The highs and lows of a research journey

Part of our research culture is recognising and acknowledging that the research journey isn’t always a smooth one. There are lows as well as highs, and it’s important to be honest about your experience and get support from colleagues and mentors when needed. 

At our annual research conference, held on 20th June 2024 at Cloth Hall Court in Leeds, Professor Effie Kesidou, Dr Matthew Davis, Professor Kerrie Unsworth and Professor Gary Dymski shared some valuable insights from their own personal research journeys. 

Examples of “highs” in the research journey: 

• Exploring ideas: One of the most appealing aspects of conducting research is the freedom to explore questions that intrigue you. This autonomy can keep you energised, fostering creativity and resilience as you navigate the complexities of your work. The ability to pursue your own interests allows for a sense of fulfilment and personal growth that is unique to academia. 

• Academic and societal impact: The work researchers do has the potential to create significant academic and societal impact. There is a profound sense of achievement that comes from knowing your research can influence policy, inform practice, and contribute to the greater good. The acknowledgement that your work matters beyond the confines of academia is a powerful motivator. 

• Mentoring and being mentored: One of the most rewarding parts of an academic career is the opportunity to mentor students and junior colleagues. Sharing your knowledge and experience not only helps others, but also fosters a sense of community and continuity within your field. Likewise, being mentored allows for continual learning and growth, reinforcing the collaborative spirit of academic research. Knowing that there is always something new for you to learn about can keep you inspired and engaged. 

• Interdisciplinary collaboration: Working in interdisciplinary teams can be immensely rewarding. There is a sense of achievement in finding a common ground that integrates diverse perspectives and expertise. It highlights the importance of collaboration in advancing knowledge and solving complex problems that cannot be addressed by a single discipline alone. 

• Giving opportunities to others: Securing funding that allows you to hire post-docs and other researchers is a significant high point. The opportunity to help someone else’s career and provide opportunities for others is incredibly fulfilling. 

• Freedom of expression: Academia provides a platform for intellectual freedom, allowing you to explore ideas and express your findings without undue restraint. This freedom to write and speak openly about your research is a cornerstone of academic integrity and a source of great professional satisfaction. 

Examples of “lows” in the research journey: 

• Rejection: One of the most challenging aspects of research is dealing with rejection. It can be incredibly disheartening to receive a rejection letter for a paper or grant you’ve spent months working on. The emotional toll of letting go of rejected papers can be significant, and it often requires a great deal of resilience and support to move forward. 

• Balancing your professional and personal life: When professional failures coincide with challenges in your personal life, the impact can be particularly severe. The stress of managing both personal and professional difficulties can take a toll on your physical and mental health, highlighting the importance of a supportive environment and work-life balance. 

• Interdisciplinary challenges: While interdisciplinary work can be rewarding, it also presents significant challenges. Finding a suitable journal for your interdisciplinary research can be difficult as your work may not fit neatly into the existing categories. This can leave you feeling like a "jack of all trades, master of none," struggling to find an appropriate home for your research. 

• Difficult industry collaborations: Working with industry partners can sometimes be frustrating, especially if they are more interested in their public relations than genuine research. Managing difficult clients and dealing with changing project stakeholders can be a significant challenge, requiring effective communication and negotiation skills. It’s crucial to have clear conversations at the beginning of a project to ensure that the research objectives are understood and valued by all parties involved. 

• Insecure co-authors: Navigating relationships with insecure co-authors who are concerned with issues like the order of authorship can be another low point. These dynamics can create tension and distract from the collaborative spirit that is essential for successful research. 

• Lack of recognition: It can be disheartening when companies or other entities ignore your research findings because they do not align with their interests. Additionally, not receiving proper credit for your work, such as when your model or contributions are overlooked, can be a significant source of frustration and demotivation. 

• Short-lived highs: It’s important to recognise that the highs of research can sometimes be fleeting. Moments of success and recognition are often short-lived, and it’s essential to find ways to sustain your motivation and passion in the face of ongoing challenges. 

Reflections 

While the research journey is undoubtedly filled with both highs and lows, it is essential to frame setbacks as learning opportunities. Viewing failures as a process of learning encourages a mindset that embraces boldness and risk-taking, which can ultimately lead to greater achievements. 

Being honest about your experiences and how you feel, whether in times of success or difficulty, is crucial. It helps build a culture of openness and support, fostering a more resilient and collaborative research community. Remember that it’s okay to not be able to do everything and that seeking help and support from colleagues and mentors is a sign of strength, not weakness.