Challenges and solutions for diabetes early career researchers in the COVID-19 recovery: Perspectives of the Diabetes UK Innovators in Diabetes.

The COVID‐19 pandemic has put diabetes at the forefront of conversation. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes in the United Kingdom is high and has links to adverse COVID‐19 outcomes. Research investigating the links between these two public health issues are moving at pace. However, the pandemic has seen early career researchers (ECRs) in diabetes face professional and personal challenges that have the potential to slow down or derail bourgeoning careers. These challenges are not unique to ECRs working in the diabetes field—and they compound a challenging decade that included the fallout from an economic crisis and uncertainties arising from a protracted Brexit.

In May 2021, 15 ECRs gathered online as part of the Diabetes UK annual Innovators in Diabetes (IDia) training programme. A discussion on the career challenges faced and possible solutions to facilitate a healthy future for diabetes ECRs was initiated and facilitated by senior leaders in diabetes research. This letter summarises the themes from that discussion.

CHALLENGES FACED

Academic career progression

Academic progression is precarious and often without a well‐defined career pathway. Timing is crucial when applying for fellowships or institutional posts with strict criteria related to number of years worked post‐PhD. Probationary periods have demanding goals combining research, teaching, clinical and citizenship achievements. ECRs whose career routes are seen as 'non‐conventional' (e.g., changing fields, spending time in industry, time off for caring duties) are particularly vulnerable to inflexible criteria. The pandemic's impact; through the redirection of research council and NIHR funding, in combination with reductions to medical research charities income now exceeding £292 million, third‐level recruitment‐freezes and juggling personal and clinical duties will only exacerbate this.

Practical research

The pandemic‐associated lockdowns have meant laboratory closures, disruption to support services and an increase in teaching workload due to pivoting from in‐person to online teaching. For many ECRs, their laboratory‐based research slowed down or halted. Human studies paused due to restrictions and social distancing, studies were redesigned to minimise face‐to‐face contact and staff were retrained in the use of virtual methods. Research support services such as ethics committees have, rightly, prioritised COVID‐19 studies.

Personal and professional development

Navigating teaching duties alongside skills to develop research independence is challenging, resulting in long working hours which is of concern due to increased risk of burnout and physical health risks. The impact of the additional COVID‐19‐related pressures is as yet unclear but may be significant. Institutions are facing unprecedented demands on their resources; however, support must remain in place to equip ECRs to manage teaching workloads with research time ring‐fenced and investment in training in areas such as grant writing, public engagement, and financial and staff management.

OPPORTUNITIES IDENTIFIED

Long‐term funding plans

While the format of the next Research Excellence Framework is under review, it is imperative that it be cognisant of the diversity of career pathways and the demonstrable benefit of supporting ECRs and the impact COVID‐19 will have had. The demonstrable benefit of taking a long‐term view of research funding over decades has ultimately resulted in the UK's successful vaccination programme. Since government allocation of funds is a core part of many universities' funding models, real change must emanate from the government assessment and funding models of UK research and include a long‐term view of scientific research funding—which we hope will include financial support to the medical research charities recently affected.

Support networks

The opportunity to network with other researchers is a vital source of support, information and career‐direction for ECRs. Networking may happen informally or be formally institutionally facilitated. External organisations, professional conferences and professional and personal development courses also enhance ECRs support networks. While meetings remain online, we advocate for the inclusion of virtual networking sessions that create new sharing opportunities. We encourage senior members of the research community to consider formal or informal mentoring of ECRs and a repository of names and links be made available.

Employer support

ECRs are employees of research institutions. The introduction of formalised 'Tenure Track' schemes across the sector, designed to support ECRs on a path to independence, has been welcome. However, to support ECRs through the COVID‐19 pandemic and work to limit its long‐term impact on research careers, institutions should consider that original expectations regarding grant capture or publication set within pre‐pandemic timeframes will need to be modified to help mitigate against irrevocable damage to careers.

In summary, with the majority of the adult UK population now vaccinated and restrictions on distancing being eased, there is light at the end of the tunnel. The years ahead will undoubtedly be tough and there will be as yet unrecognised outcomes from the pandemic that will be far reaching. However, with recognition and support from organisations such as the Diabetes UK IDia programme and intra‐ and interinstitutional mentorship and training programmes, we hope our return to full strength will be facilitated.