Demystifying the Academic Research Enterprise

What next-generation scholars need to know in order to thrive, and how they can actively participate in shaping the academic research enterprise.

The academic research enterprise is highly complex, involving multiple sectors of society and a vast array of approaches. In Demystifying the Academic Research Enterprise, Kelvin K. Droegemeier shows next-generation scholars across all disciplines how to become more productive earlier in their career, as well as how to help shape the academic research enterprise. The topics covered include public perceptions of scholarly work and its use in policy; understanding the big picture of funding and national priorities as well as identifying funding sources; research methods; collecting data and materials; writing grant proposals; publishing results; ethical conduct; bias and peer review; intellectual property and compliance regulations; partnerships and collaboration; diversity, equity, and inclusion; and the future of research.  

Droegemeier’s two principal goals are to enhance and accelerate scholars’ understanding of the academic research process and to democratize that understanding, particularly at institutions that traditionally are underrepresented or lack robust resources. While intended for undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and early career faculty, Demystifying the Academic Research Enterprise is also relevant to mid-career and senior faculty, research administrators, funding organizations, congressional staff, policymakers, and the general public. Droegemeier places scholars in a broader national and international context—not as passive recipients of the existing system but as key actors who actively participate in helping to set priorities, determine policies, drive systemic change, and advance knowledge.List of Acronyms xi
Foreword xv
Preface xvii
Acknowledgments xxi
Introduction 1
1 Deep in Our Bones: Why and Where We Perform Research and Creative Activity 5
2 The Money Trail: Funding for Research and Creative Activity 27
3 Perception and Reality: Public Attitudes, Understanding, and Use of Research 51
4 Essential Concepts: Performing Research and Creative Activity 71
5 Becoming a Detective: Finding What You Need and Using it Effectively 95
6 Diving into the Pool: Research Proposals, Evaluation Processes, and Project Management 107
7 The Give-and-Take of Criticism: Subjecting Research to Scrutiny via Peer/Merit Review 125
8 We See the World Differently: Bias and Differing Views 145
9 Honesty Is the Best Policy: Ethical Conduct and Research Integrity 159
10 Better Safe than Sorry: Research Compliance 171
11 Show Time: Making Your Work Known to Multiple Audiences 195
12 Yours, Mine, and Ours: Ownership of Research Outcomes 213
13 I Need You and You Need Me: Collaboration, Multidisciplinary Inquiry, and Academic-Corporate Partnerships 237
14 A Glass Half Empty or Half Full: Challenges and Opportunities for the US Academic Research Enterprise 267
Afterword 283
Notes 285
References 289
Author Biography 311
Index 313“Droegemeier’s book is an extremely useful manual for aspiring researchers and covers nearly all facets of the research process. The book is an easy read and is a helpful companion to formal mentoring for individuals looking to become researchers—or to expand their research repertoires.”
—Journal of Scholarly Publishing“A convincing call for re-envisioning roles and responsibilities of researchers and stakeholders across our colleges and universities, this book advances plentiful ideas for placing collaboration and democratization at the forefront of our nation’s research enterprise.”
—Clifton Conrad, Vilas Distinguished Professor, University of Wisconsin-Madison; co-author of Learning with Others
 
“Droegemeier offers comprehensive insights on advancing research concepts from funding to collaborative, ethical implementation and broad impact. This book will reach a range of academic institutions with vibrant advice, accessible to all – undergraduates to seasoned investigators.”
—Susan Rundell Singer, President, St. Olaf College; former Division Director, National Science Foundation
 
“This book unveils the hidden curriculum of academia.  It will be an excellent comprehensive resource for graduate programs, and for anyone interested in pursuing a career within or adjacent to academia.”
—Sarah C. Fankhauser, Associate Professor of Biology, Oxford College of Emory University

“Kelvin Droegemeier has generously provided an extraordinary service for all who participate in or aspire to join the academic research community. Demystifying the Academic Research Enterprise is a comprehensive, lucid, and inspiring educational resource for students, postdoctoral researchers, and seasoned investigators alike. It is the invaluable tool I wish I had had during my 60-year research career!”
—John G. Hildebrand, International Secretary, National Academy of Sciences; Regents Professor Emeritus, Department of Neuroscience, University of ArizonaKelvin K. Droegemeier is Professor of Atmospheric Science and Special Advisor to the Chancellor for Science and Policy at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. From 2019 to 2021, he served as Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and Science Advisor to the President.