Research Careers - diversity and opportunities in and outside academia. Informational material for researchers from Romania & beyond

The way we do research now is different and will continue to change. As a result of digital transformations and beyond, it is becoming more open and collaborative, multidisciplinary, less linear and with a greater diversity of outcomes (European Commission, 2021). The entire research environment is also undergoing a profound transformation. Linear and traditional academic careers are no longer the only or main path for many researchers, with research expertise also needed in many other sectors. Advances in technology, interdisciplinary collaboration and the growing need for evidence-based decision-making in public policy, industry and society are creating new opportunities for researchers to contribute even outside academia. As a result, research career paths have the potential of becoming increasingly dynamic and non-linear, allowing professionals to transition between academia, industry, international organisations, entrepreneurship and roles in government organisations. In this context, this material aims to inform research communities about the variety of career options available to researchers today. It highlights, on the one hand, the traditional career paths existing in the Romanian academic environment, with the key roles and associated positions identified within the framework of Law no. 183/2024 on the status of research, development and innovation personnel, and, on the other hand, the roles and career paths that can be adopted outside the academic environment - in industry, in governmental and international organizations, in entrepreneurship, etc. Additionally, the document also addresses the topics of non-traditional roles, the importance of transferable skills and that of emerging interdisciplinary fields, relevant in the context of all the aforementioned sectors. Through the included real-world examples and references to various other useful materials, this guide aims to provide practical information to all researchers, whether early-stage or advanced in their careers, on the evolving landscape of research careers, to help them better navigate alternative career paths. *This information material was produced by UEFISCDI as part of its pilot activities within the SECURE - Sustainable Careers for Researcher Empowerment project. The SECURE project, funded by the European Commission through the Horizon Europe programme, is a project that aims to develop coordination and support measures for the creation, testing, implementation and integration of a common framework for research careers, with the aim of improving research careers and reducing their precariousness.