Science often carries an aura of prestige, but the reality of being a researcher is far different from what most people assume.
Many believe that scientists work in well-funded labs, earning steady paychecks while making groundbreaking discoveries.
But the truth behind the lives of researchers is far more complex—and often misunderstood.
Two prominent researchers from Australia, Jeffrey Craig and Marguerite Evans-Galea, have highlighted some of the most common myths about their profession.
From funding struggles to grueling hours, these misconceptions paint a picture of science that doesn’t align with reality.
So, what don’t you know about the lives of scientific researchers?
Let’s break down the 7 biggest myths that most people get wrong.
Myth #1: Researchers Are Paid by Their Institutes
One of the biggest misconceptions is that researchers have stable salaries provided by their institutions.
The reality? Most researchers have to secure their own funding, often through highly competitive government grants, industry collaborations, or philanthropic donations.
While universities and research institutes provide laboratory space, technical support, and sometimes small operational budgets, securing an actual salary is a different story.
Tenure is rare, and even researchers with long-standing careers often live contract to contract.
In an era of shrinking funding opportunities, many highly qualified researchers find themselves in precarious financial situations, relying on short-term grants and subsidies that are far from guaranteed.
Myth #2: Researchers Are Paid to Publish Their Work
In most industries, writing and publishing content leads to financial gain.
But for scientists, publishing research is often a financial burden rather than a source of income.
Unlike mainstream media outlets that pay contributors, scientific journals require researchers to pay to publish their findings.
Fees can range from $2,000 to over $5,700 per article, especially for open-access journals that ensure wider accessibility.
With many scientists publishing five to ten papers per year, the costs add up fast. Researchers pay to share their discoveries—and often, they must foot the bill themselves.
Myth #3: Researchers Are Paid for Overtime
Think researchers are well-compensated for working long hours?
Think again. Most researchers officially work 37 to 39 hours a week, but in reality, many put in 60+ hours—including nights and weekends.
Unlike lawyers or consultants who bill extra for long hours, scientific researchers rarely receive overtime pay.
They work tirelessly out of passion for their research, driven by the pressure to secure funding and publish results before competitors.
The result? An exhausting, high-pressure career with little financial reward.
Myth #4: The Best Research Always Gets Funded
Many people assume that groundbreaking research always gets the funding it deserves. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case.
- In 1937, Australian medical research grants had a 49% success rate.
- By 2000, that number dropped to 30%.
- In 2014, funding hit a 30-year low of just 15%.
This means that even high-quality research—including studies on cancer, rare diseases, and environmental science—often goes unfunded and abandoned.
Even Nobel Prize-winning researchers have spoken out against the lack of funding, warning that the loss of critical research projects is a threat to scientific progress.
Myth #5: Researchers Get Free Access to Journals and Scientific Societies
You’d think that scientists would have free access to the latest research, right? Wrong.
Staying up to date with new discoveries requires journal subscriptions, which can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year.
While university libraries offer access to some journals, many block new articles behind expensive paywalls for up to a year.
Membership in professional societies is also essential for networking and collaboration, but these memberships aren’t covered by research grants.
Most researchers pay out-of-pocket to stay connected in their field.
Myth #6: Scientists Are Trained in Writing and Budget Management
Many people assume that researchers are trained in all aspects of their job, including grant writing, budgeting, and communication.
The reality? Most scientists learn these skills on their own—through trial and error.
Unlike business professionals, who often receive formal training in project management and finance, scientists are expected to figure it out as they go.
While some universities offer workshops, training is far from systematic.
This lack of training can be a major challenge, especially when securing funding depends on writing persuasive grant proposals and managing complex budgets.
Myth #7: Research Is a Lifelong Career
Once a researcher, always a researcher? Not anymore.
Scientific research is becoming an increasingly unstable career path.
Most researchers work on short-term contracts, often lasting just 12 months.
Even senior scientists with prestigious fellowships rarely have permanent jobs.
This instability has major consequences:
- Many researchers leave academia for industry jobs.
- Talented scientists move overseas for better opportunities.
- Women in science face additional barriers, as career gaps for family leave can derail their research progress.
The result? Some of the brightest minds in science are being pushed out of research due to lack of job security.
The Reality of Scientific Research
Despite all these challenges, scientists remain deeply passionate about their work.
They endure long hours, financial uncertainty, and intense competition because they love discovery—and they know their research has the potential to change lives.
But science doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It’s fueled by public funding, government investment, and societal support.
If we want to continue making medical breakthroughs, tackling climate change, and pushing the boundaries of knowledge, we need to invest in science and the people behind it.
Understanding the reality of scientific research is the first step.
The next step?
Ensuring that researchers have the resources they need to keep making discoveries that shape the future.
This article was originally published at The Conversation. Read the original article.
