A global mental health crisis has been identified among researchers, with depression and anxiety particularly prevalent among early-career academics. In response, grassroots initiatives have emerged, and organizations like Dragonfly Mental Health are working to challenge the toxic culture of research and provide evidence-based mental health services to academics worldwide.
Forecast for 6 months: Expect a significant increase in the number of research institutions offering mental health services to their staff, with a focus on early-career researchers. This will be driven by growing awareness of the issue and the need for proactive support.
Forecast for 1 year: Within the next 12 months, we can expect to see the establishment of a global network of mental health professionals working specifically with academics. This will facilitate the sharing of best practices and the development of more effective support systems.
Forecast for 5 years: By 2029, the culture of research is expected to undergo a significant shift, with a greater emphasis on well-being and mental health. This will be reflected in changes to the way research is funded, with a greater focus on supporting researchers’ mental health and well-being.
Forecast for 10 years: Within the next decade, mental health will become a core aspect of academic culture, with researchers and institutions prioritizing well-being and mental health alongside traditional measures of success. This will lead to a significant reduction in the mental health crisis affecting academics worldwide.
