TY - JOUR
T1 - Exploring early career researchers' perspectives of training and funding opportunities
T2 - Motivations and setbacks when applying for the UK's National Institute for Health and Care Research's fellowships and research funding
AU - Hashem, Ferhana
AU - Huber, Jörg
AU - Egan, Bernadette
AU - Barnes, Rebecca
AU - Newby, Christopher
PY - 2023/3/20
Y1 - 2023/3/20
N2 - Despite the availability of training and funding opportunities with the UK's National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), early career researchers (ECRs) invariably experience concern in sustaining an academic career in health research given the uncertainties of success following rejection from peer‐reviewed funding bodies. The objective of this study was to consider what motivates ECRs when applying for funding to NIHR programmes and how they overcome funding setbacks. Eleven ECRs took part in a one‐to‐one virtual in‐depth interview; the sample included more women (n = 8) than men (n = 3) and participants included pre‐doctoral researchers (n = 5), and both doctoral (n = 2) and post‐doctoral (n = 4) ECRs. The interviews were analysed using the logic of a systems theory framework identifying factors impacting on ECRs occurring within an individual, within their social system and within their broader environment. The central themes that emerged from the data focussed on: (1) facilitators for ECRs to apply for NIHR funding; (2) exploring ECRs' setbacks and disappointments; (3) improving chances of funding; and (4) deciding to apply with a view to re‐applying in future. The participants' responses provided an honest and frank reflection of the uncertainties and challenges as ECRs in the current climate. Further strategies to support ECRs could be facilitated through local NIHR infrastructure, mentorship, better access to local support networks and hard‐wiring research into an organisation's strategic priorities.
AB - Despite the availability of training and funding opportunities with the UK's National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), early career researchers (ECRs) invariably experience concern in sustaining an academic career in health research given the uncertainties of success following rejection from peer‐reviewed funding bodies. The objective of this study was to consider what motivates ECRs when applying for funding to NIHR programmes and how they overcome funding setbacks. Eleven ECRs took part in a one‐to‐one virtual in‐depth interview; the sample included more women (n = 8) than men (n = 3) and participants included pre‐doctoral researchers (n = 5), and both doctoral (n = 2) and post‐doctoral (n = 4) ECRs. The interviews were analysed using the logic of a systems theory framework identifying factors impacting on ECRs occurring within an individual, within their social system and within their broader environment. The central themes that emerged from the data focussed on: (1) facilitators for ECRs to apply for NIHR funding; (2) exploring ECRs' setbacks and disappointments; (3) improving chances of funding; and (4) deciding to apply with a view to re‐applying in future. The participants' responses provided an honest and frank reflection of the uncertainties and challenges as ECRs in the current climate. Further strategies to support ECRs could be facilitated through local NIHR infrastructure, mentorship, better access to local support networks and hard‐wiring research into an organisation's strategic priorities.
KW - early career researchers
KW - grant applications
KW - health research
KW - overcoming setbacks
KW - research training
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85150896905&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1002/hpm.3637
DO - 10.1002/hpm.3637
M3 - Article
SN - 0749-6753
VL - 38
SP - 1053
EP - 1062
JO - The International Journal of Health Planning and Management
JF - The International Journal of Health Planning and Management
IS - 4
ER -