Summary
Shifting dynamics among researchers, participants, and organizational systems are creating a profound transformation in research methods, impact, and function. At its heart this shift encompasses five core tenets, which emphasize collaboration, equity, and networked knowledge creation and curation. This talk will provide an overview of these changes, which will be explored in depth during the conference, and how our field can prepare.
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
"Where quite long your life? Bit glossy and a bit punchy. Kiss, kiss."
"That mink showed up and it took on a fight that felt more enormous than it was."
"Research is too important to fail."
"Researchers hold objective knowledge which holds power to account."
"People deserve to have their stories heard and held compassionately for no other reason than by virtue of the fact that they exist."
"The relational dynamics of knowledge are shifting from hierarchical and linear to relational and plural."
"We adapt, we innovate, or we no longer exist."
"If we don’t find our courage and take on the fight, our field dies."
"We have two choices: find our teeth and our courage and take on the fight or our field dies."
"Our best selves hold and hear stories and hold power to account."
Dig deeper—ask the Rosenbot:
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