From Scholar to Solutionist: A Rethink of the Researcher’s Role

What if research wasn’t just an end point? Traditionally, researchers are viewed as producers of knowledge—gathering data, publishing findings, and then moving on. In a world hungry for solutions, we need a new type of scholar: one who builds, applies, scales, and leads. It’s time to rethink the researcher’s role—not just as an academic, but as a changemaker, innovator, and solutionist.

The Problem

Academic systems often reward publication over practical implementation. From PhD training to promotions, success is frequently measured by citations and journal publications. This has fostered a culture where researchers often stop at discovery, neglecting the vital step of delivering actionable results.

Communities don’t need more theories; they need practical actions. Policymakers require frameworks that can be applied effectively. Entrepreneurs seek data-driven models that can thrive in the real world. Civil society craves innovations that tackle urgent social challenges. Without researchers stepping into these spaces, their work risks becoming irrelevant.

A significant barrier is that many researchers feel it's not their role to drive change. They often lack the training, confidence, or institutional support to thrive beyond the confines of the lab or library. This creates a widening gap between knowledge creation and actionable change.

The Possibility

Fortunately, a new generation of researchers is emerging—one that feels equally at home in pitch rooms as in peer reviews. These solutionists view their research as the first step toward significant public impact.

For instance, some researchers partner with NGOs to scale their interventions. They launch startups, influence legislation, and develop digital solutions that address pressing issues. They extend research rigor into the real world, ensuring their efforts yield concrete benefits.

This shift is gaining momentum, yet it requires champions, models, and supportive platforms. Organizations like the Translational Research Forum emerge to empower researchers to become architects of change, rather than merely authors of academic work.

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The Solution: A New Mindset

The Translational Research Forum is designed for scholars ready to expand their role—from observer to operator, from author to implementer.

Through keynotes, panels, and practical workshops, you’ll explore what it takes to lead as a 21st-century researcher:

• How to integrate design thinking into your research process

• Ways to translate findings into policies, businesses, and social solutions

• Legal tools to protect and leverage your intellectual property

• The art of pitching research to non-academic funders and partners

You’ll hear from impact-driven scholars who’ve become startup founders, policy advisors, health innovators, and social entrepreneurs. They’ll share what they wish they knew earlier—and how they built bridges from research to reality.

Whether you’re early career or a seasoned academic, this is your opportunity to redefine what it means to be a researcher today.

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Skills to Thrive

Approaches to Monetizing your Research

1 December 2025 at 10:00 – 4 December 2025 at 16:00Lekki

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For researchers to transition effectively into solutionists, they must cultivate several specific skills:

1. Communication and Advocacy: Effectively conveying complex scientific ideas in simple language is crucial. Researchers need to engage with non-academic audiences to promote awareness and inspire action.

   
   

2. Entrepreneurial Thinking: Recognizing market gaps can fuel innovation. Researchers with an entrepreneurial mindset are in a better position to create solutions that meet societal needs while being financially sustainable.

   
   

3. Collaborative Networking: Building connections with entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers enables research applications to flourish. Partnerships are essential for ensuring that research has a meaningful impact.

   
   

4. Resilience and Adaptability: The path from research to real-world implementation is often full of obstacles. Researchers must develop resilience to overcome challenges and stay focused on their goals.

   
   

Bridging the Gap

For researchers to fully embrace the role of solutionists, institutions must also evolve. This includes creating frameworks that value both publication and the societal impact of research findings. Funding bodies and academic organizations need to incentivize engagement and practical application of research.

Encouraging mentorship within academia can help emerging scholars build skills, confidence, and valuable networks. Senior researchers should model solutionist behavior by sharing their experiences and strategies for successful engagement with broader audiences.

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Shaping a Better Future

The transition from scholar to solutionist signifies a profound evolution in researchers' roles. By adopting a mindset focused on application and impact, scholars can enhance their relevance in a world that urgently needs innovative solutions.

Equipping researchers with the necessary skills for this transition is vital. As they build partnerships, advocate for practical outcomes, and remain resilient, they can empower themselves and others in their communities.

As we stand at the threshold of this transformation, it’s crucial for all involved—researchers, academic institutions, policymakers, and community leaders—to recognize the importance of applying knowledge effectively. By joining forces to close the gap between research and practice, we can initiate substantial advancements in society.

Now is the time for researchers to step forward as solutionists and architects of change, crafting a world where scholarly insights lead to progress and sustainable solutions for all.

Call to Action

You don’t need to choose between research and relevance. You can be both a rigorous scholar and a powerful solutionist. Join us at the Translational Research Forum and explore how to lead change—not just publish findings.

👉 Register now and step into the future of research: one where knowledge moves, builds, and transforms the world.