'Slow Science' in a Post-Pandemic World

There is an increasing recognition that the academic pressure to “publish or perish” is detrimental not only to the quality of science but also to the well-being of scientists. In the wake of the pandemic, in a 2023 Nature survey, 75% of researchers said they had dialed back their work efforts since March 2020, with the majority listing burn-out as the reason. Suggestions abound on how to solve this problem, with the most radical being to restrict the number of grants held, and articles published per researcher (Frith, TICS 2020).

This panel explores what ‘Slow Science’ might look like for Social and Personality Science. Panelists include Cindy Pickett, President-Elect of SPSP and an expert in Diversity and Inclusion, and academics of different career stages, ranging from PhD level to senior scientists involved in university administration and leadership.

Through discussion with audience participation, the goal is to encourage attendees to reflect on if, and how, ‘Slow Science’ may be feasible for their own work (or not). We also consider how such a move could be supported by professional organizations and scientific gatekeepers such as journal editors and funding bodies.

Panelists

• Cynthia Pickett, Presidential Associate for Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
• Berna Devezer, Associate Professor of Marketing, University of Idaho
• Emily Falk, Associate Professor, University of Pennsylvania
• Carina Hoerst, Behavioural Scientist, UK Health Security Agency
• Simone Schnall, Professor of Experimental Social Psychology, University of Cambridge