The nature of contributions you make to projects and your department will evolve over time. However, it is rare that we stop to reflect on how we have developed, what we have learned from experiences and opportunities and how we have built on that learning.

The European Competence Framework for researchers defines the skills and behaviours of effective researchers for today’s evolving research landscape. Use this to reflect on how the types of contributions you are making evolve as you progress through your career. For example, you might have moved from ensuring good ethical practices in your own work, to drawing up guidance for collaborations, then to delivering training or contributing to policy or decision making around ethics at Faculty or Institutional level.

“Career paths are not linear, especially for people working across disciplines, countries, and life stages. Pauses, detours, and hybrid roles are not failures; they are often where the most meaningful insight and growth happen.”

Martina Egedusevic, Impact Fellow, University of Exeter. Read more from Martina.