Professor, Department of Immunology University of Washington I think many aspects of the current publishing model are really frustrating; it doesn't work well for authors, reviewers, or readers. Given that, the opportunity to test a new way to disseminate science is really exciting, even just at the proof-of-concept phase. Despite that, I am concerned about the perceived value of findings shared outside of "brand name" journals. Publications in these journals are still key currency when building a career in academia, so sharing data via other means represents a risk, particularly for trainees for whom a publication may be a key career stepping stone. Overcoming this will take a real change in mindset for academic search committees and study sections, and that will undoubtedly take time. I think the data-driven proof-of-concept undertaken by DS/DC will be a great tool to drive that conversation, though. We all love to see the data. Outside of this endeavor, I'm a PI on a large training grant, and have participated in several mentorship training programs; I spend a lot of time thinking about what "effective mentorship" means. Navigating the inherent competitiveness of academic research while creating research environments that are welcoming and inclusive remains a challenge, and I think addressing it starts with improving mentorship.
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