Early career researchers: career and skills development

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How research organisation leaders and support staff can help early career researchers

If you’re a leader, or member of support staff at a research organisation, you can take a role in helping to develop the skills and careers of early career researchers (ECRs).

Provide guidance

You can help ECRs to navigate the research and innovation sector in the search for career opportunities by:

  • advising them on internal policies at your research organisation
  • raising awareness of what funding bodies offer
  • providing help with writing applications
  • making your partnerships a catalyst for ECR development. Partnerships could be with:
    • other research organisations
    • non-academic organisations including businesses, charities and public bodies
  • championing diverse routes in, through and out of academia.

Be a role model

Show leadership on an organisational level and within your role, by following and improving where applicable:

Take an interest in their needs

ECRs are an investment in the future of research. Talk with your ECRs to find out what they need most at this career stage, for example:

  • good working conditions
  • recognition of their contributions
  • opportunities to get involved in the life of your research organisation
  • career advice and mentoring.

Last updated: 9 March 2023

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