That is a grey area. There are many cases where IP and copyright ownership is determined ad hoc or assigned as per prior agreement between the potential creators of the copyright (and even non-creators getting in on the deal).

If you really want to end this quick, you should just go straight to your university's IP/legal office for advice. Then go to your head of dept of faculty (or university research board/committee if necessary) armed with advice given to you by the IP/legal office.

When it comes down to it, the presence (or lack of) evidence in research diaries/journals will make the case. Of course we hope it doesn't go that far.

I've never been one for politicking. If I was in your place, I'd go talk to someone higher up for an ethical resolution. This is regardless of any repercussions in the future. I understand and accept the actions of my colleagues who may take a different route but for me personally, unless there is an overwhelmingly good reason for me to agree doing this, I'd take all necessary steps to ensure the right thing is done.

In the past I have taken the stand in issues for colleagues which had absolutely nothing to do with me simply because I hate it when scrupulous researchers/professors play their games at the expense of others.

You'd be surprised to know how often it happens in the research field.

It's quite often to do with politics and schmoozing, and less about work ethic and responsibility. So it's not you going crazy, although we haven't heard the other side of the story, you are probably justified to speak up and make a stand for the work you've done.

I could talk all day about the inequality and blatant politicking that goes on in the research field, and I could encourage you to make that stand but sometimes there isn't a right answer. You also have to know how the game is played in your department/university/country. Step on someone's shoes now and there may be repercussions later no matter how justified and ethical your actions are. And vice versa - I bet you're not going to forget who has stepped on your shoes either.

Is anyone here doing their second PhD, or know someone who has completed two (or more) PhDs?

I know they're out there, just interested to hear about it.

Are you researching in the astrophysics/astronomy field? If so, "it's in the right space" could mean your research is literally "in the right space"....

Well then that's a question only you and your children and husband can answer. It makes it much easier with your husband's support. Medicine will make demands on your family time that's for sure.

I've seen women make it work between medicine and family before so it's not impossible. And her family has been a well-functioning one as far as I know.

No, I meant a life/relationship partner - boyfriend, fiancee, husband.

Medicine is demanding in terms of personal study time required in the early years of the degree, and clinical rotation emphasis in the later years of the degree. And depending on which hospital you are placed, you may be required to travel a little (it comes down to the university's structure and hospital links).

Do you have a partner to help you through med school?

Did you complete an honours year after your BSc? Or were you working as an RA for a number of years after the BSc?

When you say 'experiments', are you referring to a scientific model where you have a control specimen, statistical analyses, specified hypotheses etc?

I'm happy as long as:

"love life of a PhD student? - zero STDs"

Amazing.

Thanks Goods, I'll go check out that website in a second.

404 - how big does your thesis have to be and how much weight does your practical component carry in the final assessment? I have heard of the practical-only PhDs and I'm trying to understand how that compares with producing an original thesis that significantly contributes to current knowledge about the given topic. Interesting stuff.