I, like all others, struggled with this as well. I think originality can be defined broadly. So you may not discover something original in your particular area, but I think other things, such as applying a new methodology, or a method from another discipline, to your area and assessing its utility (even if the answer is, it's no good, that is still worthwhile, 'original' information). Granted, such research will not get you a Nobel, but it remains a contribution.

Thanks a lot for your reply.

In the past I've found going to conferences to be really good as a means of getting additional feedback, ideas, and getting the sense that your not wholly on the wrong track.

Do you ever find yourself thinking / knowing your supervisor doesn't fully understand what you're doing, and their criticism and comments are sometimes based on ignorance rather than science? If so, how do you manage their input (i.e., justify and explain, nod and keep doing what your doing, etc.)

I can't really switch to another institution on the project because it is interdisciplinary and we all are from different departments. Is your friend doing ok, or regretting it? I am not able to think deeply about my phd while i am so busy churning out all this other stuff. The bright side is that this will end this year because some project funding will start next September, but it will basically be a wasted year as far as my Phd is concerned. And even then, I'll be on my own...

Hi everyone, I just signed up as well. Hey Lynn, fellow Canuck here, whereabouts are you? Cheers

Hello seasoned Phd'ers, I'm hoping some of you can weigh in with comments on my situation. I just started my PhD in September. I work well with my supervisor as he was my supervisor for my masters work. He is very good at getting me research contracts to earn extra money and get some pubs. So since September, I've been working almost exclusively on research contracts that are extensions of my masters work, and have not even really touched my PhD. My PhD is part of a larger project with other universities, and not really related to my supervisors expertise, so it is really all on me to take it up. It seems he is not that interested in participating in the project. Am I wasting my time being in the PhD program?