time, stay organised, and support one another. 

Got a tried-and-tested trick of your own? We’d love to hear it! Share it in the comments below.

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Visit the ECR Hub  

Looking for more ideas to help you thrive as an early-career researcher? 

 Visit the ECR Hub,  a dedicated space where you can explore stories, insights and practical advice from researchers around the world. The ECR is full of guidance on publishing, career development and everyday lab life to support you on your journey.