This introductory chapter sets the stage for the central argument of this book. Recognizing the pivotal role of academic research in contemporary societies, it makes the case for a time-sensitive analysis of academia as a lens to address some of the most pressing challenges facing research today. The chapter lays out the normative concerns underpinning this analysis, describes its empirical foundation, and highlights the value of researchers’ narratives as a rich and insightful resource. Before previewing the book’s structure—including the two perspectives that shape Parts 1 and 2—the chapter also delves into key debates about contemporary academia, providing the critical backdrop for interpreting the accounts of researchers.