- Home
- The Concordat
- Researchers
We define Early Career Researchers as those who do research and are employed on fixed term basis. Typically, this will be post docs working on research projects. In some cases, these will be people on teaching only contracts who continue to do research with a view to gaining an academic position. Not included are PGRs or academic staff on open ended contracts.
Excellent research requires a supportive and inclusive research culture
Healthy working environments attract and develop a more diverse workforce, impact positively on individual and institutional performance, and enhance staff engagement. This Principle recognises that a proactive and collaborative approach is required between all stakeholders, to create and develop positive environments and cultures in which all researchers can flourish and achieve their full potential.
Researchers must:
Researchers are recruited, employed and managed under conditions that recognise and value their contributions
Provision of good employment conditions for researchers has positive impacts on researcher wellbeing, the attractiveness of research careers, and research excellence. This Principle recognises the importance of fair, transparent and merit-based recruitment, progression and promotion, effective performance management, and a good work-life balance. All stakeholders need to address long-standing challenges around insecurity of employment and career progression, ensuring equality of experience and opportunity for all, irrespective of background, contract type and personal circumstances.
Researchers must:
Professional and career development are integral to enabling researchers to develop their full potential
Researchers must be equipped and supported to be adaptable and flexible in an increasingly diverse global research environment and employment market. This Principle recognises the importance of continuous professional and career development, particularly as researchers pursue a wide range of careers.
Researchers must:
Full details of our plans can be found in our Concordat Implementation Plan