How mentoring and a shift in mindset and practices can help navigate fast-paced science

Abstract

In the competitive realm of academia, the pursuit of meaningful knowledge often collides with the imperative to publish quickly and frequently, sidelining patient investigation and deep understanding. This article aims to share critical insights into this issue, sparking further discussions about the challenges of fast-paced science and cultivating a more ethical scientific landscape, one that values exploration and ingenuity over rushed output and flashy headlines. The narrative traces the growing disillusionment of the first author with the prevailing publish-or-perish culture and her concerns about its impact on research quality and genuine collaboration. The article showcases how a mentoring programme for women postdoctoral researchers and network activities have aided her in navigating these challenges and carving out her career path. Her experiences are enriched by the perspectives of the second author, the coordinator of the mentoring programme. Through one-on-one mentoring, get-togethers, and workshops, the first author gained the inspiration, skills, and encouragement necessary to rekindle her commitment to science. The lesson learned is the importance of providing scientists with a guided, safe, and brave space for open dialogue about individual concerns and general working conditions in academia. Examples are provided that illustrate potential strategies and practices for challenging the status quo. By nurturing an environment that puts quality before quantity, academia can pave the way for transformative discoveries and profound understanding across all career levels.