What Matters vs. What Is Supported? Research Competencies among Early-Stage Researchers

INTRODUCTION

This survey is conducted within the framework of the Horizon Europe SMART Researchers project, which focuses on strengthening research careers and improving institutional support for early-stage researchers across Europe.

Despite the increasing emphasis on research competencies, a key question remains: what truly matters for early-stage researchers-and to what extent are these competencies genuinely supported in practice?

Grounded in the European Competence Framework for Researchers (ResearchComp), this survey aims to capture your experience as an early-stage researcher and to better understand how research competencies are developed, applied, and supported in real academic and research environments.

In this context, Early-Stage Researchers (ESRs) refer to individuals currently enrolled in doctoral studies, as well as those who have recently completed their PhD (within the last five years).

⏱️ Estimated completion time: 10–15 minutes

Your input provides valuable insights that can contribute to more effective and better-supported research careers.

When answering:

• focus on your actual research experience,
• consider both formal support (e.g. courses, training, supervision) and informal support (e.g. mentoring, collaboration, project work),
• select the option that best reflects your overall experience,
• there are no right or wrong answers — we are interested in your honest experience.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Your responses are fully anonymous and will be used exclusively for academic research and project-related analysis.