The practitioner–researcher divide in Industrial, Work, and Organizational (IWO) psychology: Reflections on progress and the challenges ahead

Abstract A quarter‐century has passed since the publication of ‘The practitioner–researcher divide in Industrial, Work and Organizational (IWO) psychology’ ( Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology , 2001, 74, 391 ‐ 411). In this commentary, I revisit our original objectives and assess the progress made in addressing the existential threat we identified. Despite stimulating extensive debate, the problems we documented remain largely unresolved and, in many respects, have intensified and now extend well beyond IWO psychology. Drawing on recent developments in research assessment, impact governance, and responsible science, I argue that addressing these challenges requires fundamental reforms to the wider knowledge production ecosystem, against a backdrop of growing public scepticism towards scientific evidence and expertise.