Scientific Leadership in the 21st Century

Good research practices align with the human factor

The anti-social scientist model, isolated in their research laboratory and oblivious to human, political and economic issues, has been losing ground in the face of social and technological changes. The immense flow of information and knowledge makes it impractical to conduct high-level research based solely on individuality and personal “genius.”

Science is a collective enterprise and, as such, depends on the contribution of different minds, at different times in our history, as the phrase often credited to Isaac Newton: “If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants.” Thus, each new scientific discovery builds on previous findings, and, at this point, perhaps the most significant novelty of our days lies in the fact that the “giants” are on our side, as collaborators and research partners.

Taking this view, it is possible to identify that, more than technical knowledge, high-level research is done by teams and requires interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with professionals with different expertise and experiences. The ability to lead a group of individuals, inspiring and transforming them into a team that generates the desired results, is defined as leadership. The definition of a leader's skills is well known in the corporate world, but it plays a central role in all collaborative endeavors.

Practicing leadership in the scientific environment involves five main points, described by Barry Z. Posner and James M. Kouzes in “The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership.” The authors describe standard leadership practices in different environments and moments in our history in the book. Each of the routines is built by deliberate actions and can be learned and applied in the scientific environment, in a process that requires self-confidence, aspiration, determination, and support.?

1. Being the Model

The position occupied by principal investigators and lab coordinators is naturally seen as an example of career and success by aspiring scientists and collaborators. As leaders, these researchers have the power and responsibility to be role models. This means that research ethics, good interpersonal practices, the search for solutions, and openness to new ideas start with these leaders and are transmitted to the entire team.

2. Inspiring a Vision

The experience gained over the years in the research environment and the dedication to continuous learning makes it possible to develop a broader view of the scientific process. A leader deliberately looks for ways to convey that vision and inspire the team to achieve common goals.

3. Challenging the Process

Science is constantly evolving. In addition to established protocols, doing science means contesting each result and testing different assumptions with a critical view. A leader challenges assumptions and inspires their team to do the same, always aiming to innovate and do quality science to integrate and expand scientific knowledge.

4. Delegating Actions

Leaders recognize their limitations and continually seek to improve their skills and knowledge. No matter how dedicated a scientist is, it is humanly impossible to embrace all available knowledge to control every variable, generate every possible idea, and perform every function. Recognizing the abilities and differences of each team member is essential for distributing activities according to their capabilities.?

5. Encouraging and Recognizing

No one is free from challenging times, whether personally or professionally. The scientific research environment is no exception. Encouraging and recognizing each member's efforts and contribution to the team is crucial. Recognition can generate more commitment and satisfaction in the work environment and, consequently, increase the productivity and achievements of the team.

Integrating the scientific vision into leadership practices is essential, especially in times of uncertainty. As a human and collaborative enterprise, scientific knowledge transforms a society by creating the reality we live. By recognizing the importance of the human factor to the creative process necessary for social and technological development, we insert and connect another point of knowledge in this great network called science.

"Original text in Portuguese published in 2020 in tagciencia.com"