New study aims to reveal the true costs of fixed-term contracts for early career researchers to help drive positive change
The Centre for Postdoctoral Development in Infrastructure, Cities, and Energy (C-DICE) has launched a new study to explore the wide-ranging impacts of researchers holding fixed-term positions, aiming to foster a supportive and dynamic research community.
Early career researchers, such as postdoctoral researchers and newly appointed academics, often find themselves on fixed-term contracts without permanent or continuous employment prospects while trying to build their research portfolios, secure funding, and develop professional networks. Research precarity impacts their career development, personal lives, mental and financial health.
The new study seeks to understand these challenges and quantify the true costs of precarity for both researchers and the institutions that employ them.
“Research precarity affects every discipline and is an increasing concern across the academic community and for science policy internationally”, said C-DICE Director Dr Kathyrn North.
She continues: “Addressing research precarity is crucial for a healthy research culture, which is rightly emphasised in the 2028 Research Excellence Framework. We want as many researchers as possible – across all academic disciplines – to share their experiences and help us to build develop a comprehensive picture and advocate for a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable research environment in the UK and beyond.”
Dr North concludes: “By contributing to The Costs of Researcher Precarity survey, early career researchers will help improve the working conditions for all researchers and others employed on precarious contracts.”
For every completed survey response, C-DICE will donate to the fundraising appeal of Cara (the Council for At-Risk Academics) which helps academics worldwide escape discrimination, persecution, violence, or conflict.
Researchers across all disciplines in UK higher education institutions who have been in fixed-term research roles within the past six months are invited to share their experiences. The survey requires no prior preparation and is an anonymous 20-minute online questionnaire based on current or most recent employment experience. All responses will be kept confidential and will be used to promote positive changes within the research community. The Costs of Researcher Precarity survey closes on Friday 25 April and is available here.