The European Framework for Research Careers outlines the stages of a research career as:
- R1 First Stage Researcher (up to the point of PhD)
- R2 Recognised Researcher (PhD holders or equivalent who are not yet fully independent)
- R3 Established Researchers (researchers who have developed a level of independence)
- R4 Leading Researchers (researchers leading their research area or field)
Words often used to describe the progress of a researcher from novice to Principal Investigator are ‘independent’, ‘leading’, ‘recognised leader’, ‘peer recognition’, ‘expert’, ‘international reputation’, etc. How does a researcher progress from working under a Supervisor or Mentor to becoming an internationally recognised expert in their field? Research in the area of early career researcher development has identified the knowledge, skills and personal attributes which researchers need to acquire. Higher educational institutions, including TU Dublin, have developed their own Researcher Career Development Frameworks. Every researcher who joins TU Dublin comes with their own unique experience, skills, and aspirations.
Using our Researcher Development Framework is an opportunity:
- for a researcher to reflect on their own particular situation
- to explore career opportunities
- to acquire transferable skills
Researcher Career Development Framework (RCDF)
The TU Dublin Researcher Career Development Framework (RCDF) supports researchers to identify the key knowledge, skills, and personal attributes they need to develop and enhance as they progress through their research careers.
We are currently reviewing the TU Dublin Researcher Career Development Framework. View the following resources for more information: