#Hackademics: Hacks toward success in academia

Area of Science:

• Human biology
• Academic research

Background:

• The Sausage of Science podcast initially explored the research process in human biology.
• A special series, #Hackademics, was launched to address broader academic issues.
• Listener feedback highlighted a need for more resources on navigating academic careers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce contributions to the #Hackademics special issue.
• To address under-discussed topics in academia.
• To provide a peer-reviewed platform for sharing institutional knowledge and diverse voices.

Main Methods:

• Podcast interviews exploring the research process.
• A special issue featuring peer-reviewed articles.
• Addressing topics like work-life integration, hostile academic environments, decolonization, and science communication.

Main Results:

• The #Hackademics series identified a significant need for academic navigation tools.
• A special issue was created to decentralize institutional knowledge.
• Diverse voices and authors at various career stages were included.

Conclusions:

• The special issue leverages peer-review to legitimize critical academic topics.
• Articles serve as a resource for initiating departmental or institutional change.
• The goal is to foster a kinder, more equitable, and accessible academic environment.