Hi guys!!!
I have almost finished my second yr of 3 yr phd (with only 1 conf paper).
My supervisor is always very busy. He is rarely available and does not
inquire my work rather when I show him something he says "good results".
As a result of this after two yrs I see many mistakes in the work I have done till now...
and I dont see more papers in near future. I feel that I am standing at the
point where I was in 09 when I started my PhD I am very depressed dont know
what to do? I have almost 10 months left and as I mentioned I have only 1 paper...
How many papers are needed to do the defence?
any advice guys .........
thanks
LOST SOUL(UK)
 

Hi Mynoisemail. I'd just like to clarify something firstly: you don't need any papers published in order to defend your thesis. A lot of PhD students don't publish any papers from their research until they have finished their PhD, so don't worry about it. Of course, it helps because it helps to demonstrate that your research is of a publishable standard but it's not the be all and end all. I think it's good that you've spotted limitations in your research. If it's nothing your can remedy, it'll make writing the discussion a bit easier because you're aware of the limitations.
You're supervisor doesn't sound very conscientious with your research. I'd recommend arranging a fixed meeting with him to discuss any issues or concerns you might have. If it's a set meeting he can't be unavailable. Do you not have a co-supervisor - where does he/she stand in all of this? Have you got any chapters written? How much more data do you have to collect and analyse? It sounds as though you've hit a lull period. This is very common at the stage you're at. Just keep plugging away at it and you'll get there.