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 Costs of Researcher Precarity study by the Centre for Postdoctoral Development in Infrastructure, Cities, and Energy (C-DICE) 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 and Loughborough University Associate Pro Vice Chancellor for Climate Change and Net Zero, Dr Kathyrn North.
She continues: “We want as many researchers as possible – across all academic disciplines – to share their experiences and help us to build develop a comprehensive picture of research precarity and advocate for policies and systems that will help improve the working conditions for all researchers and others employed on precarious contracts.”
Professor Dan Parsons, Loughborough Pro Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, emphasises: “Understanding the full impacts of research precarity is essential for both the well-being of individual researchers and the advancement of scientific knowledge. Addressing research precarity is crucial for fostering a healthy research culture, which is rightly emphasised in the 2028 Research Excellence Framework. By tackling these specific challenges, we can ensure that the research environment becomes more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable.”
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 is open until Friday 25 April and can be accessed online.