Research at an inflection point: Adapting to a new era of collaboration, equity, and innovation

Key Insights

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  Research is at an innovate-or-die moment due to sweeping industry changes like layoffs and declining engagement.

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  Researchers serve as a crucial check and balance, holding power accountable through objective knowledge.

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  Telling the stories of people with compassion is a fundamental and increasing research responsibility.

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  Societal shifts have transformed knowledge dynamics from hierarchical/linear to relational and plural.

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  This shift demands researchers build and curate knowledge collaboratively within networks.

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  Ignoring the bigger picture of these changes will risk the extinction of research in its current form.

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  The metaphor of a mink taking on a swan illustrates the courage researchers need despite overwhelming challenges.

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  New research roles are emerging, like unicorn generalists, research ops, and more inclusive participant engagement.

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  Disinformation culture and intersectionality are key external factors that deeply affect research practices.

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  Embracing and owning authentic researcher identity is vital for thriving amid change.

Notable Quotes