Feedback Gone Too Far? The Toxic Critique Culture in Science

As scientists, I'm sure we've all been there: You're presenting your research at a high-level conference, and all the big names in your field are in the audience. Even if your talk goes off without a hitch, you can't help but dread the question time. There's always that one person who raises their hand and starts with, "This is more of a comment than a question, but..." You know what's coming next—unhelpful critique at best, or a complete teardown of your work at worst. You walk off the stage with a pit in your stomach, relieved it's over, but feeling thoroughly beaten down.

When did our field become so toxically critical of its members?

The Critique Culture: Necessary but Excessive?

Critique is a fundamental part of science. Of course, it's through rigorous questioning and evaluation that our research improves and knowledge advances. But let's be honest—the culture of critique in science has become somewhat overwhelming. Instead of feeling constructive, it often feels like we're running a gauntlet, with every flaw in our work magnified and every success downplayed, if it's even acknowledged at all.

I've been there myself—excited to share my findings, only to be met with excessive criticism that seemed more about showing off the critic's knowledge than helping me improve. It's easy to imagine Darwin coming back from his five-year voyage on the HMS Beagle, eager to share his discoveries with the Geological Society, only for his rival Richard Owen to chime in with, "But why didn't you do this or that instead...?"

Instead of fostering collaboration, these moments may often feel like a competition to see who can tear down the work the fastest. It's no surprise that many young researchers feel a sense of dread when it comes to presenting at conferences. They fear that their hard-earned discoveries will be torn apart rather than constructively discussed. And it's not just an academic thing—public speaking anxiety, or glossophobia, affects about 73% of people. When you add the high-stakes environment of an academic conference, where criticism is almost guaranteed, it's easy to see why these presentations can feel more like a test of endurance than a chance to share and learn.

The Scarcity of Recognition

And then there's the other side of the coin—the lack of recognition. We all know that positive feedback is hard to come by in academia. Excellence is expected, and good work often goes unrecognised. When was the last time someone said, "Great job!" without immediately following it up with, "But here's what you should change"?

Just the other day, I was talking to a PhD student who mentioned that her supervisor's comments on a manuscript draft had been "less harsh" than usual. To her, this was a sign that she'd done a good job. Think about that for a moment—her measure of success was that the criticism wasn't as bad as it usually is. This highlights just how rare praise can be in our field.

When the only feedback you get is negative, or when "good job" is implied by the absence of harsh critique, it's hard to stay motivated. It can feel like no matter how hard you work, your efforts will never truly be valued. Over time, this can stifle creativity and innovation, as we become more focused on avoiding criticism than on pushing boundaries and exploring new ideas.

The Psychological Toll

This imbalance between critique and recognition doesn't just affect our motivation—it can take a serious toll on our mental health. Constant exposure to criticism, without the buffer of positive reinforcement, can lead to feelings of inadequacy, imposter syndrome, and chronic stress. Over time, these pressures can result in burnout, anxiety, and even depression.

Early-career researchers are especially vulnerable. They're still building their confidence and professional identity, and the constant barrage of criticism can be particularly damaging. A 2018 study published in Nature Biotechnology found that 41% of PhD students report experiencing moderate to severe anxiety, and 39% report moderate to severe depression. Much of this is linked to the high-pressure, often hypercritical environment of academic research, where the focus is more on pointing out flaws than acknowledging progress.

For many of us, the dream of contributing to scientific knowledge can start to feel more like a nightmare as we struggle to meet the unrelenting expectations of the academic community. The very environment that should foster curiosity and growth instead becomes a source of overwhelming stress and self-doubt.

The Role of Mentors and Institutions

So, what can we do about it? Change needs to happen at multiple levels, starting with mentors and academic institutions. As mentors, we have a responsibility to provide balanced feedback. Yes, we need to point out areas for improvement, but we also need to recognise and celebrate successes. Constructive criticism should go hand-in-hand with encouragement, helping our mentees build confidence while guiding them toward better work.

Institutions also play a crucial role in fostering a healthier work environment. This could mean implementing formal ways to recognise outstanding contributions—awards, public acknowledgments, or simply creating a culture where positive feedback is given as freely as critique. Institutions could also offer training on how to deliver feedback in a way that's honest but supportive.

While change is needed at the institutional level, building personal resilience is key to navigating academia's challenges. Here's how:

• Find Support: Surround yourself with a supportive network of peers, mentors, or friends who can offer encouragement and perspective.
• Celebrate Wins: Take time to acknowledge your own successes, however small. Keeping track of positive feedback and achievements can boost your confidence during tough times.
• Manage Stress: Develop coping strategies like mindfulness, exercise, or creative outlets to stay grounded and resilient under pressure.

The critique culture in science is a double-edged sword. While it's essential for scientific progress, it's also creating an environment where we're constantly criticised but rarely recognised for our achievements. This imbalance can have serious consequences for our mental health, motivation, and overall innovation in our field.

To create a healthier, more supportive academic environment, we need a cultural shift—one that balances critique with recognition and fosters a community where we're encouraged to grow and succeed. It's time for all of us in academia to reflect on how we give and receive feedback and to work together to build a more positive and constructive culture.