Webinar Explores Slow Science as a Path to Better Research Careers and Policies

• April 30, 2025

On May 9, 2025, researchers and policymakers will come together for a thought-provoking webinar titled Slow Science to Move Forward: Rethinking Science Policy & Research Careers. The event will begin at 4:00 PM and aims to challenge the current culture of accelerated scientific output by spotlighting the principles of Slow Science – an approach that prioritizes quality over quantity, ethical reflection, and long-term societal impact.

In a research environment increasingly driven by speed and short-term results, Slow Science offers a compelling vision for a more sustainable and thoughtful academic culture. The webinar will explore how slower, more deliberate research methods can reshape science policy, improve research assessment practices, and support more meaningful academic careers, particularly for early- and mid-career researchers.

The session features three expert speakers:

• Sergio Crespo-García, Assistant Professor at Université de Montréal, a biomedical researcher focused on retinal diseases who advocates for quality-driven research in the life sciences.
• Sandra Montón Subías, ICREA Research Professor at Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), a prominent archaeological theorist whose work addresses colonialism, gender, and reflective academic practices.
• Annelies Van de Ven, Policy Officer at the European Commission, who brings a unique perspective from the intersection of academic research and EU science policy, with a focus on research evaluation and sustainability.

Together, the speakers will discuss how Slow Science can inspire structural changes in research funding, evaluation, and institutional norms. Participants can expect to gain practical tools for fostering resilient careers and contributing to a more inclusive, ethical, and impactful research ecosystem.

The webinar is free to attend and especially relevant for researchers seeking to balance professional success with integrity and meaningful scientific contribution.