How can primary researchers be compensated for their contributions to research?

Offering grants and scholarships based on an actual defense to know if the candidate is suitable, knowledgeable and insightfull, is to my opinion more valuable than only looking into the school results of the candidate. You don't know the circumstances someone has studied in (eg while working at another job). That also says a lot about someones motivation. The latter is crucial.

Firstly, increasing the availability of grants and scholarships targeted specifically at primary researchers is crucial. This could involve government, private, and international funding bodies expanding their support. Secondly, fostering collaborations with well-funded institutions can provide access to better equipment and infrastructure. Thirdly, implementing policies that recognize and compensate researchers for their contributions, perhaps through royalties or co-ownership of research outcomes, can provide a direct financial incentive. Finally, creating platforms for researchers to showcase their work can attract additional funding and support from various stakeholders.

Eu como pesquisadora primária, vou dar meu contributo pessoal. Tenho muita vontade de melhorar e me tornar uma grande pesquisadora e contribuir com artigos científicos que possam ser uma mais valia para a comunidade científica do meu país e impactar na resolução do problema. Apesar dessa força de vontade e motivação, a limitação de recursos trava a imaginação e o interesse. As bolsas existentes exigem experiência e limitam a idade, sendo mulher, mãe que deu uma paragem no sonho de ser pesquisadora para tomar conta dos filhos pequenos, recomeçar com qualidade nessas condições é difícil e sem fundos pior ainda. Precisa- se repensar na inclusão e capacitação para activar essa paixão nos pesquisadores primários.

Diversifying income sources is indeed a viable strategy for primary researchers facing funding challenges. Publishing in open-access journals that provide monetary rewards can offer direct financial benefits while increasing the visibility of their work. Offering services as consultants, trainers, or mentors can not only generate income but also expand their professional network and skills. Collaborations with other researchers or institutions can lead to shared resources and funding opportunities. These methods not only provide financial support but also enhance the researcher's profile, open new avenues for research, and foster community engagement, thereby creating a more sustainable research environment.

There should be a platform to share negative results. This is nowadays too often kept silent. While it could help many others.

First, enhancing the visibility of their work through diverse dissemination channels, such as international conferences, collaborations with well-known researchers or institutions, and active engagement on professional social media platforms, is crucial. Second, addressing language barriers by providing translation services or publishing in multiple languages can increase accessibility. Third, creating inclusive platforms that specifically highlight and support research from underrepresented regions or groups can mitigate biases. Lastly, encouraging peer support and mentorship can help researchers navigate and overcome prejudices within their field. These steps can collectively strengthen the reputation and impact of primary researchers.

The issue extends beyond compensation; it's about fostering a healthy work culture. Unlike industrial setups, many academic research labs lack a systematic method for tracking team contributions, with no Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to acknowledge them. To ensure fair compensation, transparent appraisal systems need implementation. Even if claimed to exist, their universality, especially in developing nations, is doubtful. This oversight could lead to disputes over intellectual property rights and patents. Establishing a clear system would ensure compensation is based on rights rather than subjective assessment.

There is indeed a lack of recognition when it comes to contributions of primary researchers.The research is highlighted only when it is published in a high impact journal. The research work done might be phenomenal and it might not be published due to financial constraints or language barriers. And research, whether done in academia or industry should be given equal credit. The amount of effort should be appreciated at both vistas.

Attend conferences, if you have results that allow you to tell a story, albeit incomplete. Occasionally, conferences will grant fee waivers, especially if your work has been accepted for an oral presentation. Present seminars at other institutions; while this will often be done free of charge, you can use that to build a network of collaborators that wouldn't be available to you otherwise.

The very simple truth is that most of the research is made for itself, to maintain academic institutions and low-paid jobs. 99% of research does not go from bench to bedside (to use a medical term) in other words does not transform itself in any valuable concrete impact! This is the reason why it is so difficult for researchers to get recognize for their job, it’s something designated to remain confined within academic walls!

Increasing visibility and impact is key for primary researchers seeking recognition. Utilizing social media, blogs, podcasts, and videos offers an effective way to communicate research findings to a wider audience, including non-academic groups. This approach makes research more accessible and engaging, potentially leading to greater public interest and understanding.

Primary researchers can be compensated through various means, addressing the challenge of lack of collaboration. Establishing clear authorship roles and giving due credit in publications are essential. Additionally, financial incentives, such as honorariums or bonuses, can motivate active participation. Offering opportunities for skill development, networking, or authorship in high-impact journals also enhances collaboration. Building a positive and inclusive research culture fosters intrinsic motivation and a sense of belonging. In my experience, acknowledging individual contributions, fostering open communication, and recognizing achievements have proven effective in overcoming collaboration challenges.

Be outgoing and reach out to other researchers. Write to them to ask questions about an article they have published and maybe propose an extension of their work with an idea you may have had, inspired by their work. If you are a junior researcher, try to leave for a postdoc. I recently temporarily left my position for a postdoc with my current supervisor, who had never heard of me before. I had an idea, so I wrote to him and proposed a project where I could learn the techniques he used. Long story short: I had a delightful year and a half of research in Sweden, learned many new calculation methods, and established an international collaboration with a possible participation in yet another exciting project.

I am very thankful to the role my PhD supervisor played in the early stages of my career by encouraging and supporting me and my peers to visit other universities across the globe. With his support I spend time at Purdue University, NIST and University of Houston in the US, University of New South Wales in Australia and at the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore. We also had regular guests from the partner institutes. This is a win-win situation to intensivy collaboration for the institute leader and grow young talent at the same time. Main challenge is to find travel budget, which is easier with an established institute like I had the luck to be part of. Apllying for funding with DAAD and DFG provided additional support.