Are You a Researcher by Profession or for the Profession?

I recently had a conversation with a friend of mine who is a lawyer, and he shared a quote that resonated with me, not just in the context of law but also in other professions, particularly research. The quote emphasized that "all lawyers are lifelong students of law, and to become a successful lawyer takes years—only a few succeed." A lawyer's role is not just about winning cases or fighting for their clients. Rather, it’s about serving justice, rising above personal biases and conflicts of interest, and ensuring that justice is achieved without being influenced by external forces. This profound idea got me thinking about how it applies to researchers and the true essence of research as a profession.

Lifelong Learning: A Principle for Every Profession

There is a common saying that applies across professions: lifelong learning is essential. In a world that is constantly changing, we must adapt and evolve to stay relevant. This is particularly true for researchers. The idea of continuous learning is not just a principle to follow—it is a necessity. As researchers, we are tasked with exploring uncharted territories and solving complex problems, which requires us to constantly update our knowledge and skills. But the real question is: Why are we doing research?

The True Purpose of Research

Being a researcher is not about publishing papers, writing funding applications, or being a mentor or supervisor. It’s not about accolades, recognition, or financial gain. Research, in its truest form, is a long and often challenging journey that involves engaging with topics that are critical to society. A researcher’s mission is to understand and make those topics accessible, without distortion or hidden agendas.

Research is not for the benefit of a company, a nation, or even the world. It is for the pursuit of knowledge. It is about making complex topics understandable to society in a meaningful way. If your motivation as a researcher comes from the desire for external rewards—whether it’s recognition, career advancement, or social approval—you might find success, but you are not fulfilling the true role of a researcher. Research should be driven by the search for truth, not by what others may think or how it benefits you personally.

Are You a Researcher by Profession or for the Profession?

Let’s consider an analogy: a movie director. If a director is making a film simply to meet demand, earn money, or please an audience, they are working for external reasons. They are doing their job as a director, but their motivation is not tied to the art of storytelling or conveying a message. However, if the director’s aim is to communicate a message or tell a meaningful story, then they are working for the art of cinema itself. In this case, the movie is not just a product—it’s a means of expressing something greater.

In research, this distinction is crucial. Many people conduct research as part of their job. They go through the motions, gather data, write reports, and publish papers because it’s what their position demands. In this scenario, research is a means to an end, a byproduct of employment. They are researchers by profession.

But there is a profound difference between being a researcher by profession and being a researcher for the profession. In the first case, research is simply a job, something to be done in exchange for a paycheck or career advancement. The output—papers, reports, and results—is secondary to the primary goal, which is personal benefit. In the second case, research itself is the main pursuit. The knowledge, discoveries, and contributions to the field are the primary objectives, while the job and financial compensation are secondary. This is the researcher who works for the profession, not just in it.

What Does It Mean to Be a True Researcher?

The true researcher is not driven by external motivations like fame, recognition, or money. They are driven by an insatiable curiosity, a desire to understand the world and contribute something meaningful to society. This type of researcher views their work as more than just a job—it’s a calling. Their focus is not on the immediate rewards or the applause of their peers, but on the long-term impact of their research. They are motivated by the questions they seek to answer, by the truths they hope to uncover, and by the knowledge they wish to share.

To be a true researcher is to be constantly questioning, learning, and evolving. It is to put the pursuit of knowledge above all else, even when that pursuit is difficult or when it doesn’t lead to immediate recognition or reward. It’s about dedication to the profession itself, not the external benefits that may come with it.

Ask Yourself, Why Are You Doing Research?

In my view, the key to determining whether you are a researcher by profession or for the profession is to ask yourself: Why are you doing research? Are you doing it because it’s your job, something that pays the bills and allows you to move up the career ladder? Or are you doing it because you are driven by a passion for discovery, by a desire to contribute something meaningful to the world of knowledge?

The answer to this question will tell you whether you are a researcher for the sake of the profession, or whether you are simply doing research as part of your job. There is nothing inherently wrong with either path, but it’s important to recognize the difference. True researchers are the ones who will shape the future of their fields, not because they have to, but because they are driven by an internal motivation to pursue the truth and share it with the world