‘Rejection is part of the process, what matters is what you do with it’
On Monday, 15 June, the session ‘Failing Forward – Turning Rejection into Future Opportunities’ will take place, focusing on open conversations about rejection, resilience, and learning in academic life. Ahead of the session, organiser Billy Tsagkroni and speaker Eveline Crone share their perspectives on rejection as part of academic life.
Rejection in academia, for example after applying for a grant, often feels personal, political scientist Tsagkroni says. ‘You put in blood, sweat, and tears, often with support from others, and still get a "no".’ However, rejection does not mean the work is poor. ‘It’s part of the process. What matters is what you do with it.’ For Tsagkroni, it can sharpen motivation and bring clarity: ‘It makes you ask—why am I doing this, what is my focus?’ In that sense rejection can be a welcome reset, and something to learn from. ‘Dare to try, be ambitious, and make your own path.’
Do it anyway
Prof. Crone agrees and adds from her own experience. In hindsight, a career may look like a steady line of success, but during the process it feels far more messy. ‘Failure brings you back to your core,’ she says. ‘Once you know what you really want, you can think: grant or no grant, I will do this anyway.’ She also emphasizes the importance of not overlooking smaller grants, and of treating each new application as a chance to rethink and strengthen ideas.
Rewards
Do they have more advice for young researchers who struggle with rejection? Crone likes to compare science to the railways: ‘There are fast and slow trains, and safe and risky trajectories. Find your train and be ready to jump on—but also stay ready to adapt if you miss a few.’ She also believes that writing an application is rewarding in itself. ‘It allows you to think big and envision all the things you could do. Tsagkroni adds, ‘It gives you hope and shows what is possible.’
- Share your own story and listen to others. Join the session Failing Forward – Turning Rejection into Future Opportunities on 25 June, 15:30-17:00h.