Professional and career development

Professional and career development are integral to enabling researchers to develop their full potential

Researchers must be equipped and supported to be adaptable and flexible in an increasingly diverse global research environment and employment market.

This Principle recognises the importance of continuous professional and career development, particularly as researchers pursue a wide range of careers.

Researchers must:

1. Take ownership of their career, identifying opportunities to work towards career goals, including engaging in a minimum of 10 days' professional development pro rata, per year.
2. Explore and prepare for a range of employment options across different sectors, such as by making use of mentors, careers professionals, training and secondments.
3. Maintain an up-to-date professional career development plan and build a portfolio of evidence demonstrating their experience, that can be used to support job applications.
4. Positively engage in career development reviews with their managers.
5. Seek out, and engage with, opportunities to develop their research identity and broader leadership skills.
6. Consider opportunities to develop their awareness and experience of the wider research system through, for example, knowledge exchange, policy development, public engagement and commercialisation.

View the Concordat Principles in full, including the other stakeholder responsibilities.