Background:



Early career factors and support can largely determine the success and future impact of researchers. In particular, associations with top universities, publishing in top journals, and collaborating with other top influential researchers can determine the prominence and influence of an ECR’s research career for years to come (Krause et al. 2023). However, we know that differences in gender inclusion when crediting scientists on research teams (Ross et al. 2022) and systemic barriers to the inclusion of ethnic minorities (O’Brien et al. 2020). These biases can prohibit early career researchers from advancing in their careers.



ATBC aims to support early career researchers, especially promoting support for women and those from underrepresented groups. There is an acute need to address these challenges, and ATBC and ATBC chapters are well-positioned to do so. For example, this session could speak to the needs of ECRs from tropical countries who want to continue their studies abroad and will focus on answering questions such as: 1) how to find a mentor in another country that might want to sponsor you, 2) how to apply to graduate school, 3) how to find funding opportunities that will support graduate school work at international universities.



Scope:



We will provide a session for early career researchers to convene and identify specific questions and skills that they want to address and cultivate to support moving forward in their careers and use this to integrate into ATBC organization/activities in the coming year (e.g. mentor circles, online events/webinars, workshops, networking activities).



Goals:



Obtain information on what kind of activities, programming, and mentorship would be useful for ATBC early career members in the coming year. Support ATBC chapters in designing region-specific programming.



Objectives:



1) Obtain information about advice and activities that early career researchers would like to see from ATBC.



2) Support ATBC regional chapters in coming up with programming and activities that are relevant for the members of their chapter.



3) Address needs of early career researchers across different regions and universities.



Importance & interest to ATBC attendees:



The early career stage is crucial. It is especially important to support a diverse community of researchers in this stage, and needs may differ depending on context. By participating in this session, ATBC attendees will get the chance to understand how they can be positioned to support ECRs. ECR will have the opportunity to reflect and discuss their challenges, limitations, and opportunities.