Survey launched to understand the needs of early and mid-career researchers across Wales
Wales’s research ecosystem is diverse. It spans a wide range of disciplines, institutions and career pathways, including universities, public and private organisations, and third sector and community settings. Significant attention has been given to Early Career Researchers (ECRs). The distinct needs and identities of Mid-Career Researchers (MCRs), however, remain underexplored, including the extent to which these differ from those of “Established Researchers” as the next tier up. Both ECRs and MCRs are critical to the sustainability and progression of research in Wales.
We have launched a Wales-wide survey to explore how researchers self-identify at these career stages, the challenges they face, and the gaps in training and development support. The survey is open to early and mid-career researchers, as well as others undertaking research or research-related work across Wales. We want to capture a wide range of experiences across sectors, disciplines, employment settings, career stages and backgrounds. This includes voices that may be less visible in existing conversations about researcher development.
The survey asks:
- how people understand their own career stage
- their experiences of developing a research career,
- the opportunities and support available to them,
- the barriers and challenges they encounter,
- and what they think would make a meaningful difference.
The findings will contribute to a stronger evidence base on researcher experiences and needs across Wales. It will inform practical recommendations for future researcher development policy, provision and practice. They will also help us refine the interventions and initiatives we run through our Researcher Development Programme, and identify areas for potential collaborative action with stakeholders in Wales and beyond, to promote a healthy, inclusive and sustainable research ecosystem in Wales.
Taking part is voluntary. Everyone who completes the survey can choose to enter a draw for one of five £50 prizes. The draw is run separately, so contact details are never linked to survey responses.
“Your voice can help shape the future of research in Wales,” said Dr Barbara Ibinarriaga Soltero, Programme Manager for Researcher Development.
“Whether you are an ECR or MCR, or undertake research, your experiences matter. By taking part in this survey, or sharing it with colleagues, you will help build the evidence needed to create better opportunities, stronger support, and a more sustainable research career landscape for current and future researchers across Wales.”
Your experiences and perspectives are important to this research, and we encourage you to share them by completing the survey. We also recognise that a survey may not be an accessible or suitable way for everyone to contribute. If you would prefer to take part in another way, please contact Zaina Aljumma to discuss alternative options.
There will also be an opportunity to join a focus group to discuss the emerging findings and help us ensure they reflect researchers’ experiences. If you would like to be involved, please complete this short form to register your interest.
The survey closes on 4th December 2026. You can complete the survey by clicking here.
If you have any questions about the survey, please contact us at researcherdevelopment@lsw.wales.ac.uk
