Effective Thesis

The Effective Thesis project aims to assist students in their thesis topic choice and direct their attention to areas that have the potential to greatly improve the world. Choosing a final thesis topic is an important step that can influence the rest of a researcher’s career, yet there doesn’t seem to be much assistance provided through standard channels. Moreover, consideration of how much progress on a given question could improve the world often receives little attention.

We try to spark students’ inspiration by suggesting research paths which are important yet neglected from this perspective and which could thus provide opportunities for higher impact via research. We also provide feedback on topic ideas, connect students with researchers who are already working in the same area and connect them with other students working on similar issues.

Our project has received funding from the Effective Altruism Infrastructure Fund, the Survival and Flourishing Fund, and some smaller donors. It is based on the principles of Effective Altruism, specifically with regard to how to use one’s resources to do the most good. It is also informed by the career advice organisation 80000 Hours on how to use one’s career to significantly improve the world. See our key ideas to find out more about our thinking or explore our coaching and other services such as our database of potential supervisors, our opportunities newsletter and our PhD funding database.