The report Santé psychologique : Comment se porte la relève en recherche au Québec? by the Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ), published in 2024, highlights the significant psychological distress experienced by early-career researchers, particularly due to performance pressure, competition, financial insecurity, and uncertainty regarding career paths and funding.
He emphasizes that these factors can undermine well-being, slow down academic progress, and even contribute to individuals abandoning a career in research. Conversely, high-quality mentorship, peer support, and more supportive research environments act as protective factors.
The report recommends relaxing funding rules, placing greater value on diverse career paths, and promoting a research culture focused as much on well-being as on performance.
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