Why the 2019 Concordat is Crucial for the Career Development of Researchers
The 2019 Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers is an agreement signed by universities, funding agencies, and research institutions that aim to improve the working conditions and opportunities for researchers. This agreement has significant implications for the career development of researchers and the research environment.
Background
In recent years, there has been a growing concern about the working conditions and career development of researchers. Issues such as job insecurity, lack of opportunities for career progression, and inadequate support for professional development have been raised by researchers from all disciplines. The 2019 Concordat aims to address these issues and create a supportive research environment for all researchers.
Key Principles of the 2019 Concordat
The Concordat outlines seven key principles that underpin a supportive research environment. These principles include:
- Providing a supportive research culture that values researchers and recognizes their contribution to the research community
- Providing researchers with access to professional development opportunities, including training and networking
- Providing researchers with clear career pathways and opportunities for career progression
- Providing researchers with a safe and healthy working environment
- Ensuring that researchers are recognized and rewarded for their contributions to research
- Providing researchers with opportunities to engage with the wider public and communicate their research
- Providing researchers with access to resources and facilities that support their research
These principles lay the foundation for a supportive research environment that provides researchers with the necessary tools and opportunities to develop their careers.
Implications for Researchers
The 2019 Concordat has significant implications for the career development of researchers. By creating a supportive research environment, researchers will have access to professional development opportunities, clear career pathways, and a safe working environment. This can lead to increased job satisfaction, career progression, and overall well-being.
Furthermore, the Concordat emphasizes the importance of recognizing and rewarding researchers for their contributions to research. This can help to address issues of job insecurity and lack of recognition for researchers, which have been significant concerns in recent years.
Implications for Institutions
Institutions that sign the 2019 Concordat have an obligation to create a supportive research environment for their researchers. This includes providing researchers with access to the resources and facilities they need to conduct their research, as well as providing them with opportunities for professional development and career progression.
Furthermore, institutions must work to address issues of bias and inequality in the research environment. This means creating a culture that values diversity and inclusivity, and providing equal opportunities for all researchers regardless of their background or career stage.
Conclusion
The 2019 Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers is a significant agreement that has the potential to improve the working conditions and career development opportunities for researchers. By emphasizing the importance of a supportive research environment, the Concordat can help to address long-standing issues of job insecurity, lack of recognition, and inadequate support for professional development. Institutions that sign the Concordat have an obligation to create a research environment that values their researchers and provides them with the tools they need to successfully develop their careers.
