LAUSR

Within the scientific community as a whole and more specifically within the preclinical research sector there has been growing discussion for many years about the need for change. A cultural change to improve the rigour of how research is conducted and the reproducibility of results, analyses and interpretation. Best practices have rapidly evolved during this time to facilitate the fulfilment of revised expectations. But awareness and implementation of this evolution in responsible research practices is not always seen as a top priority by individuals or organisations. Mindset, ambition and belief are reported to be common barriers that need to be overcome when it comes to delivering cultural change. Thus, this article will focus on mindsets and the research culture. It seeks to shed light on how an individual’s mindset can affect their ability to implement change and influence others working around them. For over 30 years researchers have investigated how the way someone views themselves influences their mindset and affects their reaction to different experiences, as well as the decisions they make. Evidence suggests it can be enlightening for individuals to have an awareness of mindsets so that they can identify personal mindset traits and triggers, as well as to understand the behaviour of others working around them. For educators, mentors and supervisors an ability to identify and support individuals to change, develop or maintain mindset characteristics can contribute to the achievement of learning outcomes. For research groups, institutes and organisations an awareness of mindsets and the impact they have on research culture can inform discussions and decisions regarding how behaviours are encouraged or discouraged, developed, and supported or rewarded to facilitate change. This article will discuss current thinking regarding human mindsets and illustrative examples to provide insights in the context of laboratory-based research. It is hoped that this information will help individuals to reflect upon their own mindset, how this impacts the quality and conduct of their research, and the conduct of others working around them. Such insights could contribute to the success of initiatives seeking to tackle the reproducibility crisis and efforts seeking to deliver cultural change within the preclinical research sector.