Swedish Research Council identifies key success factors for researchers
International mobility and plenty of time are among the key success factors for researchers, according to the Swedish Research Council’s analysis. Photo: Pixabay
International mobility, funding for independent research, plenty of time, outstanding and supportive environments, and conditions that permit the development on one’s own lines of research. These are key success factors for researchers according to an analysis carried out by the Swedish Research Council.
The Research Council set out to investigate whether there were any common denominators among highly successful researchers. The results show that these researchers have worked in multiple countries and built up strong networks there. Most have also worked in prestigious, inspiring and creative research environments with great colleagues and role models. Furthermore, they’ve had funding for independent research, plenty of time, and opportunities to develop their own lines of research. About half of the researchers also have a PhD from a country other than Sweden.
These are the conclusions reached by the Swedish Research Council after looking into the careers of Swedish researchers who received Consolidator Grants from the European Research Council in the period 2012–2023.
The researchers themselves agree that these are success factors. In addition, several of them stated that personal qualities such as perseverance and curiosity are important.
Ulrika Hurtig