Through the Research Masterminds website, I share solutions to challenges typically experienced by anyone involved in a research project, whether in the capacity of a postgraduate student or independent researcher.

I learn something new every day; some things just pass me by through a light bulb moment, others take a bit more time to figure out. After a while, some memories get replaced by new ones, and I often catch myself having to figure out how to do something all over again. If I experience a challenge, I'm sure others out there have the same problem. That is where ResearchMasterminds.com fits in: an "external memory" to make the lives of researchers easier. A place where you can find answers to your frequently asked research-related questions.

Let me tell you how it all started. At the end of 2017, all the action happened at once: I was supervising 21 postgraduate students after I took students over from a staff member who left our university. Five masters and two doctorate students wanted to submit their research projects within a period of three months. This led to the experience of a (temporary) thrill of having completed the review of one project, just to find another in your inbox the next morning. In addition to this, I was given the opportunity to take on a different role in our department, but at the same time, the appointment for someone into my former role was not yet completed, and the secretary who was allocated to my new role left the day before I started. As life happens, this mediocre level of chaos is not enough, so life gave me a few additional situations to deal with during the same period of time: I was writing exams for an online MSc, which I was doing through the University of Dundee, my husband was playing in an action cricket world cup which meant many nights and weekends away from home, and I had two small boys who deserved their fair share of loving care from their full-time working mom.

You can just imagine the chaos! "They" are right: we grow through hardship. I realised (the obvious) that most of the students were asking the same or similar questions, so I made a screen recording each time one of them asked me for advice or input. Sometimes they asked for guidance that fell within my supervision role's scope, and other times not. The point was that there was no time to repeat myself. I decided to create a YouTube channel, Research Masterminds, which served as an "external memory" so that every time I learnt something new and every time I gave guidance to a student who asked a question, also asked by others, I added a video. Time is precious and should rather be spent finding and reading the latest literature on the topic one is working on, staying abreast with nuances in one's field, and participating in science engagement. Since then, this "external memory" has helped many independent researchers and postgraduate students find answers to their frequently asked questions and saved them a lot of time by learning from what was figured out already.

I hope to grow this project into a home for the scientific community. This project is a dynamic one, and your input is needed to expand. Please share your frequently asked questions and solutions on this page. Together, by sharing what we know, we will make the lives of others easier!

Invite me to your research journey,

Benita Olivier

As a strategic leader in healthcare research, I am dedicated to transforming the landscape of health research through rigorous scientific investigation and passionate mentorship. My work is driven by a core mission: to effect change by inspiring others to become the best version of themselves.

Research Impact

With over 100 published manuscripts and expertise in sports injury prevention in athletes, particularly in cricket, my research focuses on improving quality of life through evidence-based research and education. My research has not only advanced scientific understanding but has practical implications for athletes, clinicians, and healthcare professionals worldwide. 

Academic Leadership and Mentorship

I believe in the power of nurturing the next generation of researchers and healthcare professionals. Having supervised over 35 postgraduate students (17 currently completed) and examined more than 100 theses, I am committed to developing critical thinking, research skills, and a passion for scientific discovery among emerging scholars. I am the founder of the Research Masterminds Success Academy, a membership platform with live workshops, helpful content and an engaging community for postgraduate students to develop their academic skills, boost their productivity, complete their research projects with ease, and still have time to enjoy the good things in life.

Recognitions and Contributions

My commitment to scholarship has been recognised through prestigious accolades, including:

• South African National Research Foundation rated researcher
• Member of the South African Young Academy of Science
• Claude Leon Merit Award recipient
• Friedel Sellschop Award for Exceptional Young Researchers
• Identified among the top 200 most influential young South Africans

Personal Philosophy

Beyond my professional achievements, I am a wife, mother, a mentor, and a changemaker. I strive to balance academic excellence with personal integrity, always seeking to create positive impact in the lives of my students, colleagues, and the broader scientific community.

My journey is about more than research—it's about inspiring change, promoting health, and empowering others to reach their full potential.

In the podcast below, I share more about my journey. Enjoy it.

Stay happy and change the world as you wander through it!

Disclaimer

The Research Masterminds website and its contents are my intellectual property, Benita Olivier, and are generated in my personal capacity. The views, opinions and approaches expressed on this website do not necessarily represent that of the institution at which I am employed.