PERFIL DOS JOVENS DOUTORES EM QUÍMICA NO BRASIL: DESAFIOS, DISPARIDADES E PERSPECTIVAS

PROFILE OF EARLY-CAREER CHEMISTS IN BRAZIL: CHALLENGES, DISPARITIES, AND PERSPECTIVES. A nation’s scientific and technological progress is intrinsically tied to the development, recognition, and retention of its researchers, particularly early-career researchers who play an essential role in advancing science and innovation. However, challenges such as regional disparities, gender inequities, racial and ethnic imbalances, and gaps in postgraduate training hinder the full use of this potential, especially in developing countries. This study, conducted by the Young Researchers Committee of the Brazilian Chemical Society (JP-SBQ), presents a comprehensive profile of early-career chemists in Brazil. With 405 participants, the study explored key topics, including academic training, geographic distribution, working conditions, remuneration, productivity, and skills developed during the doctoral and postdoctoral training. The findings reveal a pronounced geographic concentration of opportunities in the South and Southeast regions, besides significant gaps between the skills considered essential by the researchers and those effectively developed, highlighting the need for more practical and skill-focused curricula, and more inclusive and strategic public policies. This work provides a foundation for understanding the current conditions of those professionals and tracking their progress over time. Moreover, it aims to strengthen chemical research, inspire related studies in other fields, and encourage similar initiatives in developing countries, fostering a more equitable and sustainable scientific environment.