Opportunities for Feedback Across the Research Cycle: Quantitative Findings of a Global Transdisciplinary Survey
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Feedback is a critical resource to support the development of researchers and the quality of their work. However, many established feedback mechanisms within research rely upon privilege and gatekeeping and are therefore hard to understand and access, particularly to Early Career Researchers (ECRs) and marginalised communities. Facilitated through the Framework for Open and Reproducible Research Training (FORRT) community, a global transdisciplinary survey (n=881) was designed to capture the feedback processes adopted by researchers and map accessible feedback opportunities from across the research cycle. Fifty-two distinct feedback mechanisms were identified, with the majority used throughout the research cycle. Fundamentally, the results suggest the feedback landscape remains marked by structural inequalities, over-reliance on informal networks, and underuse of open and institutional mechanisms. Findings underscore the greatest potential for cultural and structural change: normalising feedback-seeking behaviours, investing in collaborative infrastructures, embedding open research practices, and critically reflecting on current use of artificial intelligence (AI). We can build a more equitable and rigorous research environment by investing in, and diversifying feedback avenues, as well as reinforcing inclusive mentorship and institutional support.
Authors: Roksana Sobolak, Magda Skubera, Flavio Azevedo, Adrien Mathy, Aswathi Surendran, Biljana Gjoneska, Bojana M. Dinić, Brendan Ch'ng, Christopher James Graham, David C. Vaidis, Dilhan Töredi, Pablo Ezequiel Flores-Kanter, Fabienne Ennigkeit, Filip Dechterenko, Giorgia Andreolli, Halil Emre Kocalar, Jiri Nadvornik, Julia K. Wolska-Lamey, Lamis Yahia Mohamed Elkheir, Maria Montefinese, Marina Tiulpakova, Marta Kowal, Max Korbmacher, Nihan Albayrak, Norbert Vanek, Rafael Valdece Sousa Bastos, Dushime Richard Mudahera, ruslana margova, Samaneh V.M Masuleh, Sara Priem, Sarah Anne Sauvé, Sarah Salah, Sebastián García-Zambrano, Simon Porcher, Steven Verheyen, Sujeet Yadav, Susanne Vogel, Tugce Varol, Vaitsa Giannouli, Veronica Diveica, Thomas Rhys Evans
Institution: Erasmus University Rotterdam
Language: English
Subfield: Information Systems and Management
Field: Decision Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Reduced inequalities
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W7147605194
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