Researchers’ Experiences and Meaning-Making in Antiviral Drug Discovery Teams

Abstract

Antiviral drug discovery has become a critical focus of global biomedical research, particularly in the post-pandemic era where rapid innovation and collaborative strategies are required. While significant advancements have been made in molecular design and clinical testing, little is known about the subjective experiences of researchers navigating complex decision-making within multidisciplinary teams. This study addresses this gap by exploring how researchers construct meaning, manage uncertainty, and respond to ethical dilemmas during antiviral drug development. Drawing on an interpretative phenomenological approach, the study involved fifteen researchers (9 male, 6 female) from diverse disciplinary backgrounds, including virology, medicinal chemistry, and clinical pharmacology. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews lasting 60–90 minutes each and analyzed using a systematic, multi-stage thematic interpretation process with inter-coder reliability checks to ensure analytical rigor. The findings reveal four interrelated themes: navigating uncertainty under time pressure, managing collaborative tensions, confronting ethical challenges, and fostering resilience through adaptive learning. These results demonstrate that scientific progress is shaped not only by technical expertise but also by researchers’ interpretations, values, and professional identities. The study offers important implications for improving multidisciplinary teamwork, institutional policies, and adaptive learning strategies in antiviral drug discovery. These insights contribute to a more holistic understanding of the phenomenon and open new directions for future research examining diverse contexts and collaborative models.