Published August 6, 2025
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Guidelines for ensuring meaningful engagement of early career researchers in scientific collaborations: recommendations from and for marine and polar scientists

Creators

  • 1. Finnish Environment Institute, Nature Solutions , Latokartanonkaari 11, 00790 Helsinki ,
  • 2. Ecosystems and Environment Research Programme, University of Helsinki , 00014 Helsinki ,
  • 3. University of Helsinki
  • 4. NF Ocean Nexus, Institute for Coastal and Marine Research, Nelson Mandela University , 8001 Gqeberha ,
  • 5. School of Science and Technology, The University of Fiji , 4245 Lautoka ,
  • 6. Centre for Sustainable Development Reform, Faculty of Law, University of New South Wales , Sydney, NSW 2052 ,
  • 7. University of New South Wales
  • 8. UN Ocean Decade Endorsed ECOP Programme
  • 9. National Oceanography Centre , Southampton SO14 3ZH ,
  • 10. Umeå Marine Sciences Centre, Umeå University , 901 87, Norrbyn ,
  • 11. Umeå University
  • 12. National Oceanography Centre , European Way, Southampton SO14 3ZH ,
  • 13. School of Oceanography, University of Washington , Seattle 98105 ,
  • 14. University of Washington
  • 15. University of Washington , Seattle, WA 98115 ,
  • 16. School of Law, University of Derby, One Friargate Square , Agard Street, Derby, DE1 1DZ ,
  • 17. One Ocean Hub
  • 18. University of Aveiro, ECOMARE—Laboratory for Innovation and Sustainability of Marine Biological Resources, CESAM—Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies Department of Biology, , Gafanha da Nazaré, 3810-193 Aveiro ,
  • 19. Marine Ecological and Evolutionary Physiology laboratory, Département de biologie, chimie et géographie, Université du Québec à Rimouski , C.P. 3300 Rimouski QC ,
  • 20. Université du Québec à Rimouski
  • 21. Marine Institute , Rinville, Oranmore, Co. Galway, H91 R673 ,
  • 22. Institute of Aquatic Ecology (IEA), Universitat de Girona , Girona 17003 ,
  • 23. Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona (UB) Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, , Barcelona 08028 ,
  • 24. University of Barcelona
  • 25. National Center for Scientific Research, PSL Université Paris, CRIOBE, CNRS-EPHE-UPVD, Maison de l'Océan , 195 rue Saint-Jacques, 75005 Paris ,
  • 26. South American Institute for Resilience and Sustainability Studies (SARAS) , CP 20200, Maldonado ,
  • 27. Centro de Investigación Mariña, Universidade de Vigo , Future Oceans Lab, 36310 Vigo ,
  • 28. Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO , 75352 Paris Cedex, 07 SP ,
  • 29. Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales Departamento de Ciencias de la Atmósfera y los Océanos (DCAO), , C1428EGA Buenos Aires ,
  • 30. University of Buenos Aires
  • 31. School of Management, Guangdong Ocean University , 524088 Zhanjiang City ,
  • 32. Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory , 519000 Zhuhai ,
  • 33. Princeton University Geosciences Department, , Princeton, NJ 08540 ,
  • 34. Princeton University
  • 35. Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro , Rio de Janeiro, 20550-013 ,
  • 36. Finnish Environment Institute, Marine and Freshwater Solutions , Latokartanonkaari 11, 00790 Helsinki ,
  • 37. CEFE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD , 1919 route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier ,
  • 38. University of Florence Chemistry Department (DICUS), , Via della Lastruccia, 3-13, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Firenze ,
  • 39. University of Florence
  • 40. School of Sciences, College of College of Engineering and Technical Vocational Education and Training, Fiji National University , VCGQ+2X6 Suva ,
  • 41. Sustainable Ocean Alliance , Pacific Islands

Description

Abstract There is an increasing recognition of the importance of involving early career researchers (ECRs) in scientific positions of trust within national and international organizations, collaborative research projects, networks, and working groups. While the inclusion of ECRs in positions traditionally dominated by more established scientists is a welcome development to increase diversity, equity and inclusion in science, ECRs are often brought into different processes without consideration of the differences in career stages and unfamiliarity of newcomers to projects and processes. These challenges are particularly felt by ECRs with multiple disadvantaged statuses or identities (e.g. ECRs from ethnic minorities, the Global South, and those with caring responsibilities). This paper presents ten guidelines prepared as a participatory process of 12 marine and polar science early career networks, aiming to provide a comprehensive framework for various stakeholders involved in the academic and research ecosystem to improve ECR engagement in collaborations and institutional processes. These guidelines are intended to be adaptable to various contexts, ensuring that all those engaging with ECRs can effectively support their development and well-being. By following these guidelines, members of the scientific community and associated organizations can contribute to a nurturing and productive working environment that benefits the entire research community. This, in turn, will contribute to the long-term success of individual researchers, their institutions, and ultimately science itself.
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