Everyone says failure is part of doing good research, yet in the moment it rarely feels that way. Failure can feel personal, catastrophic and isolating, and it often makes us want to hide. In this interactive workshop, we will examine the reality of failure in research, discuss different kinds of failure, and consider how setbacks can become useful information for the future. We will reflect on our own “failure phenotype” while identifying strategies for reframing failure and managing its emotional impact.
Together, we will explore ways to respond to failure with curiosity, humor, and community support as we work toward a healthier way of doing science, both individually and together.
Sharon Milgram is a nationally recognized leader in biomedical research training, workforce development and organizational culture, with more than 30 years of leadership experience in academia and government. She most recently served as Director of the Office of Intramural Training & Education at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), where she led programs supporting the career development and well-being of intramural fellows.