Research Career Research Articles

Graphitisation of Neoproterozoic sedimentary marbles in The Aird, Scottish Highlands

Graphite occurs in Neoproterozoic (probable Loch Ness Supergroup) marbles of The Aird, in the Northern Highland Terrane, Scotland. The graphite occurs particularly in association with phlogopite mica, and also with other micas and Mg-chlorite. Although the graphite-phlogopite association is recorded widely elsewhere in mantle-derived rocks, our data suggests graphite at The Aird does not have a mantle origin. The carbon isotopic composition of the graphite ( δ 13 C, 0.4 to -1.6 ‰) indicates graphitisation occurred from a CO 2 -rich fluid associated with decarbonation or devolatilisation reactions of a carbonate-silicate protolith. Graphite-phlogopite bearing marbles in the Aird underwent extensive brecciation and haematite deposition that preceded carbon-rich, mantle-derived (carbonatite) fluids. Pyrite in veins within The Aird marble has a sulphur isotope composition depleted in 34 S (-15.5 to -16.6 ‰), suggesting a biogenic origin. Elsewhere in The Aird and in surrounding fenitised rocks 34 S -enriched pyrite has sulphur isotope compositions between 7.7 to 6.1 ‰, outside the sulphur isotopic composition range of most carbonatite-hosted pyrite, suggesting pyrite veining was likely influenced by crustal fluid-rock interactions. The observations show that if the protolith has a carbonate-silicate composition, a graphite-phlogopite association can form without the need for mantle-derived fluids. Thematic collection: This article is part of the Early Career Research collection available at: https://www.lyellcollection.org/topic/collections/early-career-research

Older Adults’ Adoption of Technology-Mediated Mobility Solutions: A Review and Agenda

ABSTRACT Mobility is important to older adults’ independent living. However, not all older adults’ experience mobility seamlessly; instead, they often encounter challenges in mobility. The advent of technology has led to the development of technology-mediated mobility solutions. Many studies have been conducted to examine older adults’ adoption of technology-mediated mobility solutions. Yet, no study, to date, has attempted to systematically review the progress of research in the field, thereby depriving researchers of an overview of older adults’ adoption of technology-mediated mobility solutions, which may be useful for early career researchers to gain entry insights and established researchers to gain an updated understanding of the field. To address this gap, this study systematically reviews the literature on older adults’ adoption of technology-mediated mobility solutions, encompassing the progress of research in the field, as well as the antecedents and consequences of adopting technology-mediated mobility solutions among older adults. In doing so, this study delivers seminal state-of-the-art insights on a comprehensive encapsulation of antecedents (i.e. ethical considerations, social influences, personal factors, usability elements, and environmental conditions) and consequences (i.e. quality of life) of older adults’ adoption of technology-mediated mobility solutions, as well as directions to stimulate future research in the field.

Stepping into the Future of Project Studies: Establishing the PMJ College for Early Career Researchers in Project Studies

With the support of the Project Management Institute (PMI), we are excited to launch the PMJ College, a global, cross-journal initiative to nurture future leading academics in project studies. The initiative is important now, as academia struggles to attract and retain talent, yet really needs academics. Society requires good projects and project management to survive and hence also a vibrant academic project ecology to extend knowledge and help project practice. The PMJ College aims to attract, retain, and help early career academics through a series of workshops and mentorship, fostering passionate and engaged scholarship. Applications are open, and its process is described in this editorial.

Comments concerning papers about cationic dyes sorption, published by Saeed et al. (2023), Tan et al. (2023) and Yıldız et al. (2023)

ABSTRACT Recently, the three independent papers cited in the title were published in this journal, dealing with the sorption of cationic dyes on specially prepared solid sorbents. Although kinetics, isotherm and thermodynamics are three important components for the correct description of any sorption process, the authors of these original papers introduced several fundamental errors in these parts. Therefore, we present detailed analyses of these errors in the hope that this “Comment” paper will also be useful to other researchers (especially early career researchers) to avoid replicating such errors elsewhere in the future.

Peter Martin Biggs. 13 August 1926 — 27 December 2021

Peter Biggs was a towering figure in poultry health research, making substantial contributions in avian infectious diseases in the second half of the twentieth century and first two decades of the twenty-first century. The world's poultry industry owes an immense debt to his pioneering research into Marek's disease (MD), a major threat to poultry health in the early years of intensive poultry production. On graduating from the Royal Veterinary College, London, in 1953, Peter chose a research career studying avian diseases. Peter's dedicated research in the 1960s led to the identification of the MD virus and the subsequent development of a vaccine against MD. The development of MD vaccine, the first ever vaccine against a virus-induced cancer, had a major impact on sustaining the fledgling poultry farming that was crucial for the thriving modern poultry industry. Later, as the director of the Houghton Poultry Research Station in Cambridgeshire, UK, Peter led a programme of innovative scientific research exploiting scientific developments and technological advances to meet the needs of the rapidly expanding poultry industry. In addition to his outstanding leadership on research, Peter also contributed immensely to the formation of the World Veterinary Poultry Association, a global professional association for avian health specialists, and establishment of the journal Avian Pathology . Even after retirement, Peter continued to make valuable contributions to avian science through august bodies such as the Royal Society, Animal Health Trust, British Egg Marketing Board, British Veterinary Association and Houghton Trust. Peter was also a great mentor to many scientists who went on to leading roles.

Review of the VIII institutional conference of the Bachelor of Nursing degree at the University of Buenos Aires: History and innovation

Introduction: Nursing is the pillar of the health system that is oriented in a scientific and humanistic way to the care of the person, family, groups, and communities. Qualitative historical-documentary research was carried out whose objective of this article is to describe the historical evolution and innovation in the Bachelor's Degree in Nursing at the University of Buenos Aires (UBA). Nursing acquired its character as a university degree in 1960 and is structured in two cycles. The teaching scenarios of the career are organized in the central academic unit and in a decentralized manner in 16 Nursing Teaching Units distributed in the City and Province of Buenos Aires. The future perspectives and focus on career innovation include promoting scientific research, editorial management and scientific publication, health communication, clinical simulation, telehealth, and advanced education, as well as training in teaching and research careers and continuation in programs of postgraduate programs to all those who work in higher education and optimize the study plan in accordance with national curricular standards, which strengthened the narrative of the topics presented at the VIII institutional nursing conference of the UBA on November 24, 2023.Objective: to characterize the origins of nursing in Argentina and in the regional context linked to patterns that typify the birth and development of the Bachelor of Nursing degree at the UBA in epoch and contextual terms, highlighting the sociohistorical and institutional contributions both in the unit central academic center and in the nursing teaching units where the program operates, crystallizing the integrative dimensions that work in university life.Method: Qualitative historical-documentary research. The research methods used were both theoretical and empirical. The theorists facilitated fulfilling the epistemological function of the conceptual interpretation of the information, which were: Analytical-Synthetic; Deductive-Inductive and Historical-Logical:Development: a dialectical, discursive sequencing and a narrative of events that appeal to organizational values or define in a sense attribute of the reference institution that anchors in amalgamation with the mission and vision of the Bachelor of Nursing degree at the UBA were programmed.Conclusions: The process of making the proposal programmed for the VIII institutional day of the Bachelor of Nursing degree at the UBA was enhanced as in a tessellar network, as it represented an organizational, operational and collaborative logic that highlighted the unity in action, guided by the leadership and direction of the course direction and with notable support in terms of the presence of prominent authorities from the House of Higher Studies itself, the Ministry of Health of the Nation and the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, of disciplinary organizations: Argentine Nursing Federation, Nursing Association of the Federal Capital, Association of University Schools of Nursing of the Argentine Republic, Argentine Nursing Networks, career directors of local universities, as well as the UBA educational community made up of students, teachers, graduates, directors, coordinators of headquarters, areas and commissions that the convergence space selected for the occasion has flourished in the imposing Aula Magna “José Arce”, with a spirit of joy commemorating on such an occasion Nursing Day in Argentina, as an anniversary declared of interest by the race managers, focused on history and innovation.

Building a robust pharmacy research program: Reflections from a large healthcare system not affiliated with a college of pharmacy

AbstractProfessional standards for academic health care system pharmacy departments and clinical pharmacists advocate for research and scholarly activities. Developing and sustaining a research program in a clinical pharmacy department is challenging. Over the span of a decade, a robust pharmacy research program was developed in an academic medical center not affiliated with a college of pharmacy. The aim of this manuscript is to provide a framework suitable for scaling research in pharmacy departments within an academic medical center. Objectives to accomplish the aim includes describing the structure and evolution of the clinical pharmacy department research program, listing measurable outputs and achievements of the pharmacists and the program and describing the barriers encountered and solutions that were enacted to overcome them. Elements critical to building and sustaining a research program in the pharmacy department included long‐term commitment from within the department, a departmental research infrastructure, support from institutional leadership, research funding from the institution, and a growth mindset in accordance with company initiatives to support evolving research needs. A research curriculum was developed for pharmacy residents and pharmacists, created electronic tools for research proposal scientific reviews and allocation of funds, and established departmental research career development awards that allowed for protected time to pursue research and professional development. Over the first 10 years of the program, publication rates grew more than three‐fold, faculty appointments and promotions increased approximately five‐fold, and pharmacist investigators obtained extramural federal funding. Further offsetting clinical workload relative to dedicated research time remains a challenge. The experience and success at this academic medical center suggest it is feasible to develop a robust, sustainable clinical pharmacy department research program.

Sustainability in a broad sense: An essential aspect of scientific conferences.

This article reflects on sustainability in the context of scientific conferences with emphasis on environmental, diversity, inclusivity, and intellectual aspects. We argue that it is imperative to embrace sustainability as a broad concept during conference organization. In-person conferences have an obvious environmental impact but mitigating strategies can be implemented, such as incentivizing low-emission travel, offering fellowships to support sustainable traveling, and promoting use of public transport or car-pooling. Utilizing eco-conscious venues, catering, and accommodations, along with minimizing resource wastage, further reduces environmental impact. Additional considerations include facilitating hybrid format conferences that allow both in-person and online attendance. Hybrid conferences enhance global participation whilst reducing resource consumption and environmental impact. Often-overlooked benefits can arise from the simple recording of talks to enable asynchronous viewing for people unable to attend in person, in addition to providing a legacy of knowledge that, for example, could support the training of early career researchers (ECRs) or newcomers in the field. The longevity of a research field, intellectual sustainability, requires an inclusive conference atmosphere, offering optimal opportunities for ECRs, minority groups, and researchers from emerging countries. Diversity and inclusivity not only enrich conference experiences but also enhances creativity and innovation.

T-shaped craft researchers’ contribution in transdisciplinary research projects

T-shaped craft researchers’ contribution in transdisciplinary research projects

Publishing important work that lacks validity or reproducibility – pushing frontiers or corrupting science?

ABSTRACT Scientific research requires objectivity, impartiality and stringency. However, scholarly literature is littered with preliminary and explorative findings that lack reproducibility or validity. Some low-quality papers with perceived high impact have become publicly notable. The collective effort of fellow researchers who follow these false leads down blind alleys and impasses is a waste of time and resources, and this is particularly damaging for early career researchers. Furthermore, the lay public might also be affected by socioeconomic repercussions associated with the findings. It is arguable that the nature of scientific research is such that its frontiers are moved and shaped by cycles of published claims inducing in turn rounds of validation by others. Using recent example cases of room-temperature superconducting materials research, I argue instead that publication of perceptibly important or spectacular claims that lack reproducibility or validity is epistemically and socially irresponsible. This is even more so if authors refuse to share research materials and raw data for verification by others. Such acts do not advance, but would instead corrupt science, and should be prohibited by consensual governing rules on material and data sharing within the research community, with malpractices appropriately sanctioned.

Literature Review in Scientific Research: An Overview

The quality and success of academic work are closely linked to the literature review process. A literature review is essential to any scientific research study, which entails an in-depth analysis and synthesis of the existing literature and studies related to the research topic. The literature review process thoroughly searches various databases and sources to ensure the review is comprehensive and up to date. The primary objective of this article is to provide an overview of the literature review process in scientific research, its importance in research methodology, and its different types. It also aims to discuss the purpose of conducting a literature review in research, the methods involved, and the significance of having access to relevant literature. Additionally, it provides guidelines for early career researchers on how to conduct a comprehensive literature search. A literature search was conducted in major databases and supplemented by browsing journals and citations with relevant keywords. There are four main types of literature reviews: traditional or narrative, systematic, meta-analysis, and meta-synthesis. By conducting a literature review, researchers gain a deep understanding of the research landscape, identify potential biases and limitations, and contribute to developing knowledge in their field of study. Executing a literature search is fruitless unless researchers possess fundamental knowledge about it. Hence, collecting literature for the literature review is an indispensable step that requires a comprehensive search of various databases and sources, such as academic journals, books, conference proceedings, and other relevant publications. The present article provides vital information and literature search guidelines for early career researchers

Coming of age within ‘implosion’

AbstractIn a recent article, Maria Eriksson Baaz and Swati Parashar1 trace the continued salience of Eurocentrism in critical International Relations (IR), demonstrating how the ‘master’s outlook’ continues to stifle the study of global politics; they ultimately encourage an unsettling and even implosion of the discipline. Starting from this proposed ‘implosion’ of critical IR, this article reflects on our hopes, as two current PhD candidates and one early career researcher in global politics, for teaching and learning in this future world. We begin by reflecting on our own complicity in reproducing the Western-centrism of the discipline and consider how this discomfort can be used productively. The article then considers the radical potential of the classroom and the necessity of empathetic, collaborative inquiry to the future of the discipline of global politics. We advocate for an IR which is imaginative, relational, messy, and vulnerable – and are hopeful about how this may animate a meaningful and sustainable implosion. Embracing our discomfort and the possibility of failure, we hope to contribute to the ongoing ‘unsettling’ of academia from the standpoint of incipient feminist scholars and hopeful early-career teachers.

What exactly is an "early career researcher" anyway?

What exactly is an "early career researcher" anyway?

Exploring reconvictions and ‘crime-free’ gaps over time: What were the experience of one cohort of English probationers?

Many, but not all, reconviction studies are undertaken over relatively short periods of time (such as 2 or 5 years) and are usually used to gauge the impact of various disposals against one another. This study, based on one cohort of probationers who started being supervised in England during 1997–1998, takes a different tack, and explores their reconvictions between 1997 and 2022, a period of 25 years, and touches upon a range of topics germane to this field, such as: how many reconvictions were racked up?, who was reconvicted?, which offences were they convicted of? and what accounts for their reconvictions? The second half of the article focuses on the issue of ‘crime-free gaps’ and provides further insight into this recent development in criminal careers research and in so doing builds upon an earlier article by Joanna Shapland.

A reinterpretation of the mineralization processes involved in the formation of the Tomnadashan sulfide deposit, Loch Tay, Scotland, UK

The Tomnadashan sulfide deposit, which is located on the southern margin of Loch Tay (Scotland, UK), was mined for copper during the 19th century. The genetic processes at Tomnadashan remain poorly understood, and the mineralization has never been dated. To gain an improved understanding of this mineral system, we have dated the molybdenite at Tomnadashan using the Re–Os chronometer. Furthermore, we have contextualized these ages within a paragenetic interpretation. Our results show that the age of the molybdenite is c. 423–419 Ma, and it occurs early in the paragenesis (the second stage out of six). Based on the paragenesis of molybdenite, this age is likely to reflect the initial Caledonian mineralization event at Loch Tay. Our new data and literature review suggest that although Tomnadashan is a magmatic-related ore deposit, the porphyry that crops out is unlikely to have provided the mineralizing fluids associated with the mineralization. A concealed intrusion or granitic dykes within the porphyry may be the source of the magmatic–hydrothermal fluids. The age data indicate that the Tomnadashan mineralization is coeval with gold mineralization at Cavanacaw in Northern Ireland, giving rise to the possibility of a previously unrecognized mid-Silurian magmatic–hydrothermal episode of gold and base metal mineralization throughout the Grampian Terrane. Thematic collection: This article is part of the Early Career Research collection available at: https://www.lyellcollection.org/topic/collections/early-career-research

The Johns Hopkins Physician-Scientist Training Program to Enhance Institutional Retention and Entry Into Academic Positions: An Evaluation of Program Effectiveness and Outcomes.

The Johns Hopkins Physician-Scientist Training Program (PSTP) was implemented to overcome well-documented challenges in training and retaining physician-scientists by providing physician-scientist pathway training for residents and clinical fellows. The program's core tenets include monthly seminars, individualized feedback on project proposals, access to mentors, and institutional funding opportunities. This study evaluated the effectiveness and outcomes of the PTSP and provides a framework for replication. A query of institutional demographic data and bibliometric variables of the PSTP participants (2017-2020) at a single academic medical center was conducted in 2021. In addition, a voluntary survey collected personal and program evaluation information. Of 145 PSTP scholars, 59 (41%) were women, and 41 (31%), 8 (6%), and 6 (5%) of scholars self-identified as Asian, Hispanic, and Black, respectively. Thirty-three (23%) scholars received PSTP research support or career development microgrants. Of 66 PSTP graduates, 29 (44%) remained at Johns Hopkins as clinical fellows or faculty. Of 48 PSTP graduates in a post-training position, 42 (88%) were in academia, with the majority, 29 (76%), holding the rank of assistant professor. Fifty-nine of 140 available participants responded to the survey (42% response rate). The top-cited reason for joining the PSTP was exposure to mentors and administration (50/58 respondents, 86%), followed by seeking scholarly opportunities (37/58 respondents, 64%). Most scholars intended to continue a career as a physician-scientist. The PSTP provides internal research support and institutional oversight. Although establishing close mentor-mentee relationships requires individualized approaches, the PSTP provided structured academic pathways that enhanced participating scholars' ability to apply for grants and jobs. The vast majority continued their careers as physician-scientists after training. In light of the national evidence of a "leaky physician-scientist pipeline," programs such as the PSTP can be critical to entry into early academic career positions and institutional retention.

Building Confidence and Competence: The Effects of Early Career Coaching and Research Training on Student Research Perspectives

Building Confidence and Competence: The Effects of Early Career Coaching and Research Training on Student Research Perspectives

Pathways and identity: toward qualitative research careers in child and adolescent psychiatry

ObjectiveQualitative research methods are based on the analysis of words rather than numbers; they encourage self-reflection on the investigator’s part; they are attuned to social interaction and nuance; and they incorporate their subjects’ thoughts and feelings as primary sources. Despite appearing well suited for research in child and adolescent psychiatry (CAP), qualitative methods have had relatively minor uptake in the discipline. We conducted a qualitative study of CAPs involved in qualitative research to learn about these investigators’ lived experiences, and to identify modifiable factors to promote qualitative methods within the field of youth mental health.MethodsWe conducted individual, semi-structured 1-h long interviews through Zoom. Using purposive sample, we selected 23 participants drawn from the US (n = 12) and from France (n = 11), and equally divided in each country across seniority level. All participants were current or aspiring CAPs and had published at least one peer-reviewed qualitative article. Ten participants were women (44%). We recorded all interviews digitally and transcribed them for analysis. We coded the transcripts according to the principles of thematic analysis and approached data analysis, interpretation, and conceptualization informed by an interpersonal phenomenological analysis (IPA) framework.ResultsThrough iterative thematic analysis we developed a conceptual model consisting of three domains: (1) Becoming a qualitativist: embracing a different way of knowing (in turn divided into the three themes of priming factors/personal fit; discovering qualitative research; and transitioning in); (2) Being a qualitativist: immersing oneself in a different kind of research (in turn divided into quality: doing qualitative research well; and community: mentors, mentees, and teams); and (3) Nurturing: toward a higher quality future in CAP (in turn divided into current state of qualitative methods in CAP; and advocating for qualitative methods in CAP). For each domain, we go on to propose specific strategies to enhance entry into qualitative careers and research in CAP: (1) Becoming: personalizing the investigator’s research focus; balancing inward and outward views; and leveraging practical advantages; (2) Being: seeking epistemological flexibility; moving beyond bibliometrics; and the potential and risks of mixing methods; and (3) Nurturing: invigorating a quality pipeline; and building communities.ConclusionsWe have identified factors that can support or impede entry into qualitative research among CAPs. Based on these modifiable findings, we propose possible solutions to enhance entry into qualitative methods in CAP (pathways), and to foster longer-term commitment to this type of research (identity).

Early career researchers in health policy and systems research: insights from freelancers in a non-profit organization in the Philippines

BackgroundThe freelance economy has seen rapid growth worldwide in recent years and the Philippines is not an exception. Freelance workers are becoming increasingly common in healthcare and research. Early career researchers carry out most of scientific research and can play a critical role in advancing public health by bringing new perspectives and diversity to the field. Existing literature has mostly focused on the experiences of early career researchers in an institutional academic setting. This study aimed to understand the experiences of freelance early career researchers in the health policy and systems space in the Philippines.MethodsThis qualitative study collected data from 18 to 22 March 2022 through virtual interview and focus group discussions. Themes and codes were created based on the topic guide developed. New themes and codes were generated as they emerged. Two researchers coded the data using both a priori and emergent codes. Any coding conflicts were resolved through discussions until intercoder agreement was reached. Interpretation and conclusions from the data were developed by 2 researchers with consideration for its context and relationship between themes.ResultsFifteen current and former freelance researchers participated in the study. Most are female, under 35 years old, and with an undergraduate degree as the highest educational attainment. The findings highlight insights and challenges faced by early career researchers in aspects of: (1) work arrangement, (2) tasks, (3) expectations from senior researchers, (4) development in the health policy and systems field, (5) relationship with peers, and (6) motivations for continuing to work as a freelance health policy and systems researcher.ConclusionThis study reveals the challenges freelance early career researchers face, highlighting the need for enhanced support and recognition amidst rapidly evolving workforce demands and complex health dilemmas. Recommendations include structured mentorship, professional development, innovative funding models, and the establishment of a supportive network. Advocacy for policies ensuring freelancer inclusion in the economy and policy-making is crucial. Future research should investigate their experiences further, including their roles, transitions, and the impacts of funding trends, to foster their development and integration into public health research and policy.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the productivity and career prospects of musculoskeletal researchers.

Academic researchers faced a multitude of challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, including widespread shelter-in-place orders, workplace closures, and cessation of in-person meetings and laboratory activities. The extent to which these challenges impacted musculoskeletal researchers, specifically, is unknown. We developed an anonymous web-based survey to determine the pandemic's impact on research productivity and career prospects among musculoskeletal research trainees and faculty. There were 116 musculoskeletal (MSK) researchers with varying demographic backgrounds who completed the survey. Of respondents, 48.3% (n = 56) believed that musculoskeletal funding opportunities decreased because of COVID-19, with faculty members more likely to hold this belief compared to nonfaculty researchers (p = 0.008). Amongst MSK researchers, 88.8% (n = 103) reported research activity was limited by COVID-19, and 92.2% (n = 107) of researchers reported their research was not able to be refocused on COVID-19-related topics, with basic science researchers less likely to be able to refocus their research compared to clinical researchers (p = 0.030). Additionally, 47.4% (n = 55) reported a decrease in manuscript submissions since the onset of the pandemic. Amongst 51 trainee researchers, 62.8% (n = 32) reported a decrease in job satisfaction directly attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic. In summary, study findings indicated that MSK researchers struggled to overcome challenges imposed by the pandemic, reporting declines in funding opportunities, research productivity, and manuscript submission. Trainee researchers experienced significant disruptions to critical research activities and worsening job satisfaction. Our findings motivate future efforts to support trainees in developing their careers and target the recovery of MSK research from the pandemic stall.