The formal training that all research students go through falls short of equipping them for the full spectrum of a skills that a career in science entails. Mentors bridge this gap, providing crucial guidance in management, finance, communication, networking, and more. They also inspire, offer scientific guidance, and introduce their mentees to valuable collaborations, ultimately enhancing student outcomes and retention.

However, finding the perfect one-size-fits-all mentor is often a challenge. Students and early career researchers, with their unique strengths and needs, benefit from a tapestry of mentors with diverse perspectives and insights, through interactions that can range from brief encounters to lifelong partnerships. Finding mentors who perfectly matches a scholar’s needs can be challenging, especially within their home institution or local area.

Research societies, with their vast pool of experts, can bridge these gaps by matching inexperienced researchers with experienced mentors from across the globe. Furthermore, research societies hold significant influence in the form of sponsorship opportunities like visibility, awards, leadership roles, and visiting professorships. This power presents a unique opportunity to reshape how mentorship and sponsorship are handled in STEM research.

By engaging equity-centered networks and fostering a culture of mentorship within disciplines, research societies can drive large-scale, inter-institutional change. And it is all a strategic investment considering that the organization benefits too. Investing in these mentoring programs unlocks a multitude of benefits for scientific associations, boosting member experience, fostering intra-society collaboration, strengthening diversity and outreach efforts, ultimately fortifying the discipline and enhancing their brand image.

Strategies to Attract Mentors

Craft evidence-based mentorship programs with structured frameworks

Mentorship scopes and program structures can differ with respect to objectives, career stages, and durations, communication channels, etc. Existing programs illustrate this diversity – take for instance ICC’s six-month initiative or the Botanical Society of America’s travel and mentorship awards or the Society for Mucosal Immunology’s three-year scientist pairings. Ultimately, the society’s unique objectives and resources will help shape the ideal program structure and type.

In fact, offering multiple program types with distinct focuses and formats can attract a broader mentor pool. The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), for instance, provides three distinct mentorship options while the German-Syrian Research Society (DSFG) provides many more options.

Regardless of the specifics, however, the core principles should remain constant: measurable outcomes, a structured approach driven by evidence-based practices, and data-driven feedback for continuous evaluation and refinement.

Emphasize the benefits of such programs for mentors

While mentoring offers the intangible satisfaction of inspiring the next generation, ‘paying it forward’, and actually making a difference in someone’s academic life, mentors also do reap tangible benefits. They sharpen their teaching and leadership competencies, hone their communication and interpersonal skills, forge valuable connections through their mentee’s network and potentially attract future collaborators – all while adding that one extra section to their CV.

Incentivize outstanding mentorship through dedicated awards and recognition programs

Mentorship takes serious skills, time, effort, resources, and recognizing and rewarding this can significantly boost motivation and participation. Look to the Orthopaedic Research Society, Research Society on Alcoholism, American Physical Society, and Infectious Diseases Society of America, as a few examples that offer dedicated awards to celebrate exceptional mentors.

Refine existing programs to prioritize effective mentorship

Societies that offer grants could also strive to ensure that all research proposals that involves training students or researchers include a robust and evaluated mentoring plan as part of the proposal.

Implement targeted outreach initiatives

Amplifying the program’s visibility through email newsletters, strategic website advertising, engaging social media campaigns, and leveraging professional networks, can attract qualified mentors. Furthermore, empowering past mentees to in turn become mentors who can offer support and expertise to their juniors or near-peers, facilitates a self-sustaining ecosystem of guidance. In fact, dedicating a team to oversee the program with roles that include cultivating relationships and engaging with prospective mentors can help expand the reach.

Fostering a Supportive Ecosystem for Mentorship

Recruiting new mentors is crucial, but retaining existing ones ensures program sustainability. Optimizing the entire mentorship experience is thus vital.

Matching well: Pairing mentors and mentees based on compatibility, research interests, and personality fosters effective and satisfying collaborations. For minorities, teaming up mentor-mentees from similar backgrounds can further enhance the experience.

Cultivating a culture: Embedding mentorship within the research society, extolling its value, encouraging participation, and making it integral to the society’s identity, sustains the ecosystem.

Equipping mentors: Offering dedicated training resources, like American Society of Nephrology and American Psychological Association do, or even collaborating with other institutes that provide this (such as CIMER) can improve the mentorship experience for the mentor and the protegee. For instance, leveraging CIMER’s expertise, the American Physical Society launched an initiative called Advancing Graduate Leadership to propel women and non-binary postdocs into physics leadership roles. Such training should also include modules on safe and inclusive relationship building, and navigating power dynamics and biases.

Continuous improvement: A reliable feedback system that assesses and informs program adjustments can ensure a thriving mentorship ecosystem. Funding bodies could also incentivize mentorship by incorporating it into grant proposals, encouraging senior researchers to mentor early-career colleagues.

Conclusion and Future Directions

Mentoring in STEM is a high-stake, potent, relationship, with the potential to make or break a student’s career in science. A positive mentoring interaction can help mentees see themselves through the eyes of experienced mentors, find their place in the academic landscape, and chart a confident course for the next stage in their careers. Yet, despite its profound impact, mentorship often receives less focused attention, evaluation, and recognition than other academic responsibilities like teaching or research. This critical role should not be left to chance or unmethodical implementation. Research societies are uniquely positioned to step in and cultivate a thriving mentorship ecosystem, ensuring that every promising STEM mind has access to the support they deserve. And it would be a gamechanger for all research societies to capitalize on this immense potential. 

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A brief introduction to university research commercialization

In 1980, the Bayh–Dole Act was passed by the United States federal government, permitting the universities and non-profit organizations to retain title to inventions made with federal funding and to license it to others. This act promoted research commercialization by giving these entities the ability to profit from their innovations and encouraged private investment in research. In response, many universities in the USA set up technology transfer offices (TTOs), or technology licensing offices (TLOs) to manage their intellectual property (IP) and promote effective technology commercialization. Since then, the Bayh–Dole model has spread to universities and institutes worldwide, particularly in the Global North.

How can universities support patenting?

Setting up a technology transfer office

An effective TTO/TLO is vital to any patenting strategy. These offices not only manage the transfer of technology from universities and research institutions to the private sector, but also provide vital guidance for the institution and research personnel to realize effective patent commercialization. Furthermore, they also handle legal matters concerning IP, including patent applications, litigation, and transferring royalties to the parties concerned.

Royalty sharing

Royalty sharing between universities and researchers stimulates innovation by financially incentivizing research. Royalty sharing initiatives allow researchers to pursue commercially relevant research. Furthermore, royalty sharing can increase collaboration, as the promise of sharing royalties may make researchers more willing to share ideas, since they will all benefit from any commercial success. Finally, royalty sharing can encourage researchers to seek more patent protection, such as applying for international patents to maximize their commercial potential. In short, royalty sharing is an obvious win-win that should be part of any patenting strategy.

Establishing a university startup incubator

Technology startups provide lucrative opportunities to commercialize cutting-edge research findings. Harvard University, for one, has an impressive roster of startups that harness innovations from a range of scientific fields. While we all dream of investing in “the next big thing,” establishing a patenting culture can form part of a broader commercialization strategy to spin off companies that realize groundbreaking new services and products. Founding an incubator is a large undertaking that requires planning and strategy, so research is key. The article “So, you want to start a startup incubator or accelerator?,” penned by a student who successfully launched his own startup incubator, provides some interesting reading.

Build awareness of patenting

An informal survey published in Forbes in 2012 yielded surprising results. Among 60 graduate engineering students at UCLA, 68% could not answer the question, “what is a trade secret?” Meanwhile, 21%, 32%, and 51% were unable to provide an answer to what patents, copyrights, and trademarks are, respectively.

While this small survey is probably not representative, it’s nonetheless surprising that these students had little awareness of IP and why it is relevant to their own work. If researchers do not understand these concepts, they may struggle to understand what is patentable and fail to disclose such discoveries at a critical time.

Fortunately, the World Intellectual Property Organization has provided many resources on raising awareness of IP. While many of these resources are aimed at school-age children, this page also provides a six-step plan for building an awareness strategy and numerous examples of campaigns.

See also: Crafting a Patent Communication Strategy: Tips for Universities

Examples of patenting done right

India

The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) have had considerable success in commercializing their research and protecting their IP. One such example is IIT Bombay, which has successfully licensed technologies through its TTO and established close industry relationships. Institutional support for technology transfer, strong industry connections, government support and developed alumni networks have allowed IITs to be successful in commercializing their research and protecting their IP.

See also: Patents and the Intellectual Property Rights Ecosystem at Indian Universities

Japan

The University of Tokyo, better known as Todai in Japan, has a history of successful patenting, including in biotechnology, information technology, and materials science. In recent years, Todai publishes an average of 600 patents annually and has successfully launched major investment funds to capitalize on Todai-affiliated spinoffs, such as Citadel AI. Likewise, the University of Kyoto has similar initiatives for their range of patents. Overall, Japan’s public universities have a proven track record of successful patenting and robust commercialization strategies.

South Korea

In the 20^th century, South Korea transitioned from a developing country to a global leader for innovation, recently being recognized as East Asia’s leading innovator ahead of Japan and China. One detailed analysis of technology transfer in Korean public institutions found that successful technology transfer relies more on promoting application research by offering incentives for patent registration and increasing support for researchers’ startups. These strategies have been successfully applied at Seoul National University (SNU), Korea’s most reputable university, which has a strong focus on technology transfer and has established successful high-tech startups at the SNU Campus Town with the help of the SNU Entrepreneurship Center. The university’s Research & Development Board Foundation has overseen successful commercialization of technologies with generous revenue sharing incentives.

Conclusion

A solid patenting strategy can be profitable for institutions and researchers, stimulate basic and applied research, launch new business ventures, and improve your institution’s reputation. In short, an effective patenting culture can benefit all involved.

Learn strategies to promote awareness of patenting in your university and to spur innovation through patents. Download this whitepaper.

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On the bright side, in recent years, open and candid discussions about mental health issues have become increasingly prevalent, and organizations are acknowledging their roles in assisting members or employees in maintaining their mental health. Academic societies are recognizing the importance of addressing mental health concerns among their members, implementing various initiatives to provide support and resources. By prioritizing researcher mental health, academic societies can help create a more supportive and inclusive environment that encourages collaboration and innovation.

Why academic societies should be invested in researcher mental health

Mental well-being safeguards creativity, productivity, and efficiency. Researcher mental health is therefore an important facet that guarantees that researchers contribute meaningfully to academia. It is worth noting that the mental health crisis has repercussions on the academic community as a whole, which may take the form of decreased productivity and even attrition, ultimately translating into a loss of valuable talent.

Mental health is a social responsibility. Researchers deserve to work in an environment that respects their dignity, autonomy, and diversity. They should have access to resources and support that promote their mental health and well-being. They should also be able to seek help without fear of stigma or discrimination.

Academic societies can serve as effective catalysts to mobilize change and foster a culture conducive to the mental health of their members. This not only benefits the researchers themselves but also enhances the reputation and impact of the academic society and the quality of research it produces. For researchers to thrive both personally and professionally, academic societies can implement strategies and support systems to address the mental health needs of their members.

Recent initiatives by academic societies to improve members’ mental health

Thanks to the heightened awareness of mental health challenges today, research societies are advocating for policies and practices that protect and enhance researchers’ mental health and well-being. Here are some inspiring examples.

Mental health workshops and webinars

Many societies offer workshops and webinars on topics related to mental health, such as stress management, resilience building, and work–life balance.

·         American Nurses Association (ANA): Nurses and nursing researchers work in high-stress environments and are prone to mental health issues due to stress and burnout. Recognizing that mental health is an essential part of nurses’ well-being, the ANA launched the Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation (HNHN) program, which encompasses actions in six domains, one of which is mental health. HNHN initiatives include webinars and presentations.

• American Physical Society (APS): The APS routinely holds networking meetings for members to share experiences; build relationships; and discuss equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives. Last year, one of the sessions of the meeting was on navigating burnout, and this year, the March meeting included a Mental Health Roundtable for those dealing with mental health issues to interact with others and to discuss challenges and further steps.
• American Chemical Society (ACS): The ACS runs a Changing the Culture of Chemistry series, within which a webinar discussing Mental Health in the Lab was offered.

Mental health awareness campaigns

Some societies run campaigns on mental health awareness and healthy practices. For example, the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) holds public health campaigns, many of them catering to mental health issues. One such example is the Scroll Free September campaign to motivate people to have a healthier relationship with social media.

Empowering members to drive change

When society members are given a voice, they can serve as change-makers at the society level, influencing the academic landscape in a particular field. The American Society for Microbiology (ASM) offers Future Leaders Mentorship Fellowships and Young Ambassador programs. Such initiatives can galvanize underrepresented researchers to come forward and share their mental health challenges with confidence. One such Future Leaders Mentorship Fellow and ASM Young Ambassador, Samantha Avina, hosts workshops to encourage young scientists to hone their interpersonal skills and be open to having difficult conversations.

Mental health resources

Some societies offer resources on mental health, including articles, videos, and toolkits, which members can access online. For example, under the HNHN, ANA members can access mental health blogs, presentations, a series about nurse suicide in the American Nurse Journal, and even a nurse suicide prevention/resilience website. HNHN offers members free access to a 1-year subscription to Headspace PLUS, which promotes meditation, healthy sleep, mindful eating, etc.

Envisioning change and implementing innovative steps to address the mental health crisis in academia

There are a number of ways by which academic societies can make a mark in promoting mental health among their members.

Societies can set up mentoring or support programs, where experienced members offer guidance and support to those facing mental health challenges. Surveys may be conducted to assess the mental health needs of members, and the data may be used to tailor various initiatives and resources accordingly. Societies can collaborate with mental health organizations to provide members with expert guidance and support, e.g., counseling services or helplines.

Academic societies can advocate for policies and practices that address systemic issues that negatively impact researcher mental health. They can push for better job security, more equitable funding opportunities, and more inclusive hiring practices. Academic societies can collaborate with universities, funding agencies, and government bodies to promote researcher mental health and well-being. They can share best practices, resources, and data to develop evidence-based policies and programs that benefit researchers.

The specific programs and resources offered can vary from one society to another, depending on the size, resources, and member needs. For societies that are yet to embrace these trends, it all begins with taking that first step. Take for example the Society for Scholarly Publishing (SSP), which has been actively working on constituting and mobilizing a Mental Health Task Force. The objective is to explore how the SSP can support the well-being of its members, particularly around work-related concerns. Certain practical initiatives to support mental health awareness for SSP members have been earmarked, some of which are being implemented, e.g., disseminating more information on mental health issues through their blog, The Scholarly Kitchen.

To conclude

The alarming rates at which researchers around the world are experiencing depression and anxiety make it amply clear that systemic solutions and support are needed to manage mental health issues. Academic societies are well positioned to take actionable steps against the mental health crisis in academia. In fact, they stand to benefit from such initiatives in the long run. Investing in researcher mental health will yield returns not only by advancing the frontier of knowledge but also by enhancing the sustainability of academic societies.

The post Why Researcher Mental Health is Important for Academic Societies appeared first on CACTUS.

See also: The Digital Development of China’s Academic Publishing Industry

Important Cultural Practices in Chinese Academia

The Chinese academic community possesses a rich cultural heritage and distinctive research practices, characterized by three key traits.

(1) Relationship Culture, or Guanxi

In China, personal relationships play a crucial role in all spheres, including scientific research. Cultivating strong relationships is paramount for securing resources and fostering collaboration.

(2) Collectivism

Chinese research culture places a strong emphasis on collectivism, reverence for academic authority, and teamwork. Individual accomplishments are often intertwined with the achievements of the broader research team.

(3) Emphasis on Practical Value

China’s scientific research culture prioritizes practicality and application, with a focus on addressing real-world problems. Consequently, many research endeavors exhibit a strong practical orientation and relevance.

See also: Building an Academic Brand in China: The Importance of Baidu

How Publishers or Journals Have Successfully Leveraged Chinese Cultural Practices

Several international organizations successfully implemented effective collaboration with Chinese academics. Here we will list three examples.

• Springer Nature

Springer Nature supports the Chinese research community through their locally run Chinese website, journals and broader global publishing portfolio, and thus be able to attract more engagement from Chinese researchers. The locally run Chinese journals specifically target Chinese researchers and provide them with a platform to publish their research results. By 2020, Springer Nature recruited 56 editorial and publishing employees across their offices in Beijing and Shanghai. In that way, the local staff members can closely engage with local partners to develop their world-class journals. In addition, they partner with Chinese research institutions to organize academic conferences and training activities to promote collaboration between Chinese and international researchers. Springer Nature provides financial and technical support for research projects of Chinese research institutions and researchers through its funding programs and support projects.

• Elsevier

Elsevier has established a long-term and stable relationship with the Chinese research community by providing publication platforms, collaborative research, academic conferences and training, open access policies, and support for Chinese research projects. Elsevier has launched several initiatives to promote collaboration between Chinese and international researchers. Elsevier has also established many collaborative research projects with Chinese research institutions. For example, Elsevier and the Chinese Academy of Sciences have established the CAS – Elsevier Joint Laboratory to jointly explore and develop new research evaluation methods, and establish a research evaluation system that is more suitable for China’s academic environment.

• Wiley

Wiley has collaborated with Chinese research institutions and published China-based academic journals, such as the Chinese Medical Journal and InfoMat. Wiley also works with Chinese research institutions to support collaborative research projects. These projects span multiple disciplines, such as life sciences and engineering. Additionally, Wiley has collaborated with Chinese research institutions to develop several digital platforms to provide academic resources and services. For example, Wiley has partnered with the Chinese Academy of Sciences to launch Wiley Online Library · China, a comprehensive academic resource platform for Chinese researchers. In addition, Wiley offers digital subscriptions and online learning solutions to meet the information needs of researchers.

See also: WeChat for Academia: 5 Western Publishers Who Have Created an Online Presence in China

Tips for Building a Relationship With Chinese Researchers

In order to build a strong relationship with the Chinese research community, publishers and journals need to consider these key factors:

• Understand the Chinese concept of time and relationships

In China, time is often viewed as more flexible than rigid. So, it’s wise to be flexible with appointment times. Equally important is understanding and respecting the value of relationships within Chinese culture. Building strong interpersonal connections with Chinese researchers is essential. Long-term cooperation thrives on mutual understanding, trust, and open communication.

• Embrace Chinese Collectivism

Chinese research culture places a high emphasis on teamwork and collective achievements. When collaborating with Chinese researchers, respect their collectivist values. Actively engage in team collaborations and cultivate positive working relationships with team members.

• Focus on practicality

Chinese researchers prioritize the practical applications of research results and problem-solving capabilities. Therefore, be attentive to their practical needs, working together to address real-world issues and promote scientific and technological innovation.

• Provide Localized Support

To facilitate productive collaboration with Chinese researchers, ensure you offer an appropriate local academic environment and resources tailored to their requirements. This includes advanced experimental equipment and technical support, a welcoming international academic setting, and a wealth of academic resources and services.

• Encourage International Engagement

Chinese researchers highly value international exchanges and cooperation. By engaging in exchanges and collaborative ventures with foreign researchers, they gain access to a broader range of academic resources and research opportunities. Therefore, actively promote international exchanges and cooperation, offering diverse options and resources for Chinese researchers to expand their global collaborations.

See also: Linkresearcher.Com: A Powerful Tool for Research Dissemination and Strengthening Academic Brands in China

Conclusion

Achieving a strong and fruitful collaboration with the Chinese research community hinges on a profound grasp of their cultural dynamics, such as the concept of guanxi, collectivism, and the practical orientation of Chinese researchers. To excel in such partnerships, international organizations should prioritize several key factors: respecting China’s flexible view of time and the significance of relationships, aligning with China’s values of teamwork and shared accomplishments, addressing the practical requirements of Chinese researchers, offering an appropriate academic environment and necessary resources, and actively fostering international exchanges and cooperation.

The post How Culture Shapes Academia in China: A Guide for Western Publishers and Journals appeared first on CACTUS.

See also: A Spotlight on Progress in DEIA Efforts by Research Societies

Importance of amplifying Indigenous voices in academia

Indigenous peoples are far from monolithic, but many groups have a common history of being marginalized, oppressed, and silenced by colonialism and its legacy. Their knowledge and perspectives have often been dismissed or appropriated by dominant Western or other imperial paradigms, resulting in a lack of representation of Indigenous peoples and respect for their contributions to various fields.

Indigenous peoples have often been investigated in fields such as linguistics, anthropology, and ethnobotany, but this has often been as subjects. Nowadays, more people from Indigenous communities participate actively in research, but their contributions are too often not properly credited properly in studies; part of a problem referred to as “helicopter research.”

Amplifying Indigenous voices in academia is not only a matter of justice and equity, but also a matter of quality and relevance. Indigenous scholars bring valuable insights and solutions to address complex and urgent issues that affect us all, including how to educate others. Their research reflects their values and worldviews, which can challenge and even transform the dominant modes of thinking.

Promoting Indigenous voices in academia can foster more inclusive academic communities that respect different forms of knowledge. We can also create more opportunities for collaboration, and mutual learning between Indigenous and non-Indigenous scholars, as well as between academia and Indigenous communities.

See also: Breaking Down Barriers: How and Why Research Societies and Publishers Are Embracing Cultural Diversity

Guidelines to follow when communicating research on indigenous peoples

Academic journals and publishers are critical to the dissemination of knowledge. Therefore, they are responsible for ensuring that communication practices are ethical and culturally appropriate.

Publishers must assure that appropriate language is used. This can be done by creating guidelines on language usage with a comprehensive list of stigmatizing or inaccurate terms that should be avoided. Consulting existing style books can be helpful.

While paper authors are often given primacy over the data they present in their manuscripts, it is important to recognize the rights and interests of Indigenous peoples over their knowledge, data, and cultural expressions. Thus, proper acknowledgment and authorship should be offered, and appropriate policies to ensure these rules are followed should be put in place. The CONSIDER statement is a 17-point checklist of guidelines addressing how to report studies on indigenous peoples.

Journals should also encourage and support the submission of manuscripts by Indigenous authors or co-authors, as well as manuscripts that use Indigenous languages. Another valuable way of supporting and including Indigenous scholars is by including citation guidelines for communication from Indigenous knowledge keepers.

Finally, publishers should ensure that Indigenous communities have access to research that concerns them or which they have participated in. Rather than paywalling articles on Indigenous peoples, putting in place an open access policy and appropriately indexing papers can allow Indigenous peoples to reap the benefits of research conducted on their communities.

Disseminating of indigenous knowledge fairly

When Indigenous people share their knowledge, they should expect reciprocity and positive relationships from those disseminating it. Therefore, academic journals and publishers must respect the cultural values, protocols, and preferences of Indigenous peoples.

Indigenous authors or communities should be consulted on how they want their knowledge to be disseminated, who they want to reach, and what impact they want to achieve. The protocols and taboos of Indigenous peoples should be respected at all stages of this process. For example, some Indigenous communities like the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders have specific restrictions on reproducing the names and photographs of deceased persons (which Australian journalists, documentary makers, and media are required to follow).

After an article is published, journals or publishers can work with authors to seek feedback from and engage in dialogue with communities about the outcomes and implications of the research. This will help ensure they remain involved in the ongoing conversations about and implications of their traditional knowledge.

Besides traditional journal articles, supporting the development of alternative or complementary platforms or formats, such as podcasts, videos, websites or oral presentations, can help Indigenous knowledge to be communicated more effectively to wider audiences.

Incorporating indigenous perspectives in peer review

Peer review is key to ensuring that academic research is valid and properly presented. However, peer review processes are often influenced by dominant Western norms, standards and expectations that may not be appropriate or relevant for evaluating research on Indigenous peoples. Therefore, academic journals and publishers should incorporate Indigenous perspectives in their peer review. How this should be done remains debated, but research has been conducted on this issue. Some ideas include:

• Invite Indigenous scholars or experts as reviewers or editors who can provide constructive feedback and guidance on the publication. However, it is important to understand the community’s capacity and not overburden them with excessive requests for their time.
• Include a community involvement statement or a validation of community approval.
• Encourage and facilitate dialogue, negotiation and consensus-building between Indigenous communities and stakeholders to address any issues, concerns or disagreements that may arise during the peer review process.
• Provide feedback and recognition to reviewers and editors for their contribution and expertise in reviewing research on Indigenous peoples.
• Let Indigenous communities or organizations determine their own involvement in the process to avoid false representation or tokenism.

Journals and publishers of note

The International Indigenous Policy Journal (IIPJ)

IIPJ is an online, peer-reviewed journal that publishes original research and policy analysis on Indigenous issues from a multidisciplinary perspective. The journal aims to provide a forum for Indigenous and non-Indigenous scholars, practitioners, and community members to share their knowledge to support evidence-based policy making. IIPJ shared the draft of the Aboriginal chapter of the Tri-Council Policy Statement, which is Canada’s main set of guidelines for ethical research on humans.

AlterNative: An International Journal of Indigenous Peoples

AlterNative is a peer-reviewed scholarly journal that publishes research on Indigenous peoples. The journal seeks to “present scholarly research on Indigenous worldviews and experiences of decolonization from Indigenous perspectives from around the world”. AlterNative also has a diverse editorial board of Indigenous or non-Indigenous scholars from various countries and clear guidelines on ethically reporting on Indigenous peoples.

Routledge Studies in Indigenous Peoples and Policy

Routledge, a global publisher of academic books focusing mainly on the humanities and social sciences, has recently began publishing a series of multidisciplinary books on Indigenous studies edited by esteemed academics Jerry P. White and Susan Wingert.

Conclusion

Communicating research on Indigenous peoples requires careful consideration and respect. Academic journals and publishers have a key role and responsibility in ensuring that their practices are culturally appropriate and ethical when publishing and disseminating research on Indigenous peoples. By doing so, they can contribute to amplifying Indigenous voices in academia and promoting the fair and equitable dissemination of Indigenous knowledge.

The post Communicating research on indigenous peoples: The role of journals and publishers appeared first on CACTUS.

1. Understanding the target researcher base

A truly representative brand persona will help the organization get insights into the needs and expectations of the target audience, leading to the development of useful products and services. For instance, a publisher might find that a large number of target authors need language support services or help with disseminating their work on multiple platforms. Accordingly,the publisher can develop and market relevant solutions and offerings that meet these specific needs.

2. Improving author support and experience

Personas can help organizations to anticipate and address the common issues, questions, and preferences of their target audience, which can improve the quality and efficiency of author service and support. Personas can also guide the design and development of user interfaces, content, and features that are intuitive, appealing, and useful. For instance, understanding that the color red has connotations of prosperity and celebration in China, versus love/passion and danger to a Western audience can influence how you design your website, brochures, etc.

3. Creating an emotional connection and building brand loyalty

Every publisher wants to spread awareness of their brand and differentiate themselves from competitors to gain more submissions, readership, and revenue. A scholarly society also seeks to increase their member base and maintain member loyalty. A persona that resonates with relevant researchers (authors and readers) can help achieve these targets.

A guide for creating a persona for an academic society or publisher

Creating a comprehensive persona can seem overwhelming at first, but it’s actually a straightforward process that involves gathering and analyzing data and synthesizing your findings into a complete picture of your ideal customer. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Conduct user research

The first step is to gather insights into the needs, behaviors, and preferences of your target audience. You can use a combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, and analytics.

2. Define the demographic profile

Based on the user research data, identify the key demographic characteristics of your target audience, such as region, career stage or age, discipline, and gender. This information will help you to create a persona that accurately represents your target customer archetype. Identify and understand the patterns that you find. In a scholarly publishing setting, the following points are key in defining an appropriate persona:

2.1. Mind the (generation) gap!

It may be argued that publishers’ websites have been designed for Gen X. However, Millennials (currently aged 27–42 years) are at their peak publishing streak, driving home the need to build websites and author experiences that appeal to this cohort of researchers. And why stop there—publishers must keep up and stay relevant to the emerging crop of “Gen Zs,” (born 1997–2012), the oldest of whom are just about embarking on their postgraduation. Gen Zs are more inclined toward organizations that are socially responsible. Millennials and Gen Zs value technology and innovation, prefer experiences over things, are progressive, and recognize the importance of mental health and wellbeing. Publishers and societies whose personas reflect these values are sure to stand out and be valued by early-career researchers, a key target demographic.

2.2 Determine the audience’s professional roles

Identify the professional roles or job titles of your target audience, such as researchers, professors, librarians, or editors. This information will help you to understand their activities and professional priorities related to their work.

2.3 Understand the audience’s goals, motivations, and challenges

Identify the goals and motivations of your target audience, such as advancing their research and career or discovering new knowledge. This information will help you to create content and services accordingly.

Explore the pain points and obstacles that your target audience faces, such as funding constraints, access to resources, or time management. This information will help you to develop solutions and services that address their needs and help them overcome their challenges. Let your brand story present and solve a unique problem.

“Author experience” (AX) has started being discussed in academic publishing circles, given the striking shift in marketing focus from libraries or institutions to individuals (authors, reviewers, and readers). Therefore, AX is a trendy and pivotal aspect to consider when creating a brand persona.

3. Build a persona narrative

Use the information you have gathered to create a narrative that describes your target audience in a realistic and relatable way. It is easy for one to identify with an authentic, personal story. Publishers and societies can create compelling ‘About Us’ write-ups to humanize the brand, be proactive on social media, and put out content pieces that “speak to” the target demographics organically.

4. Test and refine the persona(s)

The persona should be regularly updated based on new user research and feedback. Continuously refine your personas as you learn more about your target audience, using them to guide your decision-making and communication strategies.

Once all this is done, you are ready to feature the persona in marketing materials and social media to help connect with your target audience and inspire them to engage with your resources and community!

 Potential brand personas for a research society

Let’s take a look at potential brand personas that may fit different member segments of your society.

1. Jessica

Jessica is a 40-year-old biomedical professional working in a clinical setting. She is focused on improving patient outcomes and seeks research that directly impacts clinical practice. She prefers concise and easily accessible content that can be consumed within her busy schedule. She prefers accessing content through a members-only section on the research society’s website, allowing her to conveniently find and reference materials when needed. She finds on-demand educational videos that provide practical demonstrations and step-by-step procedures particularly useful.

• Dan

Dan is a 28-year-old biomedical scientist who recently completed his Ph.D. He joined the research society to connect with mentors, access resources, and stay informed about the latest breakthroughs in his field. He is focused on building his expertise, establishing himself as a credible researcher, and advancing his career. He is interested in resources that offer guidance on grant writing, publishing, and navigating the early stages of a research career. He also enjoys participating in online communities and attending virtual conferences where he can network with established researchers and gain exposure to diverse perspectives.

Note: These brand personas are fictional representations created to help you understand the different archetypes that might exist within your target audience. Actual member characteristics and preferences should be based on real data and research.

Wrapping it up

A persona humanizes a brand, making it stand out in a crowd and yet be relatable to the end users. Brand personas are created by drawing on user research, and scholarly publishers and societies can harness personas as a powerful tool for understanding their target audience. They can align their strategies and resources with the needs and goals of their members or customers, which can lead to successful outcomes and higher revenue.

Are you ready to build stronger relationships with your members or customers? Use the guide provided in this article to build a relatable persona and adopt a compelling way to share it with your customers!

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Publication inequities have been demonstrated time and again in peer-reviewed research. In a recent PLOS ONE article, Liu et al. showed that non-white researchers are underrepresented on journal editorial boards, have longer wait times for publishing their research, and are less likely to be cited than their white counterparts. Such inequalities affect the chances of researchers of certain racial and geographical groups to progress academically and professionally.

For ensuring research that is inclusive and equitable, publishers and research societies should work towards fostering an overall environment that represents and supports different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences.

The positive impact of cultural diversity in research

It is crucial for publishers and societies to investing in cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue for various reasons, as elaborated below.

First of all, recognizing the vast diversity of cultures allows people to learn about and appreciate different beliefs and values. Researchers can develop empathy and tolerance for other cultures, which can reduce discrimination and prejudice. This can facilitate collaboration with researchers from other cultures, especially other countries, and reduce “colonization of science.”

Moreover, when people engage with different cultures, they celebrate differences and broaden their horizons. When people with different backgrounds and experiences come together, they can collaborate and create new solutions to problems. Inclusion can also help empower diverse groups to contribute meaningfully to academic discourse. Researchers from different backgrounds collaborating on a project are more likely to question assumption and biases and this will lead to more accurate and thorough research. A culturally diverse research group is more capable of generating innovative ideas and solutions, of taking a holistic approach to solving problems, and of making richer scientific discoveries.

How supporting cultural diversity benefits research societies and publishers

Supporting cultural diversity can have numerous tangible benefits for research societies and publishers. Below are some ways by which inclusive research and publishing can benefit academic societies.

A more balanced editorial process

A truly diverse management and editorial board composed of persons from all demographic populations will reduce conscious and unconscious biases in editorial workflows. When editors and reviewers from diverse cultural backgrounds participate in the editorial process, they bring their unique experiences and perspectives, which can challenge the biases and assumptions that may be present in the editorial process. This can help to ensure that different viewpoints are considered and that decisions are made based on a more comprehensive and balanced understanding of the topic.

Broader research scope

Embracing cultural diversity expands the scope of research and makes it more relevant and applicable to a wider readership. Editors and reviewers from diverse cultural backgrounds can provide insight and feedback on how research and publications may be perceived and received by different cultural groups, which can help to avoid misunderstandings or unintended offense. Further, researchers from different cultural backgrounds may have different interests or expertise in different methodologies, which can lead to more comprehensive that is relevant and applicable in a broader context.

Access to new markets

Research societies and publishers who support cultural diversity can expand their reach to new markets. By understanding the needs and perspectives of diverse groups, they can develop new products and services that meet specific needs.

When research and publications are reviewed by editors and reviewers from diverse cultural backgrounds, it can help to ensure that the language and format used are inclusive and accessible.

Better recruitment and retention

When research societies and publishers promote cultural diversity, they can attract a wider pool of talented individuals. This not only leads to better recruitment but also improves retention rates as employees feel valued and respected.

Improved reputation

Organizations that promote cultural diversity can enhance their reputation and brand image. This can lead to increased trust and loyalty among customers and stakeholders.

Academic publishers that promote cultural diversity—both within the organization and with the communities they engage in—can establish their presence as inclusive and socially responsible leaders in the academic publishing industry.

How research societies and publishers are supporting cultural diversity

By demonstrating their dedication and commitment to “diversity, equity, and inclusion” (DEI), research societies and publishers can prove their spirited initiative and make a meaningful impact on researchers from diverse communities. When creating and implementing a DEI initiative, the organization should openly exchange ideas and expectations and involve as many people as possible to get feedback and perspectives.

Some DEI initiatives for such organizations to consider are as follows:

• Connecting with local communities and co-creating relevant knowledge bases.
• Celebrating diverse holidays, e.g., social media posts announcing diverse festivals.
• Issuing a DEI statement and/or publishing a diversity video on the website.
• Establishing mentorship programs for underrepresented groups.

See also: Creating Inclusive Learning Resources: Tips for Societies and Publishers

Many research societies and publishers have already committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity in research and academia. Here are a few examples of publishers and research societies embodying the true meaning of DEI in their functioning.

1. Emerald Publishing is making efforts to improve DEI in their publishing norms and editorial boards to support research that aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals. They have made a commitment to Black Lives Matter and have also collaborated with the International Network of Research Management Societies (INORMS) Research Evaluation Working Group to achieve greater diversity on their editorial boards.

2. The American Psychological Association (APA) is committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity in psychology research. They are driven by a DEI framework, striving to address systemic racism, for example, by avoiding language that might be offensive to the members of certain communities. The APA also offers Scholarships to Enhance and Empower Diversity to support the mentoring of promising trainees from diverse backgrounds.

3. Springer Nature has launched the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Network to address racism, ensure equitable recruitment, and guarantee accountability in upholding DEI in research publishing. Springer Nature is a signatory to the Publishers Association’s 10 point Inclusivity Action Plan and the Joint Commitment for Action on Inclusion and Diversity in Publishing. They also won Diversity Team of the Year at the British Diversity Awards 2022.

4. The Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) launched the ACM Diversity and Inclusion Council, which works to promote diversity and inclusion within the organization and the computing community as a whole.

See also: How Academic Societies are Reinventing Membership Experiences

To wrap up

Cultural diversity is a key driver of success for research societies and publishers, as well as for scholars from diverse cultural backgrounds and geographical locations. To ensure fairness and equity in editorial boards, acceptance delays, citations, and recognition, systemic changes are required. By embracing diversity, societies and publishers will not only broaden their readership and increase the relevance of their publications but also contribute to the overall advancement of knowledge and understanding. It is evident that promoting cultural diversity is a mutually beneficial strategy for academic publishers and the broader scholarly community.

The post <strong>Breaking Down Barriers: How and Why Research Societies and Publishers are Embracing Cultural Diversity</strong> appeared first on CACTUS.

Why research societies should build their brand

Research societies that focus on brand building can succeed on various fronts.

Credibility and global reputation: A strong brand identity helps to establish the credibility of a research society. By building a brand that is associated with quality, expertise, and professionalism, research societies can attract new members and gain the trust of their existing members. A strong brand will help the world discover the impact of a society’s work and enhance its academic reputation.

Increased membership: Brand building can help research societies grow by encouraging the inflow of new members who align with a society’s research interests, values, and mission.

Meaningful member engagement: Through a clear brand identity and messaging strategy, a society can communicate its mission and values more effectively. This can motivate members to become more involved and active in the society and its diverse initiatives, including advocacy.

Funding and sponsorships: By establishing a strong brand identity and reputation, societies can increase their chances of securing funding and sponsorships for research projects, conferences, and other initiatives.

Positioning brand storytelling in brand building

Research societies can adopt brand building by developing a unique brand identity, implementing a relevant branding strategy, establishing a visual identity, building a strong online presence, leveraging partnerships, and focusing on member engagement. Where does brand storytelling fit in this picture and how can research societies use it?

Culturally, storytelling is as old as civilization itself! Using narratives is one of the oldest approaches humans used to spread important information in an evocative way. Brand storytelling is the art of using a narrative to communicate a brand’s mission and values to its audience. Brand storytelling aims to create a memorable and engaging identity that resonates with the target audience and creates an emotional connection.

Tips for effective brand storytelling by research societies

Today’s fast-paced and technology-driven society has made human connection particularly valuable. Research societies need to establish a deeper connection with their audience to stand out. And in a post-text world, these stories need to be relayed in multiple formats of digital storytelling to inspire communities around the world. Here are some tips for research societies to execute effective brand storytelling.

Identify the right channels: Brand storytelling is more powerful than traditional advertising and marketing. Social networking sites provide brands with a powerful tool to tell their story and connect with their audience in a more meaningful way. Research societies should leverage the reach, engagement, virality, and analytics of these platforms to build a strong and authentic brand story.

Know your audience: Know your target audience and their needs, interests, and preferences to tailor your message and make it relevant to them.

Develop an effective narrative: A brand story should have a clear beginning, middle, and end. The narrative should be cohesive and flow well. People are more likely to remember a story that evokes an emotional response. Creating a story that sparks interest or connects with the audience on an emotional level can go a long way to this end.

Make it memorable: Instead of telling the audience what a society’s brand is all about, show them through storytelling. Using vivid descriptions and examples to paint a picture of your brand’s values will make the brand story memorable and leave a lasting impression on the audience.

Cross-promote your brand: Cross-promotion is a terrific way to enhance brand storytelling efforts and expand reach. One way to do this is by co-creating content. A society can work with universities or even other societies and journals to tell a compelling story that resonates with overlapping audiences. The story may be shared via blog posts, videos, or social media campaigns. Another approach is to partner with academic influencers who align with a research society’s profile and have a following that overlaps with the research society’s target audience.

Examples of brand storytelling by research societies and publishers

American Chemical Society (ACS): ACS uses brand storytelling to communicate the impact of chemistry on society. Their messaging emphasizes the role that chemistry plays in everything from health and medicine to energy and the environment. By highlighting real-world examples of how chemistry is making a difference, ACS can connect with audiences on an emotional level and showcase the value of their work.

On its LinkedIn page, for instance, it showcases its position as the world’s largest scientific society and a leading source of authoritative scientific information. Its 150,000-strong membership includes chemists and chemical engineers from across globe, who are engaged in “evolving chemistry enterprise.” On its Facebook page, it pithily states its role as “One of the world’s largest scientific societies and a leading source of authoritative scientific info.”

American Psychological Association (APA): APA’s brand storytelling focuses on the power of psychology to improve people’s lives. Their messaging emphasizes the role that psychologists play in addressing social issues like mental health, education, and diversity. By highlighting the positive impact that psychology can have on society, APA positions itself as a trusted authority on these issues and attract new members and partners. On its LinkedIn and Facebook pages, APA’s mission to advance the creation, communication, and application of psychological knowledge to benefit society and improve people’s lives is well showcased.

These are just a few examples demonstrating how academic societies use brand storytelling to communicate their mission, values, and impact to a broader audience. While not entirely a brand storytelling example, and not even by a research society, Springer’s storytelling initiative Springer Storytellers has some valuable takeaways for research societies to build on. This involves events where personal stories narrated by researchers in front of a live audience. The stories are made available as podcasts or written posts on a website beforetheabstract.com, freely accessible to the public.

To wrap up

Brand storytelling involves sharing the narrative behind a brand and its significance consistently across all communication. It is a powerful tool that can help academic societies build strong relationships with their members and audience, establish their unique identity, and create a competitive advantage in the academic landscape. By highlighting the emotional and practical significance of their work, academic societies can build stronger connections with stakeholders and even inspire young people to pursue careers in these fields.

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Flexibility Around Membership Fees

Budget cuts and limited funding opportunities hit ECRs particularly hard, as they have had less time to build a solid track record than their senior colleagues. Consequently, they prioritize immediate and necessary research-related expenses over society memberships. In response, societies can offer creative and flexible payment solutions for membership fees. For instance, the Society for Social Medicine & Popular Health waives membership fees for the 2^nd year for ECR members. The British Neuroscience Association allows full members (usually tenured researchers) to give membership for free to up to nine members of their research teams.

Support with Childcare Needs

ECRs, the majority of whom are millennials and Generation Z, are more likely to be parents or caregivers of young children than mid-career or senior researchers are. Hence, in 2020 and 2021, ECRs were likely to have been severely impacted by the closures of schools, daycares, etc. Some societies have realized that childcare is a key concern for ECRs who are parents, and have devised strategies to support them accordingly. For example, the American Mathematical Society offers childcare grants to cover daycare or babysitting costs for attendees of its various meetings. Similarly, in a 2022 study, family support grants were found to aid attendance at the American Society for Nutrition’s annual conference among early-career female researchers who are parents. The American Society of Human Genetics allowed attendees at its 2022 conference to bring along their babies below 6 months old.  

Leveraging Social Media Strategically

While email remains an important communication channel, Baby Boomers value it more highly than millennials and Generation Z do. ECRs find social media a powerful tool for sharing their research, finding collaborators, keeping abreast of research developments, and even raising funding. When developing a social media strategy, societies are beginning to go beyond Facebook and Twitter, and look at platforms with high appeal for millennials and Gen Z, such as Instagram, Snapchat, and even TikTok. One example is the American Association for Cancer Research, which uses Snapchat particularly to target younger researchers.

Catering to Networking Needs

ECRs are under pressure to network, but networking opportunities tend to be more accessible to senior researchers. The biggest networking opportunities for academics are conventional in-person academic conferences, which tend to heavily favor the old boys club (older white men). ECRs are looking for relatively low-cost, inclusive opportunities for networking. To meet this need, societies can explore solutions like virtual conferences, online networking events, and mentorship programs that facilitate networking. For instance, The Physiological Society hosted a virtual networking hour dedicated to ECRs.

Offering Leadership Opportunities

Most leadership positions in societies are held by senior researchers, leaving ECRs limited opportunities to contribute to key society policies or decisions. As a consequence, ECRs can feel frustrated and unheard. To resolve this issue, societies can formulate policies to include a judicious mix of senior and younger researchers on various boards and committees. For example, the American Association for Anatomy includes two ECRs in its Board of Directors (both of which are currently women!). The American Society for Plant Biology includes ECRs in several major committees (membership, publications, science policy, etc.) as well as its Council.

Conclusion

In the wake of the Great Resignation in academia, research societies have a role to play in tackling the widespread discontent among researchers at all levels. Given the significant proportion of ECRs in society membership, societies will find it worthwhile to understand and address the needs of this member segment. In the long run, ECR-friendly policies and practices will benefit societies themselves, as they effectively engage with new talent and the lead scientists of the future.

An earlier version of this article was published in February 2022.

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To take advantage of the unique strengths of neurodivergent individuals, it is important for conference planners to offer accommodations that embrace all the diversities of their organizations’ members. Inclusion creates belonging, which allows everyone to feel they have a voice. The inclusion of different perspectives and experiences strengthens creativity and limits groupthink, which enhances the event, increases learning for everyone, and leads to new ideas and opportunities. In addition, embracing diversity empowers the affected individuals, builds communities, and creates ambassadors for the organization.

With all of these advantages, why wouldn’t conference organizers want to accommodate everyone? Making an event neuro-inclusive doesn’t have to be complicated.

Practical tips on making an event/conference neuro-inclusive

Here are a few simple ways conference organizers can make their events more neuro-inclusive.

• Create a safe space: This is the most essential accommodation for planners who want a neuro-inclusive event. Safe spaces are respite areas that are quiet and spacious with dim lighting and no strong smells. For example, the International Communication Association (ICA) designates a quiet room during conferences “for use by attendees requiring a respite from the overstimulation of meeting activities. Please note that this room is not to be used for meetings, conversation, typing correspondence, or phone calls.” Microsoft also makes a quiet space available as part of their events.

• Offer hybrid events: Hybrid events, such as those that provide virtual options, allow individuals to decide how to attend based on their own specific needs and comfort levels. The American Chemical Society (ACS) is offering hybrid and virtual registrations for its spring 2023 conference.

• Create predictability and communicate directly: Neurodivergent individuals frequently prefer predictability over uncertainty. Therefore, according to the Skift Meeting’s article “How to Accommodate Event Attendees With Neurological Needs,” agendas should be clear and include direct language. In addition, signage and venue plans should be highly visible.

• Provide an environment that avoids sensory overstimulation: Loud noise, bright lights and colors, and strong odors can be challenging to neurodiverse individuals. Being aware of this and controlling for it can go a long way in improving the satisfaction of conference attendees. For example, ICA “requests that all participants refrain from wearing strong perfume, cologne, or other fragrances for the benefit of attendees with multiple chemical sensitivities.” Issuing noise-canceling headphones can also help create a comfortable environment for neurodivergent conference attendees.

• Ensure trained staff is available: It is always helpful to have people at the event who understand the needs of neurodivergent individuals. The Neu Project, a global community that began at Google, has published an Event Professional’s Guide to Neuroinclusion that provides a wealth of information about neurodiversity and tips for creating neuro-inclusive events. Becoming familiar with this guide can prepare staff to help all attendees enjoy a productive conference.

With the large number of neurodiverse individuals in the world and especially in scientific research fields, creating inclusive conference environments can only increase the value of those events for everyone. Taking a few simple steps can result in a positive conference experience for participants, sponsors, and organizers.

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