Cultural Research Research Articles

Research Ideologies among Legal Scholars and Multidisciplinary and Interdisciplinary Academic Research Approaches

This article explores the dichotomy between traditional research methodologies and modern multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches within the academic legal community in Nigeria. While disciplines such as pure science, social science, education, and arts have embraced collaborative research strategies to address complex issues, legal scholars predominantly adhere to the doctrinal style. This adherence creates a significant challenge in achieving consensus on research methodologies, data sources, and analytical techniques. The study highlights the reluctance of legal scholars and regulatory bodies like NALT to recognize the value of integrating diverse academic perspectives. By examining the current research ideologies among legal scholars, the article underscores the need for a unified approach to academic research that bridges the gap between traditional legal research and collaborative methodologies, ultimately enhancing the scope and impact of scholarly inquiry in the legal field. The research employs a qualitative design, utilizing interviews and surveys with legal students, scholars, educators, and regulatory body members to gather in-depth insights into their research practices and attitudes. Based on the findings, the article recommends promoting awareness and education on the benefits of multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research, fostering a more inclusive research culture, encouraging regulatory bodies to endorse and support collaborative research initiatives within the legal academic community and develop a Okuma-NC (hybrid) research methodology and citation formula integrating aspects of OSCOLA, NALT, and APA, enabling seamless application in socio-legal, scientific, multidisciplinary, and interdisciplinary research within legal contexts.

A scoping review on what constitutes a good research culture

Background The crisis in research culture is well documented, covering issues such as a tendency for quantity over quality, unhealthy competitive environments, and assessment based on publications, journal prestige and funding. In response, research institutions need to assess their own practices to promote and advocate for change in the current research ecosystem. The purpose of the scoping review was to explore ‘What does the evidence say about the ‘problem’ with ‘poor’ research culture, what are the benefits of ‘good’ research culture, and what does ‘good’ look like?’ Aims To examine the peer-reviewed and grey literature to explore the interplay between research culture, open research, career paths, recognition and rewards, and equality, diversity, and inclusion, as part of a larger programme of activity for a research institution. Methods A scoping review was undertaken. Six databases were searched along with grey literature. Eligible literature had relevance to academic research institutions, addressed research culture, and were published between January 2017 to May 2022. Evidence was mapped and themed to specific categories. The search strategy, screening and analysis took place between April-May 2022. Results 1666 titles and abstracts, and 924 full text articles were assessed for eligibility. Of these, 253 articles met the eligibility criteria for inclusion. A purposive sampling of relevant websites was drawn from to complement the review, resulting in 102 records included in the review. Key areas for consideration were identified across the four themes of job security, wellbeing and equality of opportunity, teamwork and interdisciplinary, and research quality and accountability. Conclusions There are opportunities for research institutions to improve their own practice, however institutional solutions cannot act in isolation. Research institutions and research funders need to work together to build a more sustainable and inclusive research culture that is diverse in nature and supports individuals’ well-being, career progression and performance.

Transforming Toxic Research Cultures: Protecting the Future of Medical Students and Early Career Researchers – Part I

Have you ever felt your passion for research slowly erode under the weight of unfair practices and relentless pressure to publish? Or been denied authorship credit for work you tirelessly contributed to? If so, you are not alone. This is the harsh reality for many medical students and early career researchers trapped in a “toxic research culture.” This hidden crisis undermines the integrity of medical research and jeopardizes the well-being and career prospects of those eager to advance science. Despite its prevalence, this issue remains shrouded in silence, propagating cycles of harm and hampering scientific progress. This editorial explores the evolution of medical research culture, defines the harmful practices that constitute a toxic environment, and highlights the vulnerability of junior researchers to such practices. Manifestations of toxicity, including bullying, harassment, and unethical authorship practices, are analyzed along with their detrimental impacts on mental health. Current policies and strategies for promoting a healthier research environment are discussed. We highlight the urgent need for reforms, including the promotion of whistleblowing without fear, diversifying leadership, revising evaluation criteria, and implementing educational interventions on research ethics as a preventive measure. Additionally, we explore the impact of fake mentors within academia, advising vigilance against individuals who exploit their roles for personal agendas rather than genuine mentorship. Through a call to action, we urge stakeholders and institutions to safeguard junior researchers and uphold the integrity of scientific research. IJMS plays a crucial role in this transformation by promoting mentorship, ethical practices, and accessible research.

From selfish silo to collaborative culture – embracing data-enabled cancer research

From selfish silo to collaborative culture – embracing data-enabled cancer research Aedin Culhane and Mark Lawler, Co-Leads of the eHealth Hub for Cancer, reflect on their data-enabled cancer research journeys, how their collaborative team science approach has reaped significant dividends in cancer research and policy and how the hub is inducing a paradigm shift in how health data are deployed on the island of Ireland. An article in The Wall Street Journal (not the normal reading material for scientists) in 2011 highlighted a new approach to performing scientific research that was gaining significant credence at the time. Entitled ‘The New Einsteins Will Be Scientists Who Share’ (with the strapline ‘From cancer to cosmology, researchers could race ahead by working together – online and in the open’), the article presaged an unprecedented change in how scientists interact with each other, ushering in a culture of collaboration and cross-disciplinary research. Nowhere was this change more obvious than in the genomics and data science community, where a bottom-up movement led to the creation of the Global Alliance for Genomics and Health (GA4GH), bringing together researchers from around the world to work together to address some of human health’s greatest challenges through the deployment of data and data tools.

Strengthening a culture of research dissemination: A narrative report of research day at King Faisal Hospital Rwanda, a tertiary-level teaching hospital in Rwanda

BackgroundThere are significant gaps in research output and authorship in low- and middle-income countries. Research dissemination events have the potential to help bridge this gap through knowledge transfer, institutional collaboration, and stakeholder engagement. These events may also have an impact on both clinical service delivery and policy development. King Faisal Hospital Rwanda (KFH) is a tertiary-level teaching hospital located in Kigali, Rwanda. To strengthen its research dissemination, KFH conducted an inaugural Research Day (RD) to disseminate its research activities, recognize staff and student researchers at KFH, define a research agenda for the hospital, and promote a culture of research both at KFH and in Rwanda.MethodsRD was coordinated by an interdisciplinary committee of clinical and non-clinical staff at KFH. Researchers were encouraged to disseminate their research across all disciplines. s were blind reviewed using a weighted rubric and ranked by overall score. Top researchers were also awarded and recognized for their work, and equity and inclusion was at the forefront of RD programming.ResultsRD had over 100 attendees from KFH and other public, private, and academic institutions. Forty-seven abstracts were submitted from the call for abstracts, with the highest proportion studying cancer (17.02%) and sexual and reproductive health (10.64%). Thirty-seven researchers submitted abstracts, and most of the principal investigators were medical doctors (35.14%), allied health professionals (27.03%), and nurses and midwives (16.22%). Furthermore, 30% of principal investigators were female, with the highest proportion of them being nurses and midwives (36.36%).ConclusionRD is an effective way to disseminate research in a hospital setting. RD has the potential to strengthen the institution’s research agenda, engage the community in ongoing projects, and provide content-area support to researchers. Equity and inclusion should be at the forefront of research dissemination, including gender equity, authorship representation, and the inclusion of interdisciplinary health professionals. Stakeholder engagement can also be utilized to strengthen institutional research collaboration for greater impact.

Enabling interdisciplinary research capacity for sustainable development: self-evaluation of the Blue Communities project in the UK and Southeast Asia.

Global challenges such as climate change, food security and human health and well-being disproportionately impact people from low-income countries. These challenges are complex and require an international and transdisciplinary approach to research, with research skills and expertise from different disciplines, sectors and regions. In addressing this, a key goal of the research project, Blue Communities, was to create and expand mutual interdisciplinary capacity of both United Kingdom and Southeast Asian Partners. An existing questionnaire on research capacity was uniquely adapted to include interdisciplinary and international aspects and distributed for the first time as an online survey to the participants of the Blue Communities project comprising researchers across all career stages. Participants were asked about their perceptions of the research capacity and culture of their organisation, team and self and whether they believed any aspects have changed since their involvement with the project. Greatest improvement was seen at the self-level where results indicated a positive relationship between an individual's current success or skill and their improvement over the course of the research project across 18 out of 22 aspects of research capacity for Southeast Asian, and two for UK respondents. The conflict between achieving research aims, building research capacity and making societal impact was evident. Institutional support is required to value these core aspects of interdisciplinary research.

‘Inter-ideologicality’ in intercultural communication education: co-constructing criticality around the concept of culture in international online student mobility

The world has been experiencing huge upheavals since the COVID-19 crises. Conflicts caused by opposing ideologies, economic-political agendas and realities are rampant within or across borders. Such unsteady circumstances contribute to shifting how Transnational Education (TNE) occurs worldwide, as well as the scientific, epistemic and educational discourses that go with it. Anchored within critical interculturality, this paper explores the concept of ‘inter-ideologicality’. The study looks at short-term online international student mobility to demonstrate how students from China and Finland navigate and negotiate ideologies around the concept of culture in intercultural research and education. The study also employs Wang Chong’s perspectives on criticality to identify emerging ideologies in the co-construction of criticality in students’ online cooperation. Findings reveal that (1) two ideological orientations, nation-oriented and society-oriented, developed during discussions about culture; (2) Finnish students used a specific form of reasoning to contradict Chinese students’ thoughts about Finland by means of criticality towards the nation-oriented ideology; (3) Chinese and Finnish students employed questioning and challenging to help each other be aware of something left unsaid about the status of women in their societies within the society-oriented ideology. The study represents an important meta-approach to intercultural communication education within internationalization of Higher Education, aimed at supporting mobile students to reflect critically on the scientific and educational notion of interculturality rather than providing them with ready-made recipes as to how to communicate and behave interculturally.

Pre-implementation context and implementation approach for a nursing and midwifery clinician researcher career pathway: A qualitative study.

To describe the pre-implementation context and implementation approach, for a clinician researcher career pathway. Clinician researchers across all health disciplines are emerging to radically influence practice change and improve patient outcomes. Yet, to date, there are limited clinician researcher career pathways embedded in clinical practice for nurses and midwives. A qualitative descriptive design was used. Data were collected from four online focus groups and four interviews of health consumers, nursing and midwifery clinicians, and nursing unit managers (N = 20) between July 2022 and September 2023. Thematic and content analysis identified themes/categories relating to: Research in health professionals' roles and nursing and midwifery, and Research activity and culture (context); with implementation approaches within coherence, cognitive participation, collective action and reflexive monitoring (Normalization Process Theory). The Pathway was perceived to meet organizational objectives with the potential to create significant cultural change in nursing and midwifery. Backfilling of protected research time was essential. The Pathway was seen as an instrument to empower staff, foster staff retention and extend research opportunities to every nurse and midwife, while improving patient experiences and outcomes. Clinicians, consumers and managers fully supported the implementation of clinician researchers with this Pathway. The Pathway could engage all clinicians in evidence-based practice with a clinician researcher leader, effect practice change with colleagues and enhance patient outcomes. This study adheres to relevant EQUATOR guidelines using the COREG checklist. Health consumers involved in this research as participants, did not contribute to the design or conduct of the study, analysis or interpretation of the data, or in the preparation of the manuscript.

Advancing Global Research Equity: Strengthening Scientific Output in Middle-Income Economies

The developments in science and technology have gone through several milestones in society and can be traced back to the 1700s: The first industrial revolution during which the biggest changes came in industries in the form of mechanization marked by inventions such as the steam engine; the second industrial revolution during which the emergence of new sources of energy—electricity, gas, and oil took place leading to inventions such as the internal combustion engine; the third industrial revolution which saw the rise in electronics, telecommunications and computers, opening the doors to space expeditions and research creating an era of a high level of automation and, the fourth industrial revolution, a phase that we are currently going through is an Internet-based world of virtual reality, in which the boundaries of the physical, digital and the biological worlds overlap. Our society has become a part of these evolutionary phases and as scientists, we have been sharing the advancement of knowledge during our formal teaching and creating new knowledge through research at universities and other research organizations. Along with teaching and research, stakeholder awareness as well as identification and implementation of appropriate policy changes in Science & Technology are key in contributing to economic and social progression. The process of transforming scientific research outcomes into viable technologies and innovative solutions is complex and necessitates dedicated focus. Increasing sociopolitical pressure directs us to translate our research into products and services. However, it is well known that not all knowledge generated through research leads to innovations. Nevertheless, for the basis for innovations to be formed, a strong culture of research is required. Although our findings through applied research should be effectively translated and commercialized where possible, fundamental research should not be forgotten but encouraged. It is the quest to find the fundamental particles by scientists at CERN, that led Sir Tim Berners-Lee, to create the Internet-based World Wide Web for information sharing, considered to be one of the greatest inventions of all time. The development and deployment of the James Webb Space Telescope, designed to probe the origins and evolution of the universe, has catalyzed a multitude of groundbreaking innovations. This endeavor has not only advanced our knowledge in astrophysics but also yielded significant technological spillovers, including novel materials and cutting-edge technologies with broad applications beneficial to society at large. The consistent dissemination of research findings in scholarly journals is an important aspect of a strong research culture. The research output of a country is often seen as an indicator of the economic advancement of a country. A study conducted recently by the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics USA (https://ncses.nsf.gov), indicates a steady rise in the research output of every country, but a clear demarcation in the output levels between countries of high, middle and low-income economies as shown in the figure.

Bridging the cultures of research and practice: The global evolution of Sesame Street’s playful problem-solving curriculum

ABSTRACT Traditionally, theory and practice are treated as separate silos when designing educational media, or at best, as theory informing practice in a one-way relationship. The relationship between theory and practice, however, is most productive when seen as reciprocal, existing in an iterative relationship with each influencing the other in turn. This paper reflects on the Sesame Street production and research described earlier in this special section, drawing lessons and implications for future theory and research. Implications are also drawn for future productions of Sesame Street and its international co-productions, extensions into ancillary media, and, more broadly, educational media in general, informed by a global advisory panel and the development of a global theoretical framework for future multiplatform content creation. Beyond informing Sesame Workshop’s approach to creativity and playful problem solving, this paper offers a model for media makers seeking to bridge the research-practice gap.

Addressing the intensity of rehabilitation evidence-practice gap: rapid review, stakeholder perspectives and recommendations for upper limb rehabilitation after acquired brain injury

Background/Aims For people living with acquired brain injury from stroke or trauma, clinical practice guidelines recommend high-intensity physical rehabilitation to optimise motor outcomes. There is an acknowledged evidence–practice gap between routine clinical practice and the amount, intensity and type of active upper limb rehabilitation recommended in research-informed guidelines. The aims of this study were to identify methods used to facilitate high doses of upper limb practice in published trials, understand stakeholder perspectives of the barriers and enablers to these methods in hospital settings, and to synthesise findings to form an evidence-based action plan for rehabilitation professionals, service providers and adults living with an acquired brain injury. Methods A rapid systematic literature review and a series of qualitative interviews with service users and rehabilitation clinicians explored the evidence on intensity and the experience of high intensity rehabilitation following brain injury and stroke. Triangulating this mixed method evidence, recommendations were generated on how to increase upper limb rehabilitation intensity during inpatient therapy. Results There was consensus in the literature that high-dose motor training improves a person's ability to move their hand and arm after brain injury and stroke. Trials mostly delivered therapy programmes as a replacement to usual care; however, it was unclear how high-intensity therapy was integrated into usual rehabilitation. Methods employed to increase the intensity of upper limb rehabilitation included strategies to optimise engagement (eg encourage independent practice and more practice); clinician-related processes (eg self-auditing, use of groups); environmental factors (eg equipment, dedicated space); and organisational influences (eg professional development, dedicated research positions and mentoring). Qualitative data showed that barriers and facilitators stem from service user factors (eg cognitive ability, advanced age, cultural mores) as well as clinician factors (eg quality of the therapeutic relationship, type and quality of therapist instructions). Organisational factors such as a strong research culture and a commitment to evidence-based practice positively influenced outcomes. Conclusions There is capacity to increase the intensity of upper limb rehabilitation by optimising organisational support and systems, as well as greater service user engagement in therapy processes. Implications for practice Rehabilitation clinicians have long understood that dose is a critical component of motor training. Findings may assist with structuring upper limb rehabilitation programs and addressing clinician factors to increase the intensity of therapy.

Peer Learning and Research Culture Within Student Organizations in Engineering: Students' Perceptions

Peer Learning and Research Culture Within Student Organizations in Engineering: Students' Perceptions

Genomic and metagenomic analyses of the domestic mite Tyrophagus putrescentiae identify it as a widespread environmental contaminant and a host of a basal, mite-specific Wolbachia lineage (supergroup Q)

Tyrophagus putrescentiae (mould mite) is a global, microscopic trophic generalist that commonly occurs in various human-created habitats, causing allergies and damaging stored food. Its ubiquity and extraordinary ability to penetrate research samples or cultures through air currents or by active walking through tights spaces (such as treads of screw caps) may lead to sample contamination and introduction of its DNA to research materials in the laboratory. This prompts a thorough investigation into potential sequence contamination in public genomic databases. The trophic success of T. putrescentiae is primarily attributed to the symbiotic bacteria housed in specialized internal mite structures, facilitating adaptation to varied nutritional niches. However, recent work suggests that horizontal transfer of bacterial/fungal genes related to nutritional functionality may also contribute to the mite’s trophic versatility. This aspect requires independent confirmation. Additionally, T. putrescentiae harbors an uncharacterized and genetically divergent bacterium, Wolbachia, displaying blocking and microbiome-modifying effects. The phylogenomic position and supergroup assignment of this bacterium are unknown. Here, we sequenced and assembled the T. putrescentiae genome, analyzed its microbiome, and performed detailed phylogenomic analyses of the mite-specific Wolbachia. We show that T. putrescentiae DNA is a substantial source of contamination of research samples. Its DNA may inadvertently be co-extracted with the DNA of the target organism, eventually leading to sequence contamination in public databases. We identified a diversity of bacterial species associated with T. putrescentiae, including those capable of rapidly developing antibiotic resistance, such as Escherichia coli. Despite the presence of diverse bacterial communities in T. putrescentiae, we did not detect any recent horizontal gene transfers in this mite species and/or in astigmatid (domestic) mites in general. Our phylogenomic analysis of Wolbachia recovered a basal, mite-specific lineage (supergroup Q) represented by two Wolbachia spp. from the mould mite and a gall-inducing plant mite. Fluorescence in situ hybridization confirmed the presence of Wolbachia inside the mould mite. The discovery of an early derivative Wolbachia lineage (supergroup Q) in two phylogenetically unrelated and ecologically dissimilar mites suggests that this endosymbiotic bacterial lineage formed a long-term association with mites. This finding provides a unique insight into the early evolution and host associations of Wolbachia. Further discoveries of Wolbachia diversity in acariform mites are anticipated.

Adopting Optimal Statistical Practices: Applied Researchers.

In keeping with this year's focus on how we might foster a culture of research that values and consistently adopts optimal statistical practices, this column entry highlights practices our applied researchers can take up that may help remedy the gap between recommended statistical practices and implementation. This installment specifically encourages increasing the transparency of analyses, teaming up with colleagues with quantitative expertise, and disseminating resources that highlight optimal practices. [J Nurs Educ. 2024;63(7):490-491.].

Research University Program Development in Indonesian Islamic Higher Education: Strategic Management Perspective

This article aims to emphasise the contestation of higher education that was increasingly competitive, and even tending to be high disrupted competition in Indonesia by the lack of creativity in managing institutional strategies as well as in research culture. <em>This qualitative research used in-depth interview, observation and documentation supported by the interactive analytical approach which consists of condensing data, presenting data and drawing conclusions with involving 7 informants from institutional leaders, lecturers and students. This study confirmed that UII Yogyakarta with its well-managed research program strategic management design, is increasingly able to deliver quality and competitive Islamic university with distinctive institutional excellences, both at the national and international levels, such as: the development of a creative economy industry based on entrepreneurship that is globally competitive; virtual environment development for education, government, and on so on. Therefore, UII Yogyakarta has higher competitiveness at the global level which can be an good example of quality research development for Indonesian Islamic higher education.</em>

Impact of E-Learning Strategies on University Students’ Career Choices

The selection of one's ideal career is the top priority for every person, on the other hand, students seem to be more focused on their future jobs. This goal can be achieved by effective learning strategies. However, people need to be capable of making wise decisions before choosing their educational background. The major objective of this study was to find out the impact of e-learning strategies on university student’s career choices. This study was quantitative and based on a correlational research design. The population was public university students from Punjab Pakistan whereas, 458 respondents were selected as the sample of this research through a multi-stage sampling technique. For data collection structured questionnaires were administered through the survey method. To analyze the hypotheses of this research Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) was used. The findings revealed a positive and significant association between e-learning strategies and career choice among university students, as indicated by an r-value of .411. Furthermore, the beta value of .351 suggested that e-learning strategies had a moderately significant effect on students' career choices. Thus, E-learning strategies are an important organ for the elevation of career choices. Significantly, this study will help the authorities in developing criteria accordingly, especially in higher education for producing research culture to minimize the gap between the university education.

The Role of The Head of Madrasa as an Educational Administrator in Fostering Research Culture in MTs Riset Fathul Huda Blitar

The Role of The Head of Madrasa as an Educational Administrator in Fostering Research Culture in MTs Riset Fathul Huda Blitar

Teachers' Perceptions of Research Culturalization in Elementary Schools

Research culture is fundamental in developing educational practices in schools that are based on proven knowledge and data. Culturalization at the elementary school level is the foundation for developing a research culture at the higher school level. Teachers' perceptions can provide benchmarks for research culturalization practices in schools as the ultimate base of a research-based mindset. This research aims to analyze research culturalization as perceived by teachers in elementary schools. The method used is descriptive qualitative with a questionnaire that measures teachers' perception towards fifteen aspects of research Culturalization. Data analysis from 379 teachers of local elementary schools shows that: (1) the percentage of teachers' perceptions regarding knowledge of research culture is 57% just starting; (2) the percentage of teacher perceptions related to understanding is 55% just starting; and (3) the percentage of teacher perceptions related to practice is 69% just starting. These results indicate that the culturalization of research based on teacher perceptions is at a will-do level regarding knowledge, understanding, and practice indicators. Teachers' perceptions are alike in knowledge and understanding and higher in practice. These findings conclude an awareness and enthusiasm of research culturalization significance that should be supported by all stakeholders involved, such as the government, teachers, leaders, and other educators involved in the schools. These findings also provide challenges for policies and practices that align with research culturalization indicators in elementary schools.

Saudi Higher Education Accreditation: From Policy to Practice: Cultural Inquiry into Saudi Academics' Practices During the Implementation of Accreditation Standards

This paper investigates the relationships between Saudi cultural factors and the practices associated with the implementation of accreditation standards in Saudi higher education institutions (HEIs). Through a qualitative study involving document analysis, interviews, and observations, data was collected from a sample of 33 academic leaders and faculty members at three Saudi universities. The findings reveal a strong correlation between cultural elements and the practices of Saudi academics during the accreditation process. Using a social practice theory (SPT) approach, the study demonstrates how cultural issues influence common practices and actions, highlighting the integration of Saudi identity, traditions, and contemporary values in the implementation methods. The research underscores the importance of cultural awareness in addressing the gap between policy and practice, suggesting that modifications to accreditation guidelines should consider these cultural factors. The study also discusses the positive impact of recent educational reforms and the empowerment of women in supporting the accreditation process. These insights aim to enhance the effectiveness of accreditation efforts in Saudi Arabia, ensuring they meet international standards while respecting the local cultural context.

Nurturing a positive research culture within your laboratory.

As a Principal Investigator leading a research team, creating a positive research culture for your team members is one of the best long-term investments you can make, for your research programme, for the sector and for society. A positive research environment is one where team members are empowered, recognised, have a clear career developmental pathway, can contribute to impactful and reproducible research and, ideally, propagate these effects. While these virtues can arise organically from a team built around kindness and integrity, they are also values that should be deliberately embedded within your lab. Here we provide advice on how to create a culture of integrity and a culture of belonging for your team members. We focus on thoughtful consideration of your key lab values, and the use of structure, language and your personal actions to make these values explicit. A holistic approach to integrating positive culture throughout every facet of your research team creates a system that can be self-sustaining in scientific integrity and more resilient to negative challenges. Starting on the pathway to self-improvement as a manager, recognising that this requires often uncomfortable self-reflection, provides both personal and professional reward.