This piece challenges traditional academic practices by drawing a parallel between the circular economy and the research cycle. It prompts researchers to consider their work as a valuable resource that can be reused, recycled, and repurposed. Guests are invited to "sort wisely" as they encounter the realization that not all papers are recyclable. Decontextualizing recycling logic within the realm of impact research, this work advocates for a shift towards circular research thinking - a more resource-conscious approach to knowledge creation and dissemination - critiquing the wastefulness of producing research without regard for its potential reuse.
Circular Research immerses guests in an interactive experience. They encounter two bins, an ordinary recycling bin and a general waste bin, alongside printed paper references from notable academic work. Visitors decide where each reference belongs, fostering self-reflection and personal definitions of impactful research. This installation encourages a shift from linear to cyclical thinking within academia.