---
title: On tracking time in labs
description: Thoughts on the IISc time-tracking controversy
date: 2025-11-17T00:00:00.000Z
tags:
  - academia
  - research
  - policy
---

In the light of the recent news from IISc about tracking time-at-labs, timely to check out [this compilation](https://www.openaccessrepository.it/records/143371/files/20120417Clocking-white11.pdf?download=1) of opinions from the international scientific community on the matter, in the context of a similar situation that arose in Italy.

Research is not a 9-to-5 job. The nature of intellectual work means that breakthroughs don't follow a punch clock. Some of my best ideas come during walks, in the shower, or at 2 AM.

![](./G567YZgXoAAwHPU.jpg)

---

*Originally posted on [Twitter](https://x.com/neeldhara/status/1990234115510010029)*

