Question: As a scientiest what are some of the problems you face and how do you deal with them

Michael Kimwele answered on 16 Jul 2025:

As a scientist, I face several challenges in my work. One major issue is limited funding, which can hinder research activities and access to advanced tools or technologies. I address this by actively seeking grants, collaborating with institutions, and prioritizing research with high impact potential. Another challenge is balancing multiple roles—teaching, mentoring, administrative duties, and research—which can be overwhelming. I manage this through effective time management, delegation, and structured planning. Additionally, keeping up with rapid technological advancements and global research trends requires continuous learning, so I attend conferences, workshops, and collaborate with peers. Sometimes, scientific work is undervalued in policy and decision-making circles, so I engage in outreach and advocacy to demonstrate its relevance to development. Lastly, ethical dilemmas and pressure to publish can affect research integrity; I deal with this by upholding strong ethical standards and focusing on quality over quantity.