The impact of the pandemic on the career life cycle of early career researchers

A new study has been launched at Oxford Brookes University to understand the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the career life cycle of early career researchers (ECRs).

A new study has been launched at Oxford Brookes University to understand the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the career life cycle of early career researchers (ECRs). 

The study is led by Dr Beldina Owalla , Senior Lecturer in Business and Management with co-investigators Dr Elvis Nyanzu, Research Fellow and Professor Tim Vorley, Pro Vice Chancellor and Dean of Oxford Brookes Business School and in partnership with British Academy of Management.

Beyond the emerging consensus about the precarious nature of early career researchers’ (ECRs) work and its effects on job security, career aspirations and development, little is known about the lived experiences of ECRs, and especially those from underrepresented groups including women and ethnic minority academics. Research indicates that existing gender and racial inequalities within higher education institutions across the UK have an adverse impact on academics' lived experiences and overall well-being, and this situation might have been worsened by the Covid-19 pandemic.

This project aims to gain a better understanding of the extent to which such experiences differ between different social groups. It investigates the experiences and progression of ECRs during and since the pandemic – with a particular focus on women and ethnic minority groups – and how this has impacted career trajectories. A co-design approach is adopted in order to ensure involvement in the design, implementation and dissemination processes by both those who are directly impacted and can share their lived experiences, as well as those who could directly influence policies related to supporting ECR career development.

The project will be conducted in three stages and will include an online survey, along with semi-structured interviews with ECRs as well as business school leaders and ECR line managers. Research findings will be disseminated through stakeholder workshops and academic conferences, and outputs will include recommendations on best practices to promote a more inclusive research and innovation environment for ECRs.

Dr Beldina Owalla  says “This project will be a great opportunity to interact with fellow early career researchers and learn about their lived experiences during and since the pandemic and how this has impacted their career prospects and aspirations. We will also be able to identify best practices in supporting early career researchers’ career progression. and thus contribute to promoting a more inclusive research culture within universities.”