The annual Winter School of the Danish Diabetes Academy (DDA) in November 2019 challenged postdoctoral researchers with tough questions regarding research culture that scientists around the world are discussing. The complexity and competitiveness of modern research makes it increasingly difficult for junior researchers to navigate in the science community. This editorial reflects the voices of nearly 200 international researchers ranging from early-career scientists to professors and medical doctors discussing five challenges of modern research culture - and proposes innovative solutions to overcome them.