The pace of academic life often leaves little room for reflection. Between grant deadlines, teaching commitments, and research obligations, we can easily forget one of the most important aspects of academic culture: expressing gratitude to those who help us along the way. Yet behind every published paper, successful grant application, or conference presentation lies a network of support that often goes unacknowledged. From the detailed feedback of peer reviewers to the guidance of mentors and the crucial support of administrative and technical staff, our academic achievements are built upon countless acts of assistance from others.

The myth of the solitary scholar

Academia often perpetuates the image of the lone intellectual, working in isolation to push the boundaries of knowledge. This myth not only misrepresents how scholarship actually works but also contributes to a culture where we forget to acknowledge the contributions of others. Whether it’s the colleague who took time to review our manuscript, the librarian who helped track down an obscure reference, or the administrator who guided us through a complex grant application, our work is inherently collaborative.

The pressure of competing deadlines and the overwhelming volume of administrative tasks can make it easy to overlook expressing thanks. We might assume that help is simply ‘part of the job’ or that colleagues don’t need acknowledgement. But this oversight has real costs: it weakens our academic networks, reduces willingness for future collaboration, and contributes to a increasingly transactional academic culture.

The ripple effect of gratitude

When we take time to express thanks, we do more than acknowledge a single act of help. We contribute to building a more supportive and sustainable academic community. Each expression of gratitude helps counter the competitive, often harsh nature of academic life. It creates positive feedback loops where appreciated colleagues are more likely to offer help again, not just to us but to others. This is particularly important for early-career researchers, who learn by example how to build and maintain professional relationships.

Moreover, gratitude helps combat the isolation that many academics feel. It reminds us that we’re part of a broader community of scholars, all contributing to the advancement of knowledge in their own ways. This sense of connection can be particularly valuable during challenging periods in our academic careers.

Five practical ways to build gratitude into your daily work

1. Create a ‘thanks due’ folder in your email: When someone helps you, immediately create a draft email. Even if you don’t have time to write a proper thank-you note immediately, this ensures you won’t forget. Set aside 15 minutes each Friday to complete and send these drafts. Make sure to include the specifics of how their contribution helped you to move something forward, which is way more meaningful than sending a “thanks” or thumbs up emoji.
2. Keep a running acknowledgements section: Start the acknowledgements section of your paper or project as soon as you begin writing, adding names as you receive help. This not only ensures no one is forgotten but also makes visible the collaborative nature of academic work.
3. Use your task management system: When someone agrees to review your work or provide feedback, create a follow-up task to thank them. Link it to your deadline for implementing their feedback, making gratitude part of your workflow rather than an extra task.
4. Make public acknowledgement a habit: When giving presentations, take a few seconds to thank those who contributed to the work. This not only expresses gratitude but also models good academic citizenship for students, early-career researchers, and staff who support your work in various ways.
5. Schedule quarterly reflection time: Set aside an hour every three months to reflect on who has helped you and ensure you’ve properly acknowledged their support. This is also an excellent time to send updates to mentors or colleagues who have provided significant help.

Conclusion

In the rush of academic life, it’s easy to forget that a simple ‘thank you’ can make a significant difference. It’s not just about politeness—it’s about building and maintaining the collaborative relationships that make academic work possible and meaningful. Someone took time out of their busy schedule to help you succeed. Acknowledging that help isn’t just courteous—it’s an investment in our academic community’s future.

Inspired by Anne-Wil Harzing’s reflections on academic gratitude and the importance of acknowledgement in building sustainable academic communities.