Mapping the Literature on Enhancing Research Environments for All
In the ever-evolving landscape of academia, the importance of fostering a thriving research culture has become increasingly vital. As seasoned IT professionals, we understand the intricate interplay between technology, processes, and people that shape the research ecosystem. This comprehensive scoping review aims to unpack the existing evidence on what constitutes a good research culture, exploring key areas such as job security, wellbeing, teamwork, and research integrity.
Defining the Scope: Why Conduct a Scoping Review?
Scoping reviews differ from traditional systematic reviews in their broader focus and iterative nature. Rather than answering a specific clinical or policy question, scoping reviews seek to map the breadth and depth of a particular field, identify research gaps, and clarify key concepts. In the context of research culture, this approach allows us to gain a holistic understanding of the multifaceted challenges and potential solutions across the academic landscape.
By aggregating evidence from various sources, including academic literature and grey literature, this scoping review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of research on what constitutes a good research culture. The findings can inform future initiatives, guide institutional policies, and empower researchers to navigate the complexities of the academic environment.
Exploring the Evidence: Key Thematic Areas
The scoping review process involved a meticulous search of academic databases and grey literature sources, yielding over 350 relevant articles and reports. The evidence was organized and analyzed through the lens of four key thematic areas, as outlined in the Wellcome Trust’s work on research culture:
- Security: Examining issues related to job stability, career progression, and the experiences of early-career researchers.
- Wellbeing and Equality of Opportunity: Addressing concerns around mental health, work-life balance, and diversity and inclusion.
- Teamwork: Exploring the importance of collaborative work, recognition of diverse contributions, and fostering supportive work environments.
- Research Quality and Accountability: Investigating the impact of research integrity, open science, and policy-driven initiatives on the research landscape.
Security: Navigating the Uncertain Academic Landscape
The scoping review revealed widespread concerns about job security and career progression, particularly among PhD students, early-career researchers (ECRs), and junior academics. The evidence suggests that research institutions often struggle to manage career expectations, provide adequate training and development opportunities, and ensure fair and transparent processes for all staff.
The pressures of the “publish or perish” culture, with its emphasis on funding applications and academic publications, can create a climate of excessive workloads and unhealthy working practices. This can disproportionately affect vulnerable groups, such as those on fixed-term contracts, individuals with caring responsibilities, and people with disabilities.
To address these challenges, the review identified a range of potential solutions, including:
- Restructuring research funding to provide more stable career pathways
- Diversifying career trajectories and recognizing the value of diverse roles
- Implementing mentorship programs and promoting flexible career options
- Enhancing institutional support and resources for professional development
By adopting a more holistic and equitable approach to research careers, institutions can foster a sense of security and stability, enabling researchers to thrive and contribute to the advancement of knowledge.
Wellbeing and Equality of Opportunity: Fostering Inclusive Environments
The evidence synthesized in this review highlights the persistent disparities within the academic ecosystem, which can have a detrimental impact on individuals’ wellbeing and sense of belonging. Underrepresented groups, such as women, ethnic minorities, and those with disabilities, are more likely to experience barriers to advancement, funding, and recognition.
The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated these issues, with the disproportionate impact on those with caregiving responsibilities and the mental health challenges faced by researchers. However, the pandemic has also presented opportunities, such as the increased use of virtual platforms and the emphasis on “kindness in research,” which have the potential to promote inclusivity and work-life balance.
The review identified a range of initiatives and strategies aimed at addressing these challenges, including:
- Implementing comprehensive diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies
- Providing targeted mentorship and professional development programs
- Fostering a culture of empathy, support, and work-life integration
- Leveraging technology to enhance accessibility and collaboration
By prioritizing the wellbeing and equal opportunities of all research staff, institutions can cultivate an environment that values diversity, nurtures talent, and supports the holistic development of researchers.
Teamwork: Strengthening Collaborative Efforts
The scoping review revealed that the research ecosystem often reinforces a culture of individual achievement and competition, which can undermine the value of teamwork and collaborative efforts. Practices such as the emphasis on first and last authorship, “gift authorship,” and the pressures of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) in the UK can discourage the sharing of credit and the fostering of interdisciplinary collaboration.
Additionally, the evidence suggests that the separation of research staff from research-enabling colleagues (e.g., technicians, librarians, research managers) can lead to perceived inequalities and a lack of integration within the research community.
To promote a more collaborative and inclusive research culture, the review highlighted the importance of:
- Recognizing and valuing diverse contributions to research
- Fostering cross-disciplinary and cross-functional teamwork
- Establishing mentorship programs and peer support networks
- Enhancing communication, transparency, and trust-building within research teams
By shifting the focus from individual achievement to collective impact, institutions can cultivate a research environment that encourages cooperation, knowledge sharing, and the collective advancement of science.
Research Quality and Accountability: Embracing Open Science
The scoping review uncovered a significant link between the perceived pressures of the “publish or perish” culture and the potential threats to research integrity and reproducibility. The emphasis on publication quantity over quality can incentivize researchers to prioritize “getting it published” over “getting it right,” contributing to the “replication crisis” and a loss of public trust in science.
To address these challenges, the review highlighted the growing momentum behind initiatives that promote open science, including:
- Mandates for open data, open access publishing, and transparent reporting
- Coordinated efforts by institutions, funding bodies, and publishers to align on open research practices
- The development of frameworks and networks (e.g., UKRN, DORA, ENRIO) to support the implementation of open science
By embracing a culture of openness, collaboration, and accountability, the research ecosystem can enhance the quality, reproducibility, and societal impact of scientific endeavors.
Toward a Sustainable Research Culture: Considerations and Future Directions
The scoping review has provided a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted factors that shape research culture, highlighting the complexities and interconnectedness of the challenges faced by the academic community. While the evidence reveals a global drive to address these issues, progress has been slow, and the COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the pressures on researchers.
To foster a sustainable and thriving research culture, the review suggests the need for a collaborative and holistic approach, involving researchers, institutions, funding bodies, and other stakeholders. This includes:
- Implementing policies and initiatives that promote job security, career progression, and work-life balance
- Prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion across all aspects of the research ecosystem
- Fostering a culture of teamwork, knowledge sharing, and collective accountability
- Embracing open science practices to enhance research quality and public trust
Importantly, the review emphasizes the need for continuous monitoring, evaluation, and learning to assess the effectiveness of these initiatives and ensure that they meet the diverse needs of the research community.
As IT professionals, we recognize the integral role that technology can play in supporting and enhancing research culture. From facilitating remote collaboration and training to enabling open data and reproducible workflows, technological innovations can be leveraged to drive positive change.
Ultimately, the transformation of research culture requires a sustained commitment to creating an environment where all members of the academic community feel valued, empowered, and equipped to contribute to the advancement of knowledge. By addressing the complex challenges identified in this scoping review, we can work toward a future where research thrives, and the pursuit of excellence is balanced with the wellbeing and inclusion of all.
