(Talking About) Failing Better in Research: The First Rule of Failure Club Is…You Don’t Talk about Failure Club

Abstract

Failure in research is an underexplored topic in the information science literature. Many instances of research failure go unreported due to the success‐oriented nature of academic culture, and academic publishing in particular. In not discussing, or failing to enable the discussion and reporting of research failures, important learning opportunities are being missed by the information science community. The aim of this panel is to explore these missed opportunities and to consider the need for approaches to research design, research collaboration and relationships, community engagement, publishing, mentorship, and teaching that will make room for such discussions to take place. The panel will bring together prominent information researchers to discuss failure in research in a series of short themed provocations and moderated group discussion activities.