Content used from secureproject.eu, written by Đorđe Petrović – CPN
If we do not continue to invest in the very thing that’s making us successful – and that is education – then it’s a zero-sum game. It’s like starving the goose that lays the golden egg
At the 11th World Science Forum (WSF2024) in Budapest from November 20 to 23, experts from around the world convened to tackle pressing global challenges in science policy. Among the many insightful discussions, one of the most critical sessions was “How to Make Academic Careers Attractive and Sustainable.” This event, held at the historic Pesti Vigadó, was a collaborative initiative led by EURODOC, the Marie Curie Alumni Association (MCAA), the Young Academy of Europe (YAE), and ICoRSA. The discussion addressed significant barriers confronting early and mid-career researchers, including precarious contracts, funding instability, and intense competition, while also exploring ways to create sustainable academic careers.
Photo: MTA
The Challenge of Precarity in Research Careers
Dr. Rosarii Griffin, Secretary and Director of ICoRSA and a researcher at University College Cork, Ireland, moderated the session, highlighting key concerns affecting researchers. According to Dr. Griffin, the greatest challenge facing early-career researchers today is tenure insecurity and research precarity. Many young researchers find themselves in a cycle of short-term contracts with little job stability, making it difficult to plan for the future. This lack of security affects fundamental aspects of life, such as securing a mortgage or long-term financial planning.
A significant issue compounding this problem is the lack of a universal pension scheme for mobile researchers. Although initiatives like RESAVER aim to address this gap, widespread adoption is still needed at the European level to ensure that researchers do not lose valuable years of pension contributions.
The Pressure of “Publish or Perish”
Beyond job security, another major challenge is the publish-or-perish culture, which prioritizes high research output over quality and long-term scientific exploration. Dr. Griffin emphasized that this system discourages blue-sky research, which focuses on theoretical advancements without immediate application. As Austrian philosopher Karl Popper once noted, failure in research is just as valuable as success, yet the current system does not always allow space for such exploration.
To address this, a multidimensional approach to assessing researchers’ contributions is needed. Instead of focusing solely on publications, the evaluation should include contributions to science communication, public engagement, policy impact, and interdisciplinary collaborations. This approach aligns with international initiatives like the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which calls for broader metrics in evaluating researchers’ work.
The Need for a Structured Research Career Framework
A key theme throughout the discussion was the need for a clear and structured career framework for researchers. While the European Union is working on a Research Career Framework, widespread adoption and enforcement remain significant challenges.
The SECURE project, led by ICoRSA, plays a crucial role in addressing this issue. SECURE has developed a comprehensive set of recommendations aimed at improving research careers, and it is currently being tested in research-performing organizations (RPOs). However, the project still faces hurdles, as these recommendations remain voluntary. Without binding mechanisms, institutions may not feel compelled to implement them, reducing their impact.
Dr. Griffin emphasized that while this is a step in the right direction, stronger enforcement is necessary to ensure meaningful change. The SECURE project’s findings, expected in early 2025, will provide valuable insights into how research career frameworks can be effectively implemented.
The Future of Research Careers: A Call for Action
Making academic careers more attractive, sustainable, and inclusive requires a collective effort from policymakers, universities, and funding bodies. Some of the key actions include:
- Increasing investment in long-term research positions rather than short-term contracts.
- Expanding funding opportunities to support a diverse range of research disciplines.
- Encouraging gender equity in academia, particularly by addressing career interruptions faced by women.
- Strengthening interdisciplinary research collaborations to diversify career pathways.
- Ensuring that researchers’ contributions to science diplomacy, policy, and public engagement are recognized.
Without decisive action, academia risks losing talented researchers to industry due to the lack of job security and structured career progression. As Dr. Griffin noted, investment in research and education is crucial for knowledge economies to thrive. Sustainable research careers are not just essential for researchers themselves but for the future of scientific innovation and global progress.
The SECURE Project: A Step Toward Change
The SECURE project aims to bridge the gap between policy recommendations and real-world implementation. By testing career framework models in different research institutions, the project seeks to create a more stable and attractive research environment for early-career researchers.
According to Dr. Erna Karalija, professor at the University of Sarajevo and project manager at ICoRSA, SECURE’s biggest contribution is its dual approach—addressing immediate challenges while shaping a long-term sustainable system for researchers.
The project’s final report, expected in mid-2025, will provide actionable recommendations for improving research careers across Europe. This will be a crucial step toward ensuring that researchers have the support they need to reach their full potential.
The challenges facing researchers today, from precarious contracts to the pressure of continuous publication, demand urgent attention. Creating a structured career framework, improving job security, and recognizing diverse contributions will be key to fostering a thriving research ecosystem. Initiatives like the SECURE project are paving the way for a more sustainable academic landscape, but greater institutional and policy-level commitments are needed to ensure long-term change.
For research to drive innovation and societal progress, the people behind it must have the security and support to thrive. As the discussion at WSF2024 highlighted, the future of research careers depends on ensuring that academic pathways remain attractive, inclusive, and sustainable.