ARE EARLY CAREER CLINICAL RESEARCHERS IN PSYCHIATRY AN ENDANGERED SPECIES?
The reduction in funding and training opportunities for early career clinical researchers in neuropsychiatric disorders is a very concerning development. A robust pipeline of trainees and early career researchers is critical for the viability of future development of novel treatments for severe mental illness. This presentation will review, on the basis of the literature and the speaker’s personal experience, the challenges of early career clinicians in establishing a career in research in the academia. Specific challenges are faced by trainees with diverse backgrounds or disabilities. Important directions to ensure success will be discussed, including the role of mentoring, strategies for publication and searching funding opportunities, and work-life balance.
References
- Sperry SH, Douglas KM, Dean OM, Fries GR, Gomes FA, Hosang GM, Morton E, Sandorffy B, Van Rheenen TE, Xu N, Huber RS. Barriers to and facilitators of success for early and Mid-Career professionals focused on bipolar disorder: A global needs survey by the International Society for Bipolar Disorders. Bipolar Disord. 2023 Aug;25(5):379-390.
- Miller E, Choi YK, Taran M, Huang A, Tadd K, Bampton T, Wilkes F. Reflections on challenges and opportunities in attempting a clinical academic career. Australas Psychiatry. 2025 Jun 13:10398562251351505.