5 Videos to Help You Start Strong in 2026

As the year winds down, researchers everywhere enter the familiar rhythm of wrapping up projects, reviewing progress, and preparing for a fresh start. As the you take in the slower pace and festive mood, it is also a good time to reflect on the year past and put in a little time for structured planning. Amidst the realities of paradigm shifts in technologies, shuffling research priorities and a multi-generational landscape in academia, there is much to think about as on moves into 2026.

Some thoughts to ponder as we transition into a new year: Is speed more important than human wisdom and judgement? Are we in a hurry to replace quality with quantity? What is the best approach to remain strongly human-reliant in academia- be it experimentation, analysis, writing or reviewing? How can we leverage AI and other technological tools to assist us rather than replace us in 2026 and beyond?

Here, we have curated 5 videos that offer practical, actionable advice to help you enter 2026 with clarity, confidence, and momentum, as you begin the year with a refreshed outlook.

1. Balancing Act – Work Life Harmony for Researchers

Dr. Jacob Wickham’s video gives us much food for thought on work-life balance in academia. Watch the full video to learn how to enter the new year with new energy and new ideas… while leaving burnout behind! As he says, a researcher already has the “stamina” to pursue the “marathon” of a research career. Some quotes that resonate – 1. “We do not have limitless energy”; 2. “Don’t overpromise your timelines – give yourself a buffer”; 3. “Communicate your priorities”; 4. “Don’t forget yourself!”

2. Rethinking Science Communication Beyond Technology

This episode truly resonates as the host Nikesh Gosalia along with guests Joy Moore and Kent Anderson call out some of the most pressing contradictions facing the publishing world today. A must-listen for anyone who wants to repair, not just “rewire”, how science is communicated. A lot of food for thought on the human role in communication of science.

3. What AI Still Cannot Do in Peer Review

Can AI and humans collaborate? Although AI is improving rapidly, it is best viewed as a smart assistant. So rather than replacement shouldn’t the future be about collaboration between technology and humans?

4. AI in Scientific Research: Good or Bad?

In a Q&A format, Dr. Jacob Wickham answers your queries and concerns regarding predatory journals, AI tools and the many other challenges faced in the ever-changing AI era.

5. Avoiding Manuscript Rejection

What can you do to avoid rejection of your manuscript? This video gives some actionable tips direct from a Journal Editor! Watch the video, jot down notes and go get a head start on your next manuscript submission!