Contemporary challenges, needs and opportunities for emerging behavioral nutrition and physical activity researchers: a mixed-methods study

Abstract Background Emerging researchers commonly navigate challenging and insecure working environments. Yet the impact on emerging behavioral nutrition and physical activity researchers is unknown. Hence, we sought to identify the contemporary challenges, needs, and opportunities for emerging behavioral nutrition and physical activity researchers. Methods We employed a convergent mixed methods design, using an online survey. Participants completed socio-demographic questions, and rated the impact of personal and professional challenges, development needs with descriptive elaborations, and existing and desired professional development opportunities. Data analysis included thematic analysis of open-ended responses and descriptive statistics and multiple linear regressions of quantitative data. Integration of quantitative and qualitative data was through narrative and weaving. Results Emerging researchers (n = 111, 57% graduate students) from over 20 countries participated. Synthesised results related to all four domains of the Researcher Development Framework. Specifically, we identified 8 themes relating to conducting research (domain 1); physical and mental health, and networking (domain 2); grant funding, and employment opportunities (domain 3); and leadership, supportive work networks, and communication with non-academic audiences (domain 4). Financial comfort was a predictor of both professional and personal development needs. Conclusions Our study highlights the multiple challenges emerging researchers face, with increasing demands of collective efforts to support sustainable career development. Our findings serve as a foundation for promoting an inclusive and equitable research environment for emerging researchers. Though individual-level solutions may help, greater impact is likely from systemic changes to increase job security, career progression pathways and availability of ECR-specific funding.