Outstanding research can only be produced in positive and supportive environments. Research culture is therefore central to the mission of doing better, more ethical, and more inclusive science. ‘Research culture’ refers to the process by which research is conducted and how people experience the environment in which research takes place. As tomorrow’s principal investigators, thought leaders, and policy influencers, supporting early career researchers (ECRs) is a strategic investment in the future of science, innovation, and society.

Here, I present six approaches I have taken to enhance research culture for early career researchers over an academic career, led from a Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at a UK university, and reaching global alumni. These initiatives provide support for ‘how’ research is conducted, help to build a positive research environment, and facilitates the integration of research, education and global engagement.

The approaches are:
(1) Empowering ECRs as change agents - including ECRs in decision-making, supporting ECR-led initiatives for leadership experience in education, research and citizenship, and recognising ECRs’ reform efforts.
(2) Fostering mentorship and peer support networks – establishing mentoring programmes, encouraging reverse mentoring, facilitating peer-support and peer-to-peer training.
(3) Improving career development and job security – accessing bridge funding, supervising internships in higher education, healthcare and industry, providing career development coaching.
(4) Promoting well-being and work-life balance - normalising boundaries, leading mental health support and educational initiatives, advocating learning from failure.
(5) Reforming evaluation and incentives - broadening definitions of success, rewarding quality, collaboration, and integrity (not just metrics).
(6) Providing tools and training – enhancing ‘culture literacy’, facilitating research and teaching skills development, enhancing understanding of open science).

Examples are provided of the evaluation of the impact of initiatives to support early career researchers, through quantitative metrics (career progression, grants, publications, participation rates), qualitative indicators (surveys and feedback, case studies, focus groups or interviews and peer recognition) and cultural and systemic changes (policy changes, diversity and inclusion, collaboration and networks).

Gibbs' Reflective Cycle is used to provide a framework for reflecting on the successes and challenges of initiatives I have led to enhance research culture for early career researchers. I advocate that all those in higher education settings play a crucial role in setting the tone and fostering an inclusive environment. Our contributions can help to build a culture that promotes integrity, collaboration, and well-being.

Keywords: Workforce development, early career, research, culture, mentorship, empowerment.