Exeter academics argue that scientists “must be allowed to cry”

Researchers from the University of Exeter argue that scientists “must be allowed to cry” in their paper for the journal Science entitled ‘Grieving environmental scientists need support’.

It is well-documented that the Earth is experiencing an environmental crisis. Tim Gordon, a marine biologist, and three other Exeter researchers argue that the pressure to find a solution rests on the shoulders of environmental scientists, whose “emotional attachment to nature” can be difficult to reconcile psychologically with their work.

Scientists’ “emotional attachment to nature” can be difficult to reconcile with their work

The researchers discuss how not allowing these scientists the opportunity “to grieve well” can result in compromising “self-awareness, imagination, and the ability to think coherently”. They note the stigma around mental health, especially in the workplace, and argue that not enough is being done to help employees within their work. They argue that including “active strategies” and “effective systems” within the workplace “will help enhance psychological recovery” and therefore enabling these scientists to work better and more efficiently towards research.

They conclude that scientists must be allowed these important facilities to “strengthen resolve and inspire scientific creativity”.

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Editor: Emma Hussain