The Importance of the 2019 Concordat in Supporting Career Development for Researchers

The Importance of the 2019 Concordat in Supporting Career Development for Researchers

The career development of researchers has always been a topic of great importance in the research community. The role that researchers play in the development of new knowledge and in the dissemination of that knowledge is vital to the progress of society. The importance of their work cannot be overstated, and it is essential that they receive the support they need to develop and enhance their careers. This is where the 2019 Concordat comes in.

The 2019 Concordat is a set of principles and commitments that are aimed at supporting the career development of researchers. It is a joint statement of commitment from the research community, including universities, research institutions, funders, and employers. The Concordat is designed to promote good practice and to create a supportive research culture that enables researchers to develop their careers.

The Concordat is based on six key principles that are essential to supporting the career development of researchers. These principles are:

1. Recognition of the importance of career development for researchers.

2. Recognition of the diversity of the researcher population and of the career paths that they may follow.

3. Support for the development of transferable skills.

4. Support for the development of researchers’ research skills.

5. Recognition of the need for a good work-life balance.

6. Support for the recruitment and retention of researchers.

The Concordat is a significant step in the right direction when it comes to supporting the career development of researchers. It provides a framework for good practice and sets out the commitments of the research community to support researchers in their careers. However, it is not enough to simply have a set of principles and commitments; they must be put into practice.

The implementation of the 2019 Concordat requires the cooperation and commitment of all stakeholders in the research community. Universities, research institutions, funders, and employers must work together to ensure that the principles of the Concordat are embedded in their policies and practices. This will require a cultural change that values and supports the career development of researchers.

Examples of good practice in supporting the career development of researchers can be found in institutions that have already adopted the principles of the Concordat. For example, the University of Sheffield has created a researcher development framework that provides support and training for researchers at all stages of their careers. The University of Manchester has established a researcher career pathway that provides a clear route for career progression.

In conclusion, the 2019 Concordat is a significant step forward in supporting the career development of researchers. It provides a framework for good practice and sets out the commitments of the research community to support researchers in their careers. However, the implementation of the Concordat will require the cooperation and commitment of all stakeholders in the research community. By embedding the principles of the Concordat in their policies and practices, universities, research institutions, funders, and employers can create a supportive culture that enables researchers to develop and enhance their careers.