When a colleague dies: exploring academia's ‘death-denying’ culture

Nature

by Adam Levy

February 14, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Academia’s response to grief and loss often falls short, leaving many feeling unsupported during their most vulnerable moments. Krista Harrison, a social scientist at the University of California San Francisco, shares her harrowing journey through multiple losses, including the sudden death of her father in a cycling accident and her stepfather’s prolonged hospice care, which was complicated by a hospital readmission and subsequent infection. These events occurred alongside the loss of her closest collaborator, leaving Harrison to grapple with both personal and professional upheaval. Her story highlights how academic institutions often fail to provide the necessary space and resources for grieving employees, despite the inevitability of death. Harrison’s experience underscores the emotional toll of sudden losses, particularly when compounded by unexpected professional changes. The example of her father’s death, involving a 95-year-old driver who struck him and his cycling group, reveals how societal biases can further complicate grief. Such incidents often leave survivors questioning their roles and seeking clarity in a chaotic world. Harrison’s stepfather’s prolonged hospice journey added another layer of complexity, forcing her to navigate the difficult decision of re-enrolling him in hospice care before he ultimately passed away. Harrison’s work, including her article “Making Space for Grief in Academia,” challenges institutions to rethink their approach to loss and grief. Her research emphasizes the need for better policies and support systems that recognize grief as a natural part of life. For professionals in science and academia, understanding how institutions can improve their response to death is crucial. By fostering environments where grief is acknowledged and supported, organizations can help employees navigate their bereavement without added stress or isolation. Harrison’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of empathy and systemic change in addressing one of life’s most universal yet often neglected experiences.

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Originally published on Nature on 2/14/2026