Empathy in Science
A Vision for a Healthier Research Environment
Written by
Dr. Simone Lackner is an emerging cultural professional and artist with a rich multidisciplinary background in science. She holds a degree in Molecular Biology, a Ph.D. in Neuroscience, and postdoctoral training in Complexity and Computational Social Science. Driven by creativity, critical thinking, and a strong belief in the responsibility that scientists have to engage with the public, Dr. Lackner sees herself as a bridge between Science, Art, Society, and Policy. She is also a passionate public speaker, ReMO Ambassador, and founder of The Empathic Scientist, Soapbox Science Lisbon and Salon Luminosa.
Could you describe the process of transitioning from academia to social entrepreneurship? What moved you?
After more than 15 years of working in different science disciplines, in eleven different institutes, across five different countries (Austria, Singapore, USA, Japan, Portugal), as a female scientist and first generation academic, I am strongly aware of the struggles and challenges one faces to progress in a scientific career. I observed and experienced how our academic research culture impacts not only the wellbeing of individual researchers but also the dynamics within research teams and the success of a research institute retaining and sustaining excellence in science. I started to study the available research on this subject, confirming that there are recognised crucial issues in the academic system that need targeted action urgently. Founding Soapbox Science Lisbon – part of a global science communication and outreach initiative, dedicated to eliminating gender inequality in science – was my first attempt to advocate for equity and well-being in academia. Simultaneously, I started to share my research and ideas of how to improve the academic ecosystem, with peers and diverse stakeholders and realised that I am not alone with the great desire for systemic change. But change takes time, courage and allies. Then I came across the ReMO Ambassador Program, a Horizon 2020 European-funded COST Action initiative focusing on studying, understanding and improving Researchers Mental Health. Having a consortium of over 250+ like-minded researchers as a backbone, I built the confidence to start “The Empathic Scientist” project.
What is the primary mission behind your work? Why did you choose the Empathic Scientist project?
I believe academia urgently needs to take responsibility and invest in 1) institution-wide interventions that systematically monitor and promote well-being and mental health, 2) independent and neutral conflict management officers that mediate interpersonal relationship problems, bullying and sexual harassment and last but not least, 3) on-site career development officers, who not only support graduates but also faculty and research staff to gain the skills for personal development and self-knowledge, that is essential for healthy teamwork, culturally-sensitive leadership, and individual career progression in academia and beyond. Within The Empathic Scientist, I advocate for all of that. Additionally, together with Petra Ardai from SPACE, an artist, scenario writer and concept developer specialised in art-based science communication, we develop interventions focused on raising awareness and insight through experiencing narrative structures of academia using immersive co-creative storytelling. We create a safe space where issues of power imbalance and individual responsibility can be addressed, enabling participants to share experiences and dilemmas, breaking open taboos, addressing hierarchical power structures, inventing healthy research environments and foster agency through self-knowledge and the development of emotional intelligence.
What first sparked your passion for advocacy?
I grew up in a working-class family; my parents ran a café, and I worked there occasionally. There were people from all walks of life—different classes, backgrounds, cultures, experiences and opinions. In my teenage years, I was collecting signatures for environmental causes regarding biotechnology. I even asked people at the café to sign. I distinctly remember one person who refused because they relied on insulin, which led me to question my own knowledge and assumptions. I went on to University to study Molecular Biology, and funny enough, genetic engineering was the method that set the base of most of my research projects during my research career in the Life Sciences. Further, on my way into science, what influenced me were also the conversations in the café. People, who sometimes didn’t even know each other, would openly discuss politics and science. It often was emotional but always respectful and created a feeling of curiosity, belonging and human connection. Nowadays, with digitalisation, I feel these types of conversations have diminished, and discussions have become more polarised, aggressive and hateful. How do people form such strong opinions, and where does that confidence come from? I’m drawn to the idea of creating safe spaces where people can come together and share knowledge, especially in a world overwhelmed with information. It’s not about winning arguments, but about understanding others’ perspectives. That is the goal of my project Salon Luminosa.
Reflecting on your journey as a sciencepreneur, what have been the main advantages and disadvantages you encountered? What challenges have you faced, and how have you navigated them?
In order to advocate for systemic change, one needs to identify the issue, research deeply to get the facts right, listen to people who benefit and/or suffer under the status quo, engage with the wider community, promote awareness, public discourse and education, build trustworthy relationships and most importantly practice and embrace resilience. All skills and tools a scientist naturally cultivates by building a career in science. So the transition from academia to social entrepreneurship on an intellectual and creative level was fairly easy. What was, and still is, challenging though, is that there are not enough accessible role models yet and that I felt initially very alone in my journey, especially when it comes to implementing project ideas and managing the financial framework behind them. I realised quickly that I couldn’t do this journey alone, but I also didn’t have to. That is not only okay, but necessary, to ask for help, and find partners, collaborators and allies. It became vital for me to build and nurture a network of trust. All this takes time, a lot of patience, endurance, and probably most importantly a great amount of self-knowledge and self-regulation.
How did the YES workshops influence your journey as a sciencepreneur?
The YES coaches are doing a great job in creating a safe space for self-reflection and facilitating exchange in groups. Their frameworks helped me to better formulate what I want to do and why. It created space to reflect on my talents as well as my limits and it also made me realise how many resources I already had and how valuable they can be for society. Additionally, I also participated in the second cohort of Female Science Talents (FST). In particular, FST connected me with an incredible network of brilliant and talented women. It gave me the space and time for self-reflection, helping me think about how I want to build my enterprise and the kind of leader I aspire to be. Through both programs, I had the opportunity to share my ideas with a larger group of like-minded people and receive feedback and support, which was very encouraging and motivating to move further. Also a great starting point to build a network of trust.
For aspiring founders with an academic background, what advice would you offer based on your own experiences?
I like to be cautious with giving advice because I think everyone is different and unique and so is their journey, desires and needs. But if I learned one thing in the past years as a social entrepreneur, which should be true for an academic researcher as well, as cheesy as it sounds: “Stop waiting for permission and do the things you believe in. Put your confidence in your decisions. Surround yourself with people that inspire you and that make you feel safe. Be patient and trust the path into the unknown. And as you only have this one life: Enjoy the process and make sure to sleep at night!”
What happens next?
Check out our event calendar for upcoming workshops. Stay tuned for more updates, opportunities, and success stories!
Curious for more? Connect with Simone!
Interviewer & Editor: Dilara Ekinci
Illustration: Simon Lange
Design & Art Direction: Bianca Cramer
