An Open Letter to Scientific Researchers

Dear scientists of humanity,

Across all disciplines, institutions, and borders, you share a common noble purpose: to expand the boundaries of human knowledge. The work you do matters. It matters to every human on our planet, and to all those who will live in the countless future generations. Humanity is better off when scientific knowledge grows.

But there is something just as important that is often overlooked: humanity is also better off when the people doing the science grow, too. The strength of research does not come solely from the methods, data, or results achieved. It also comes from the mindset with which the work is done. Research thrives when curiosity and compassion outweigh ego, when questions are welcomed as much as answers, and when disagreements spark new ideas rather than diminishing people.

Your mindset and the way you treat your peers have compounding effects on your research and scientific progress. Every interaction is an opportunity to build trust and combine knowledge to reach greater heights. Prioritize curiosity over competition when working with your peers. Remember that the goal is to get closer to the truth, not to “win” a discussion or push your ideas to the forefront. Practice active listening by really considering your peers’ words; don’t ignore them while rushing to come up with something in response.

No matter what, give respect by default. Your peers, your students, your mentors — everyone you work with — all deserve respect; they do not need to “earn” it first.

Research is challenging. Sometimes there are major breakthroughs, but incremental discoveries and the frequent failures of hypotheses are much more common. In the face of setbacks and difficulties, the true measure of a scientist is how they respond.

Practice a growth mindset and maintain intellectual humility. Nobody has all the answers; ask questions when you don’t understand something, and exercise compassion when offering suggestions and feedback. Remember that every question answered, no matter how small, is a step forward for scientific progress.

Be accountable for your decisions. We are all human; everybody at every level of experience will make mistakes. Failure gives the greatest opportunity for growth. When a mistake is made, be compassionate to yourself, and be compassionate to your peers.

The scientists who make the greatest progress for humanity are not just brilliant; they are collaborative. Your impact is shaped in equal parts by your ideas and how well you work with others. Let knowledge advance, even if it wasn’t your idea. Be a mentor to others. Respect your peers, and they will respect you in return.

A call to action: take some time today to reflect on how you treat the people in your professional life. Find something to improve, and try it out. You’ll find just how much more enjoyable and meaningful your work can be if you adopt and support this mindset where you work.

The future of science will not be defined only by its discoveries, but by how we pursue them — and the people we become in the process.

With respect,

Your fellow humans

If you are a scientific researcher and wish to help advocate for this mindset shift, please feel free to submit suggestions and changes to this open letter (or other parts of this website) on our GitHub repository.

Additionally, please feel free to reach out at contact@labhole.fyi.