For me, Positive Academia is a personal and professional mission that resonates deeply with my journey as a scientist and academic. Having navigated the challenges of scientific research and business studies in academia, I have experienced and witnessed the pressures that academics—i.e., researchers and teachers—face. I believe in fostering a supportive environment where the individual scholar comes first, allowing them to thrive personally and professionally.
My passion for crafting and cultivating a positive academic environment stems from my extensive experience working in high-pressure industry and academic settings. I have transitioned from scientific research and development for multinational companies to academia, engaging in change-making projects in both sectors for several years. We cannot deny that navigating our academic careers in highly competitive and often quite isolated neoliberal institutional environments is challenging. In these environments, we need to shift and reinforce collaboration and mutual support to nurture a culture where we all, individually and collectively, can flourish.
What drives me is the belief that #EveryLittleActionCounts. Whether it is supporting PGRs or ECRs, promoting well-being in the classroom, or encouraging positive social media practices among scholars, I have dedicated my work to building a space where academics feel valued and empowered. All these little actions are about embracing diversity, fostering meaningful collaborations, and ensuring that our contributions are recognized. Since co-founding Positive Academia with Anne-Wil Harzing, I have been actively engaged in research, teaching, and community-building efforts aimed at creating a more positive academic environment. My work includes guides on well-being activities, social media use, and interconnected learning in teaching, as well as various events and talks that bring together diverse voices to share insights and support one another.
Ultimately, Positive Academia matters to me because it aligns with my vision of what the academic world should be: a place of innovation, kindness, and meaningful, shared individual and collective contributions. To me, it is about leaving a legacy that future academics can build upon, fostering spaces where everyone’s contributions are recognized, no matter how big or small, and celebrated. Our journey is not just about transforming academia for today, but ensuring that the values of positivity, collaboration, and well-being are embedded in the academic cultures of tomorrow.