Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on early career dementia researchers: A global online survey

Abstract

Introduction The World Health Organization recognizes dementia as a public health priority and highlights research as an action to respond to the consequences, with early career dementia researchers (ECDRs) representing the key driving force. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however, biomedical and psychosocial dementia research was strained worldwide. The aim of this study was to understand the impact of the pandemic on ECDRs. Methods In autumn 2021, the Alzheimer’s Association International Society to Advance Alzheimer’s Research and Treatment (ISTAART) Professional Interest Area to Elevate Early Career Researchers (PEERs) and University College London conducted an online survey querying ECDRs’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey was shared through the ISTAART network, social media, podcasts, and emailing lists. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results Survey data from n = 321 ECDRs from 34 countries were analyzed (67.6% women; 78.8% working in academia). Overall, 77.8% of ECDRs surveyed indicated research delays, 53.9% made project adjustments, 37.9% required additional or extended funding, and 41.8% reported a negative impact on career progression. Moreover, 19.9% felt unsupported by their institutions and employers (33% felt well supported, 42.7% somewhat supported). ECDR’s conference attendance remained the same (26.5%) or increased (More: 28.6%; a lot more: 5.6%) since the start of the pandemic. Continental differences were visible, while the impact of the pandemic did not differ greatly based on ECDRs’ sociodemographic characteristics. Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic had a substantial impact on ECDRs worldwide and institutions, employers, and funding bodies are urged to consider the implications and lessons-learned when working with, managing, and promoting ECDRs. Strategies related to the pandemic and general career support to improve ECDRs career progression are discussed, including social media training, digital networking, and benefits of hybrid events. Global resources specific for ECDRs are highlighted.

The pandemic and changes in early career researchers’ career prospects, research and publishing practices

“…The study found that the pandemic had a major impact on various aspects of work-life and scholarly communication of ECRs and this is aligned with the findings of past studies [e.g., 33 – 35 ].…”

Supporting early‐career dementia researchers: Identifying support needs and ways forward via a European study

“…ECRs indicate they experience high stress levels, have long working hours, and have problems with securing permanent positions 8,9 . These difficulties and barriers can lead to mental health issues, such as anxiety and burnout 10,11 …”

“…10,11 To better support early-career dementia researchers (ECDRs) around the world, University College London (UCL) and the Alzheimer's Association International Society to Advance Alzheimer's Research and Treatment (ISTAART) Professional Interest Area (PIA) to Elevate Early Career Researchers (PEERs) recently investigated ECDRs' experiences of their workplaces, fields, careers, and support via a global online survey. 10 The survey results (n = 584) stress that the ECDR community is enthusiastic, dedicated, and thriving but that there are also many areas of concern and room for improvement. 10 While 77% of the surveyed ECDRs are happy in their current role, 84% agree or strongly agree that the short-term nature of contracts is a significant barrier to advancing the field.…”

“…10 Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic had a substantial impact on ECDRs, resulting in research delays (78%), adjustments to research plans (54%), and a perceived negative impact on ECDRs' career progression (42%). 10 This survey from autumn 2021 highlights that support is especially needed in areas such as grant and fellowship writing (58%), building collaboration (57%), and one-on-one coaching and mentoring (39%). 10 Although this survey is a good starting point to enhance the voices of ECDRs, more detailed and contextual input from ECDRs is needed to better understand and address their needs.…”

“…10 This survey from autumn 2021 highlights that support is especially needed in areas such as grant and fellowship writing (58%), building collaboration (57%), and one-on-one coaching and mentoring (39%). 10 Although this survey is a good starting point to enhance the voices of ECDRs, more detailed and contextual input from ECDRs is needed to better understand and address their needs. For example, ECDRs' needs likely vary across the world, and it remains unclear in which areas European ECDRs in particular need extra support or how they would like to be supported prospectively.…”