Undergraduate behavioral biologists keep science careers in focus through pandemic challenges—but need support

Torres, Mila A.; Delva, Stephanie; Fried, Emily N.; Gomez, Jacqueline A.; Nguyen, Nhi; Przekop, Kylla A.; Shelton, Elizabeth F.; Stolberg, Katelyn C.; Wyszynski, Sofia I.; Yaffa, Leila S.; Broitman, Shahar; Traniello, James F. A.

doi:10.1007/s00265-021-02988-4

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 30 publications

(27 reference statements)

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“…In Nigeria, at least, ECRs are the least likely to receive funding (Salihu Shinkafi, 2020), likely even more so during COVID-19. Faced with physical and mental restraints and observing health-related misinformation related to COVID-19 (Teixeira da Silva, 2020b), including in predatory publishing venues (Teixeira da Silva, 2020c), ECRs might lose motivation (Torres et al, 2021). Paula (2020) argued that since ECRs, especially postdocs, have short-term (typically 1-3 years) contracts in which they are expected to be productive, that COVID-19 might disrupt their financial stability.…”

Section: How Have Ecrs Been Impacted By Covid-19? Effects and Mitigation Strategiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Challenges that Early Career Researchers Face in Academic Research and Publishing

Silva¹

2021

EIRJ

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the academic community. Yet, in some respects, they occupy a selectively inferior niche due to structural constraints, as well as personal and professional limitations. ECRs, who are at an initial stage of their careers, face multiple challenges in research and publishing due to a relative lack of experience. These may make them vulnerable to abuse and cause stress and anxiety. Those challenges may have been amplified in the COVID-19 era. ECRs' efforts may unfairly boost the reputation of their mentors and/or supervisors (Matthew Effect), so greater credit equity is needed in research and publishing. This opinion paper provides a broad appreciation of the struggles that ECRs face in research and publishing. This paper also attempts to identify extraneous factors that might make ECRs professionally more vulnerable in the COVID-19 era than their established seniors. ECRs may find it difficult to establish a unique career path that embraces creativity and accommodates their personal or professional desires. This is because they may encounter a rigid research and publishing environment that is dominated by a structurally determined status quo. The role of ECRs' supervisors is essential in guiding ECRs in a scholarly volatile environment, allowing them to adapt to it. ECRs also need to be conscientious of the constantly evolving research and publishing landscape, the importance of open science and reproducibility, and the risks posed by spam and predatory publishing. Flexibility, sensitivity, creativity, adaptability, courage, good observational skills, and a focus on research and publishing integrity are key aspects that will hold ECRs in good stead on their scientific career path in a post-COVID-19 era.

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Section: How Have Ecrs Been Impacted By Covid-19? Effects and Mitigation Strategiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Challenges that Early Career Researchers Face in Academic Research and Publishing

Silva¹

2021

EIRJ

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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Career orientation of first-year students in STEM education: a Q methodology study

Markman,

2024

Int J Educ Vocat Guidance

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A shift has occurred in career attitudes and aspirations of university students within science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines, highlighting the importance of investigating students’ strategies for early career planning. This study explores the career orientation of 27 first-year STEM students by utilizing Q methodology, which integrates qualitative and quantitative approaches. The findings provide valuable insights into the career orientation of first-year students in STEM disciplines in the aftermath of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic; their focus includes a goal-oriented mindset, work–life balance, workplace conditions, and physical surroundings. The findings of this study carry practical implications for enhancing career support programs.

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Undergraduate behavioral biologists keep science careers in focus through pandemic challenges—but need support

Cited by 2 publications

References 30 publications

Challenges that Early Career Researchers Face in Academic Research and Publishing

Challenges that Early Career Researchers Face in Academic Research and Publishing

Career orientation of first-year students in STEM education: a Q methodology study

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