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Behavioural Insights
Thoughtful analysis of how psychology shapes financial behaviour, spending habits, and long term decision making, translating academic research into practical insights that help individuals make smarter, more intentional financial choices.
How to Maintain a Good Relationship with Your PhD Supervisor
Doing a PhD is an exciting thing. If you’re straight out of education, it’s the probably the first time you’re completely on your own,...
Merle van den Akker
Feb 28, 20208 min read
The True Value of Going to Conferences
They take up time, money and energy that could ideally be spend on your research. However, you have to do them regardless! Conferences....
Merle van den Akker
Feb 5, 20204 min read
Doing a PhD: Still Worth It?
As a PhD student I feel like I should be slightly biased when answering this question. But as I have recently been helping out...
Merle van den Akker
Jan 24, 20207 min read
FAQs About Doing a PhD (in Behavioural Science)
For the Warwick Behavioural Insights Team, members of the leadership (Neo, Tom and myself) decided to host a Q&A session on what it's...
Merle van den Akker
Dec 11, 201910 min read
Second Year PhD Review
One of my most popular articles on here is my review of my first year as a PhD student. As soon as I had written this article, I knew I...
Merle van den Akker
Sep 2, 20197 min read
Why you Shouldn't do a PhD
I have written thirteen articles about my experiences as a PhD student. I have even written one specifically asking myself and my reader:...
Merle van den Akker
Aug 26, 20197 min read
Biggest Misconceptions about doing a PhD
A lot of people decide that after their education they want to work in the "real world." Some of us decide that's a terrible idea and...
Merle van den Akker
Jul 4, 20199 min read
Why is Academia so damn SLOW?!
When I check up on how my friends are doing -- friends from all over the world -- we talk about our social lives, our families, our...
Merle van den Akker
Jun 13, 20198 min read
How to pick your PhD Supervisor
Deciding to do a PhD is a whole process. Doing the PhD itself is an even more arduous, and often longer process. For a significant number...
Merle van den Akker
May 20, 20195 min read
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