Abstract
Early-career researchers (ECRs) make up a large portion of the academic workforce. Yet, most leadership positions in scientific societies are held by senior scientists, and ECRs have little to no say over the decisions that will shape the future of research. This article looks at the level of influence ECRs have in 20 scientific societies based in the US and UK, and provides guidelines on how societies can successfully include ECRs in leadership roles.
Highlights
The majority of scientific research is carried out by graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty who do not yet have tenure
This means that early-career researchers – some of whom will become the senior researchers of the future – are given little or no say in decisions that will shape the future of research (Committee on the Generation Initiative, 2018; Alberts et al, 2014)
The American Association for Anatomy (AAA), Genetics Society of America (GSA), and the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) were noteworthy for having multiple early-career researchers (ECRs) members with voting privileges that serve on their Boards or Executive Leadership (Figure 2)
Summary
The majority of scientific research is carried out by graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty who do not yet have tenure. Some societies already include ECRs in their leadership and have shown that these positions elevate the careers of ECRs and help societies retain members who will eventually become leaders in their respective fields.
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