Nishant Raj Kapoor

Central Building Research Institute | CBRI · Architecture and Planning Division (CBRI)

Scientific research is a cornerstone of national development, contributing to technological advancements, economic growth, and societal well-being. However, in developing countries like India, low research funding and limited opportunities pose significant challenges. Despite being a global leader in several fields, India spends only about 0.7% of its GDP on research and development (R&D), compared to over 2% in developed nations like the US and Germany. This gap underscores the urgent need to identify barriers and propose actionable solutions to enhance research productivity in developing economies.

Inadequate funding restricts innovation and limits the ability to compete globally. Researchers in India often face challenges such as:

While developed nations thrive on government-industry-academia partnerships, these remain underexplored in developing countries. Comparing global best practices can provide insights into bridging the gap. We would greatly appreciate your perspective on this matter. Contributions from researchers across diverse backgrounds, including those from developed nations, will be especially valuable in enriching this discussion.

The notion that a mental health crisis is affecting the scientific community due to a toxic research culture has gained increasing attention in recent years. Numerous studies, articles, and anecdotal reports have highlighted the challenges and pressures faced by researchers, scientists, and academics that may contribute to mental health issues. While it's essential to recognize the valuable contributions of scientific research, it's equally important to address the systemic issues that may be taking a toll on the well-being of those involved.

Several factors contribute to the perception of a toxic research culture:

1. Publish or Perish Mentality: The pressure to constantly publish research papers to secure funding, promotions, and tenure can create a high-stakes environment. Researchers may feel compelled to prioritize quantity over quality, leading to stress and burnout.

2.Competitive Environment: The scientific community is often competitive, with researchers vying for limited resources, recognition, and career opportunities. This can fos ter a cutthroat culture that may negatively impact mental health.

3.Long Working Hours: Research is notorious for long working hours, including nights and weekends. The expectation to be constantly available and productive can contribute to ex haustion and a poor work-life balance.

4. Inadequate Support Systems: Limited institutional support, inadequate mentorship, and a lack of resources for mental health services can leave researchers feeling isolated and unsupported.

5. Job Insecurity: Short-term contracts, lack of job security, and the uncertainty associated with academic careers can create anxiety and stress for researchers.

6. Pressure to Secure Funding: The need to secure external funding to sustain research projects adds another layer of stress. Constant grant writing and the fear of funding cuts can be mentally taxing.

Addressing these issues requires systemic changes in the academic and research culture. Institutions, funding agencies, and the scientific community as a whole can take steps to promote a healthier research environment:

-> Promote Work-Life Balance

-> Revise Evaluation Criteria

-> Provide Mental Health Resources

-> Improve Job Security

-> Promote a Collaborative Culture

By addressing these issues, the scientific/academic community can work towards creating a more sustainable and supportive environment that prioritizes both scientific excellence and the well-being of researchers/scholars.

Apart from above (-> bullet points) what are your views on the topic and what you face or demand to pursue a healthy, sustainable and good research. Please share your views, case, problems, solutions, experience, guidance, recommendations, etc…

The choice between a postdoc and a research scientist position depends on an individual's career goals. If someone aims to pursue an academic career, a postdoc is often a necessary step. If the goal is to focus on applied research, industry, or a more independent research position, a research scientist role may be more suitable. Please share your perspectives on this topic...

How we can use this techniques as a researcher... if anyone know about it, please share their knowledge and experiences...

Indoor environmental parameters such as air quality, lighting, temperature, and noise levels affect overall well-being of occupants. Which indoor environmental factors do you believe have the most significant impact on our health and well-being in buildings? Let's discuss how we can create healthier indoor spaces for everyone. #IndoorHealth #BuildingWellness

To help new generation to face the challenges by working on it prior than it happens in real.