Early career researchers (ECRs) are a large and critical component of the research workforce, and consequently an important segment for academic societies. However, ECRs face a number of challenges, including limited funding, lack of mentorship support, networking difficulties, and pressure to publish. Many of these have been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns in various parts of the world, fuelling an exodus of ECRs from academia. Societies aiming to retain and engage their ECR members are beginning to re-evaluate whether their policies and practices adequately serve the needs of these researchers. Here are some strategies they have used to create a supportive environment for ECRs:
Flexibility Around Membership Fees
Budget cuts and limited funding opportunities hit ECRs particularly hard, as they have had less time to build a solid track record than their senior colleagues. Consequently, they prioritize immediate and necessary research-related expenses over society memberships. In response, societies can offer creative and flexible payment solutions for membership fees. For instance, the Society for Social Medicine & Popular Health waives membership fees for the 2nd year for ECR members. The British Neuroscience Association allows full members (usually tenured researchers) to give membership for free to up to nine members of their research teams.
Support with Childcare Needs
ECRs, the majority of whom are millennials and Generation Z, are more likely to be parents or caregivers of young children than mid-career or senior researchers are. Hence, in 2020 and 2021, ECRs were likely to have been severely impacted by the closures of schools, daycares, etc. Some societies have realized that childcare is a key concern for ECRs who are parents, and have devised strategies to support them accordingly. For example, the American Mathematical Society offers childcare grants to cover daycare or babysitting costs for attendees of its various meetings. Similarly, in a 2022 study, family support grants were found to aid attendance at the American Society for Nutrition’s annual conference among early-career female researchers who are parents. The American Society of Human Genetics allowed attendees at its 2022 conference to bring along their babies below 6 months old.
Leveraging Social Media Strategically
While email remains an important communication channel, Baby Boomers value it more highly than millennials and Generation Z do. ECRs find social media a powerful tool for sharing their research, finding collaborators, keeping abreast of research developments, and even raising funding. When developing a social media strategy, societies are beginning to go beyond Facebook and Twitter, and look at platforms with high appeal for millennials and Gen Z, such as Instagram, Snapchat, and even TikTok. One example is the American Association for Cancer Research, which uses Snapchat particularly to target younger researchers.
Catering to Networking Needs
ECRs are under pressure to network, but networking opportunities tend to be more accessible to senior researchers. The biggest networking opportunities for academics are conventional in-person academic conferences, which tend to heavily favor the old boys club (older white men). ECRs are looking for relatively low-cost, inclusive opportunities for networking. To meet this need, societies can explore solutions like virtual conferences, online networking events, and mentorship programs that facilitate networking. For instance, The Physiological Society hosted a virtual networking hour dedicated to ECRs.
Offering Leadership Opportunities
Most leadership positions in societies are held by senior researchers, leaving ECRs limited opportunities to contribute to key society policies or decisions. As a consequence, ECRs can feel frustrated and unheard. To resolve this issue, societies can formulate policies to include a judicious mix of senior and younger researchers on various boards and committees. For example, the American Association for Anatomy includes two ECRs in its Board of Directors (both of which are currently women!). The American Society for Plant Biology includes ECRs in several major committees (membership, publications, science policy, etc.) as well as its Council.
Conclusion
In the wake of the Great Resignation in academia, research societies have a role to play in tackling the widespread discontent among researchers at all levels. Given the significant proportion of ECRs in society membership, societies will find it worthwhile to understand and address the needs of this member segment. In the long run, ECR-friendly policies and practices will benefit societies themselves, as they effectively engage with new talent and the lead scientists of the future.
An earlier version of this article was published in February 2022.
