Perspectives of early career researchers at HHU
What concerns and motivates researchers at the beginning of their scientific careers? The National Academics Panel Study (nacaps) conducted by the German Centre for Higher Education Research and Science Studies (DZHW) surveys the framework conditions during the doctoral phase and beyond.
For Heinrich Heine University, this an opportunity to gain direct insights into doctoral and postdoctoral researchers‘ everyday life: From individual time budgets to supervision to career paths, the university obtains detailed insights into determining factors and well-being at the starting point of various careers. With over 40.000 datasets available nationwide, nacaps allows comparative performance reviews of actions, both within the university and beyond. The study is thus a central component of an evidence-based monitoring of its measures for early career researchers.
What is information just at the right time for the university is a means of participation for the participants: In nacaps, doctoral and postdoctoral researchers may share their perspectives and thereby influence the development of programmes provided for them. The anonymous participation facilitates the expression of critical voices in the process.
Information on the process of the survey
Nacaps is designed as a cohort study to survey career paths beyond the doctoral phase. Initial surveys have been taking place since 2019. The longitudinal design provides panel data, accompanied by annual follow-up surveys per cohort.
The current cohort was initially surveyed in 2023, the data obtained is available via a portal. The next opportunity to participate in an initial survey is expected to be in 2027. All doctoral researchers at HHU are eligible for participation.
Participants provide information anonymously and online, covering their motivation, individual framework conditions, their institution’s qualification programmes as well as working conditions. The study’s design allows items to career decisions and paths even after the completion of a doctoral phase.
Participate? Co-create!
You are working on your doctoral degree at HHU – either within a scientific employment or externally? Your impression matters! By participating in nacaps you help your university to gain insights in the overall conditions of your doctoral phase and beyond. Of course, the participation is anonymous, so your datasat cannot be tracked neither by your superiors nor by the university administration.
If you are interested in participating, your graduate academy and the facilities for ECRs at HHU are happy to be at your service.