At EDAC we are committed to making research accessible. Our Plain Speaking Summaries include plain language text on published papers and an interview with the author(s). In this Plain Speaking Summary, Tine Opitz introduced her paper co-authored with Michelle Sader and Emy Nimbley, and is interviewed by Ellen Maloney, EDAC's peer researcher. Tine is a postdoctoral Medical Research Foundation research fellow at the University of Edinburgh, investigating the associations between Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and eating disorders.
PAPER LINK:
The full paper can be found here.
LAY SUMMARY:
AIMS:
This study explored the experiences of UK-based early career researchers (ECRs) working in the field of eating disorders. The researchers wanted to understand the main challenges these researchers face, as well as the types of opportunities and support they believe are most important for building sustainable careers in the field. The study also aimed to identify areas where there was broad agreement between researchers, to help inform future support strategies and policy changes.
METHOD:
The researchers used a “Delphi study” approach, which gathers opinions from a group of experts over several rounds of surveys to identify shared views and areas of disagreement. Twenty-six UK-based early career researchers working in eating disorder research took part in at least one round of the study.
In the first round, participants rated different career concerns and opportunities and provided written comments. The research team then used these responses to create a refined list of statements. In the second and third rounds, participants rated how strongly they agreed or disagreed with these statements, while also seeing anonymous summaries of group responses from earlier rounds. This process helped identify which topics reached strong consensus among participants.
KEY FINDINGS:
Researchers agreed on several major career concerns affecting early career researchers in eating disorders. These included:
- Short-term contracts and job insecurity
- Limited research funding
- Pressure to publish research papers
- Unclear career pathways
- The need to make personal sacrifices, such as relocating, or sacrificing work-life balance
- Concerns about being pushed out of the field because of limited opportunities
Participants felt that some of these challenges are common across academia, but may be especially important in eating disorder research because the field receives relatively little funding and visibility compared with other mental health areas.
There was less agreement about other issues, such as isolation, power imbalances, mental health difficulties, and balancing multiple responsibilities. This suggested that experiences can vary depending on workplace environment, discipline, or personal circumstances.
Researchers strongly agreed on the importance of several career opportunities and support systems, including:
- Networking with peers and senior researchers
- Mentorship opportunities
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Working closely with clinicians, policymakers, and charities
- Involving people with lived experience of eating disorders in research
Participants viewed lived experience involvement as especially important for ensuring research remains relevant, meaningful, and helpful for the eating disorder community.
TAKE HOME MESSAGE:
Early career researchers in eating disorders face significant barriers to building long-term careers, particularly because of limited funding, insecure employment, and unclear career progression. Although many of these challenges are common in academia, they may be amplified in the eating disorder field because it remains underfunded and under-recognised despite the high impact of eating disorders on individuals and society.
The study highlights the need for better support systems for early career researchers, including mentoring, peer support networks, improved funding opportunities, and stronger collaboration with lived experience communities, clinicians, and policymakers. Supporting and retaining early career researchers is essential for strengthening the future of eating disorder research and improving care for people affected by eating disorders
