The Silent Struggles of Researchers

THE INSIDE STORY

My Journey Through the Unknown

I leaned back in my chair, staring at the slide deck I’d just presented.

It was a topic I had always been passionate about — the challenges faced by researchers as they navigate the often uncharted territory of their work.

But the more I thought about it, the more I realised how much of my own journey was reflected in the slides.

Viewing Research Through Different Layers

I’ve always seen research as a multi-layered process, much like the layers in a network system.

Each layer — from the application to the physical — represents a different challenge.

Some researchers operate at the surface, working on problems that are more visible and easier to connect with real-world applications.

Others, like myself, often find ourselves delving deeper into the less-explored, less-visible aspects of a problem.

“Why do you spend so much time on this layer?” a colleague once asked me. “Does anyone even notice?”

I smiled. “Maybe not right now,” I replied, “but it’s the foundation for everything above it. Without this, the entire structure could crumble.”

That’s the thing about deep research — it’s often thankless in the short term. But I’ve always believed in its long-term value.

The Valley of Appreciation

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced — and seen others face — is what I call the “Valley of Appreciation.”

It’s that gap between starting your research and seeing its impact.

The journey through this valley is long and often lonely.

I recall a project I worked on years ago.

It was complex, technical, and far removed from the flashy innovations that grabbed headlines.

I poured months into it, only to be met with silence when I presented my findings.

“Why do we do this?” I asked myself late one night, staring at my notes. “Does anyone care?”

But deep down, I knew the answer.

Research isn’t about instant recognition.

It’s about planting seeds, some of which may take years to bear fruit.

That understanding didn’t make the journey easier, but it gave me a sense of purpose.

Breadth vs Depth: The Eternal Dilemma

Another challenge that often keeps researchers awake at night is deciding whether to focus on breadth or depth.

Should we explore a wide range of topics, scratching the surface of many issues?

Or should we dive deep into a single area, risking irrelevance if that area doesn’t pan out?

I’ve wrestled with this question countless times.

In one particularly heated discussion, a team member argued, “We need to stay broad, Mazlan. The more we cover, the more funding opportunities we’ll get.”

“But depth is where breakthroughs happen,” I countered. “Without it, we’re just scratching the surface.”

That conversation ended without a clear resolution, as such discussions often do. But it reminded me of the importance of balance.

While breadth can offer versatility, depth is where true innovation lies.

The Explorer’s Risk

Being a researcher often feels like being a cave explorer.

You venture into the unknown, armed with little more than your knowledge, instincts, and a flickering light of curiosity.

Each step forward is a gamble — you might uncover something groundbreaking, or you might hit a dead end.

I remember a particularly risky project early in my career.

The technology was nascent, the funding was limited, and the expectations were sky-high. Many advised me against it.

“It’s a career risk, Mazlan,” a mentor warned. “What if it doesn’t work out?”

I hesitated but ultimately decided to proceed.

“If we don’t take risks,” I told myself, “we’ll never move forward.”

The project didn’t yield the results I’d hoped for, but it taught me lessons I’ve carried ever since.

In research, even failures can pave the way for future success.

Do We Reward the Explorers?

This brings me to a question that has haunted me throughout my career:

Do we adequately reward researchers who take these risks?

Society celebrates the visible results of research — groundbreaking products, influential papers — but what about the countless hours spent in labs, the sleepless nights, the failed experiments?

I once attended an awards ceremony where a colleague was being recognised for their work.

During their speech, they acknowledged the researchers who had laid the groundwork for their success, many of whom remained unknown.

“They’re the real heroes,” I thought. “But how often do we remember them?”

This realisation has driven me to advocate for better recognition of researchers, especially those who work in the shadows, tackling foundational problems that may not see the light of day for years.

The Need for Platforms

One lesson I’ve learned is that researchers can’t succeed in isolation.

To go deeper into their work, they need platforms — both literal and metaphorical — that support and amplify their efforts.

These platforms could be funding, collaboration opportunities, or simply a culture that values and understands the importance of research.

During my time in leadership roles, I’ve made it a point to provide such platforms.

I’ve encouraged cross-disciplinary collaborations, championed risky projects, and pushed for policies that recognise the contributions of researchers at all levels.

But there’s still much work to be done.

As I often tell my teams, “We need to create an ecosystem where researchers feel supported, not just when they succeed but also when they fail. Because failure is often the first step toward success.”

Moving Forward

As I closed my laptop after revisiting the presentation, I felt a renewed sense of purpose.

The challenges faced by researchers are real and daunting, but they are also surmountable. B

y understanding these challenges and working to address them, we can create an environment where researchers not only survive but thrive.

To my fellow researchers out there, I have this to say: Keep going.

Your work matters, even when it feels like no one notices.

The seeds you plant today may take years to grow, but when they do, they have the power to change the world.

And to those who support researchers — leaders, policymakers, and society at large — remember that innovation doesn’t happen overnight.

It’s the result of countless hours of unseen effort.

Let’s do more to appreciate and reward that effort.

As for me, I’ll continue navigating this journey, both as a researcher (and as an entrepreneur) and as someone who believes deeply in the value of what we do.

Because, in the end, it’s not just about exploring the unknown — it’s about lighting the way for others to follow.