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:
- good working practices
- organisational policies at your research organisation
- the Concordat for Researcher Development
- AHRC guidance on training and developing early career researchers in the arts and humanities
- guidance from other funders of arts and humanities research
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