LACK OF FUNDING AND LONG-TERM JOB SECURITY THREATENS TO HAVE PROFOUND EFFECTS ON CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCHER RETENTION IN AUSTRALIA

Abstract

Objective: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Australia, yet funding has stagnated in recent years, resulting in economic challenges within the cardiovascular research sector. Here we investigated the challenges faced by cardiovascular researchers in Australia as an initiative of the Emerging Leaders Committee of the Australian Cardiovascular Alliance (ACvA). Design and method: We developed a questionnaire, which was distributed via email and social media to ACvA members, Australian cardiovascular societies, councils, universities and research institutes for 6 months during April-November 2019. Results: There were 548 completed responses (out of 703, 80%). The respondents primary career stage was group leader or laboratory head (40%) followed by post-doctoral (33%), most were females (53%), and 31% reported career interruptions, especially parental leave. Only 23% had permanent (ongoing) employment. Eighty one percent of full-time workers said they regularly work more than 40 hours per week, and 85% were not compensated for overtime work. Sixty eight percent said they have considered leaving the cardiovascular research sector. If their position could not be funded in the next few years, 43% would consider leaving Australia to work in cardiovascular research overseas, and only 9% said they would not leave the sector. Greater job security (76%) and government investment in cardiovascular research (71%) were highlighted as the main strategies for retaining cardiovascular researchers in the sector in Australia. Compared to male cardiovascular researchers, women were less likely to be a laboratory head, hold secure funding or have confidence in a long-term career path as cardiovascular researcher, and were more likely to consider leaving the sector (all P < 0.05). Conclusions: Our survey suggests that the current lack of funding in cardiovascular research, combined with a lack of long-term job security, threatens to have profound effects on cardiovascular researcher retention in Australia, especially for women. Strategies to increase retention and address the issues highlighted by our survey are urgently needed.