Academics Should Reflect on Why We Do Research

Tessa Chen, University of Dayton

May 25, 2025

In daily life, I often notice that people tend to associate academic degrees with personal virtue. But this belief is, in fact, a kind of bias. A person who excels at studying or research is not necessarily of better character. Equating intellectual ability with moral quality is not only inaccurate but can also lead to misunderstandings and misplaced expectations in real-world interactions.

Another common issue within academia is the overemphasis on research outcomes. It's as if publishing in certain journals or amassing a high paper count somehow determines a scholar’s worth. However, we know that peer review is far from perfect. Even double-blind review systems are not immune to bias - sometimes, a specific theoretical trend is favored, and other times, certain methods are viewed with suspicion. These uncontrollable factors make "where something is published" an unstable, and at times distorted, indicator of value.

So, as academics, we must ask ourselves: why do we do research?

To me, research is a form of personal fulfillment - an act of intellectual joy. The process of wrestling with a question, constructing a model, or proving a result - being stuck for days, trying everything, and finally arriving at a breakthrough - is what makes academic life meaningful. Whether the work gets cited, whether others understand it, or whether it appears in a high-impact journal, those are secondary. The true value of research should not, and need not, be judged immediately by others. Some contributions may only be appreciated decades later, if ever.

Moreover, research is not the only role we play in academia. Faculty responsibilities include teaching, research, and service. Some scholars excel in research, while others dedicate their energy to thoughtful teaching, academic advising, or administrative leadership. These efforts require just as much professionalism, care, and commitment. It is unfair to measure someone’s academic contribution by publication count alone. Personally, I deeply appreciate my colleagues who are willing to take on the service responsibilities that I may not be as interested in; our collective efforts keep the academic system running. 

Let me be clear: not everyone needs to continue doing research after earning tenure. If a faculty member devotes time to preparing engaging lectures, guiding students through career and life decisions, or contributing meaningfully to institutional service, that deserves respect. Conversely, when someone publishes papers merely to meet performance metrics, without interest or curiosity, then the research loses its soul.

Time and energy are finite. A healthy academic environment should allow each individual to pursue a path that aligns with their strengths and passions, whether in research, teaching, or service. Such diversity is what sustains a vibrant academic ecosystem.

Ultimately, every academic should pause and ask: Why am I doing research? 

Is it for prestige? Promotion? Social pressure? Or is it truly driven by curiosity and a desire to explore the unknown? After all, life is short, and we ought to "waste" our time on things we genuinely find beautiful. 

These are merely personal reflections. 😊