How to surf today’s information tsunami: On the craft of effective reading

Summary 

In this editorial, we provide concise suggestions to help individuals decide what scientific papers to read and how to read them. We do so because – like others – we are frequently asked by people with interest in science as to how to effectively surf today’s information tsunami. This is particularly important in, but not confined to, universities and other research institutions where reading scientific papers is a fundamental task that forms the basis for all other academic activities such as writing papers or grant applications, providing reviews for a journal, preparing for postdoctoral positions, qualifying for collaborations or making oral or poster presentations. Included in our Advices 1–8 are concise suggestions which range from the appropriate motivation for reading articles in books, journals or on the internet to the very craft of systematically reviewing and, indeed, constantly challenging what one reads. We close this editorial with reading Advice 9 “You should always identify the roots of thinking and research” and 10 “The Golden Rule: set aside reading time” which should be necessary conditions for everyone who works in science. Importantly, while maintaining focus on material immediately pertinent to one’s primary research area, one should read about developments in other fields as well because this may be the key to original, and sometimes revolutionary, research.