This practical 'how to' handbook is principally aimed at current and prospective university staff and PhD students, but will also interest NHS staff involved in teaching, working with academics or considering a clinical academic career, and staff in industry. It covers: • the academic career from PhD student to post-retirement • practical issues in research, such as how to write a PhD thesis and project management • research funding in universities, in the NHS and industry • teaching. Based on the experience of the authors and their colleagues, with the approach of 'What I would like to have been told when I started in this area', this book takes a realistic view of academic life, the pitfalls as well as the prizes. An essential Handbook for academic life at all stages.