Learning at the Helm: Rewards and Realities of Early‐Career Leadership in Interdisciplinary Marine Research

In marine research, diverse teams are needed to understand and tackle global environmental issues. Often, it is early-career researchers (ECRs) who are tasked to lead these larger interdisciplinary research initiatives. There are a number of reasons for this: passion for the topic matter, desire to further their careers, or because ECRs may be perceived to have more time available. Whilst positioning ECRs in leadership roles can improve research inclusivity and innovation, they may lack the experience or training needed for such roles, or may not have access to essential support frameworks, such as mentorship, to help them navigate the challenges of research leadership. This perspective article offers shared insights from a team of diverse researchers who have led large interdisciplinary research teams as ECRs. Drawing on our experiences as ECRs in research leadership, we provide guidance for ECRs, their mentors, and collaborators on how to foster supportive environments that enable positive experiences for ECRs leading interdisciplinary research teams. Our recommendations include diversifying support networks, setting boundaries, and maintaining regular communication among team members. We highlight that while ECR leadership in interdisciplinary research can be a positive experience that is beneficial for professional development and career progression, strong mentorship is a key ingredient for a positive experience. This article identifies the need for research environments that allow emerging ECR leaders to grow, take risks, and make productive mistakes without jeopardising career progression. We offer prospective thinking on preparing emerging marine research leaders to shape and advance interdisciplinary marine research.