ABSTRACT
The starting monies, most likely, will be insufficient to equip one's opening phase of research work completely, and so one will need to make research grant applications to funding agencies for the additional equipment, and running costs and consumables. The recruitment of staff further adds to the administrative load, but a general feeling of excitement will carry through the early years; yes, years not months. PhD and masters student progress meetings work best with individuals as a one-on-one meeting, but some projects obviously are team efforts, and joint progress discussions are also a must. In the UK system, the PhD typically lasts for three years, quite short compared with continental Europe. There will always be the need for regular discussions, at least weekly. The very good students will most likely, but not always, be seeking to continue in research as a career.
