Publication Pressure and Funding Frenzy: Keeping Your Cool in a Competitive Research Landscape

Researchers are perpetually competing to have their findings published, striving to have their findings published quickly to establish priority and to avoid being scooped. The number and quality of one’s publications also determine funding, promotions and awards. This also means that your publications (or lack thereof) could lead to a vicarious (or vicious) cycle. The more the publications, the higher the chances of getting grants! A researcher might even associate their self-worth with the ability to obtain grants and have their papers published.

The need to meet various expectations in academia, such as steadily churning out high-impact publications, securing funding and ensuring presenteeism, can take a toll on one’s mental and emotional state. The significance of mental health in academia extends beyond researchers’ personal happiness and productivity. Researchers must navigate various stressors efficiently to maximise their potential and uphold the quality and integrity of their scientific pursuits.

In this post, we will focus specifically on managing two stressors: securing grants and dealing with publication pressure.

Knocking off pain points in your publication journey

1. Remember that well-begun is half-done

Start by planning your research and publication journey in advance. Create a clear timeline that includes milestones for data handling, manuscript writing and submission. A well-structured plan can reduce last-minute rushes and stress.

2. Find the right match for your paper

Look for credible journals relevant to your field. Read their guidelines and follow them assiduously. Proofread and edit your work; do not miss seeking feedback from colleagues or a professional editor.

3. Handle peer reviewer comments and rejection gracefully

Approach peer reviewer comments with a positive and open mindset. Address each comment professionally and thoroughly. Rejection does not have to mean dejection. Focus on the improving the paper, refining the study and/or finding an alternative journal. Manage a publication pipeline; cater to other research projects or papers while waiting for the review process to conclude for one paper.

Minimising roadblocks in your quest for funding

As if the pressure to publish is not enough, there is also intense competition for research funding! How can you make the process smoother for yourself?

1. Spend time planning and creating your grant proposal

A well-thought-out research proposal will go a long way. Begin by clarifying the purpose of your project, outlining your research goals and significance. The proposal should include a clear title, brief introduction, rationale, institution information, project description, budget estimate and compelling summary. Keep track of submission dates and stick to your deadlines!

2. Find the ideal funding agency

Next, you need to identify potential funding agencies—both public and private—that support research in your field and align with your project’s goals. Narrow down your list based on the scope of your project. Leverage your institution’s resources to identify and communicate with suitable funders. 

In your communication with program officers, specify the grant program you are interested in, and provide a brief overview of your research idea. Engaging with program officers can improve your chances of submitting a successful application to the right funding agency.

Looking for a quick guide to finding the right funding agency? We’ve got you covered:

https://www.cwauthors.com/article/A-Guide-to-Finding-the-Right-Funding-Agency-for-your-Project

3. Be prudent and flexible

Funding can be affected by situations such as economic downturn and budget cuts. Researchers should be able to adapt to funding challenges by seeking innovative solutions and interdisciplinary collaboration. Be open to alternative funders or aligning your proposals with evolving government funding priorities. You can also consider sharing equipment, space or resources with other labs as cost-saving tactics.

Prioritising mental well-being in a hypercompetitive setup

Here are some quick tips for prioritising mental well-being and self-care throughout your academic journey.

1. Celebrate small wins

Maybe your paper was rejected, but hey! That experiment you were working on finally yielded promising results! Or maybe a blog post you wrote sparked some interesting conversations and connections.

2. Don’t compare

Every researcher is on their own journey. Rather than envying others’ success rates, be inspired by them and try to carve out your own path, striving for excellence as defined by you.

3. Seek out support networks 

Connect with others who understand the challenges and triumphs of academic work. A sense of belonging can provide emotional support during the ups and downs of your research and publication journey.

4. Take time out for positive experiences and activities

Work towards a healthy and realistic work–life balance, and take regular breaks. Set aside time for stress reduction activities and mindfulness practices.

Here are some go-to tips for managing your mental health as a PhD student

https://www.cwauthors.com/article/managing-your-mental-health-as-a-phd-student

An inspiring example: From rejections to a Nobel Prize

With the buzz around the recent 2023 Nobel Prize announcements, I think it is opportune to wind up with the inspiring story of Katalin Karikó. Did you know that Karikó faced multiple setbacks in her career, including a demotion, because her grant applications kept getting rejected? In fact, her seminal paper was desk-rejected by Nature, and even rejected by Science and Cell! (It was finally published in a lesser-known journal, Immunity.) The pushback from funders and journals might have temporarily dampened her spirits, but she continued her work, undeterred. Fast forward to 2023, Karikó won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine with her colleague Drew Weissman!

So, if your paper or grant proposal is turned down, focus your thoughts and energies on ‘What next?’ and ‘What can I do better?’ instead of giving up!

Closing thoughts

A researcher’s journey is arduous, but by planning, preparing and maintaining a positive attitude, you can reduce stress and increase the likelihood of your manuscript or proposal being accepted. While many acknowledge that the traditional parameters defining a successful researcher need to change, until that happens, I hope these tips and stories help you thrive as a researcher despite funding and publishing pressures!

Hear some thoughts on how researcher wellbeing is essential for researcher success in this webinar:

https://www.cwauthors.com/article/webinar-importance-of-researcher-wellbeing-for-researcher-success