Researchers operate in highly competitive and high-pressure environments, which directly affect their well-being and, consequently, their productivity, creativity, and ability to engage with society. By focusing on the intersection of emotional intelligence, personality traits, and creativity, this track highlights how these factors influence not only individual happiness but also broader research outcomes and societal impact.
Chair of track 7.7 at R&D Management Conference 2025, Joaquín M. Azagra-Caro, from INGENIO, CSIC-Universitat Politècnica de València, explains more.
Need for supportive environments
Joaquín continues: “This subject is particularly timely as discussions around mental health and well-being gain momentum in academia and beyond.
“The post-pandemic period has amplified the need for supportive environments, while the growing emphasis on societal engagement in research demands innovative approaches, including creative methods like science communication through art. This growing relevance has motivated my own research in this area.”
Background reading on this subject
Over the past few years, Joaquín has published three papers and created a working document exploring these topics:
- Azagra-Caro, J. M., & Llopis, O. (2018). Who do you care about? Scientists’ personality traits and perceived impact on beneficiaries. R&D Management, 48(5), 566-579.
- Azagra-Caro, J. M., & Tur-Porcar, A. (2024). Scientific Impact: Blessing or Curse? Researcher Happiness and Work/Life Balance. Available at SSRN.
- Hernando-Jorge, L., Fernández-Mesa, A., Azagra-Caro, J. M., & Tur-Porcar, A. M. (2024). Personality and emotional intelligence of researchers: The importance of affects. PLOS ONE, 19(8), e0304905.
- Tur-Porcar, A., Salas-Vallina, A., & Azagra-Caro, J. M. (2024). The Positive Effect of Social Support in the Relationship between Emotion and Motivation of People in Science. The Journal of Psychology, 158(6), 492–510.
These works collectively explore the psychological and creative aspects of researcher well-being, their impacts on productivity, and their implications for innovation and societal engagement.
7.7 Emotional, personality, and creative factors in researcher well-being and societal impact
This track explores the emotional, personality, and creative dimensions of researcher well-being, examining how these factors shape research productivity, innovation, and societal impact.
It will discuss how emotional intelligence, personality traits, and work-life balance influence researchers’ happiness and overall satisfaction. Additionally, it will delve into the role of creativity, highlighting how engaging in artistic practices fosters innovative thinking and aids in science communication.
The track will consider challenges like job insecurity and mental health issues, emphasising the need for supportive academic structures.
By bringing together perspectives on emotional well-being and creativity, this track will offer insights for R&D managers, policymakers, and institutional leaders on how to create supportive environments that enhance both scientific excellence and researcher well-being.
Discussions will provide actionable recommendations to advance innovation and societal engagement through a more holistic approach to researcher well-being.
R&D Management Conference 2025:
Innovation & Biodiversity
Institute of Management of Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, Pisa
30 June – 2 July 2025
Track 7.7 Emotional, personality, and creative factors in researcher well-being and societal impact
Track Chair: Joaquín M. Azagra-Caro, INGENIO, CSIC-Universitat Politècnica de València
Co-chair: Gregory J. Feist, Department of Psychology, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA, USA
