Short answer
Develop and implement structured, virtual professional development programs that prioritize inclusivity and accessibility for early career researchers, especially those from underrepresented regions.
- Field
- Innovation & Design
- Source
- ACM Journal on Computing and Sustainable Societies (2023)
- Method
- Action Research
- Sample
- 81 participants
- Evidence
- Strong effect
A structured, virtual training program can effectively foster professional development and networking opportunities for early career researchers globally, particularly those from underserved regions. This innovation & design research insight is drawn from a 2023 study published in ACM Journal on Computing and Sustainable Societies. Using Action research with 81 participants, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Develop and implement structured, virtual professional development programs that prioritize inclusivity and accessibility for early career researchers, especially those from underrepresented regions.
Designing Inclusive Professional Development for Underserved Researchers
A structured, virtual training program can effectively foster professional development and networking opportunities for early career researchers globally, particularly those from underserved regions.
ACM Journal on Computing and Sustainable Societies · 2023
Key Findings
- 01A virtual training program can successfully facilitate professional development and networking for a diverse, global cohort of early career researchers.
- 02Such programs can create opportunities for underserved researchers to gain critical skills and connections, fostering greater equity in academic fields.
- 03Early career researchers can be leveraged to contribute to more inclusive conference and academic spaces.
Application
Design takeaway
Develop and implement structured, virtual professional development programs that prioritize inclusivity and accessibility for early career researchers, especially those from underrepresented regions.
How to apply
When designing professional development initiatives, consider a virtual-first approach with built-in mechanisms for global participation, mentorship, and skill-building relevant to academic progression.
Project actions
- 01Consider how to make your design project accessible to a wide range of users, not just those in your immediate location.
- 02Think about how your design can help bridge gaps in knowledge or opportunity for specific user groups.
- 03Document the process of designing for inclusivity and equity throughout your project.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Action research approach allows for practical implementation and iterative improvement.
- +Global scope of participants addresses diversity and equity on a broad scale.
Limitations
The effectiveness of a virtual program can depend on participants' access to reliable internet and technology. The specific content and structure of the program may need adaptation for different disciplines or career stages.
Reliability & validity
The action research methodology, involving iterative design and feedback, contributes to the validity of the findings by ensuring the program's relevance and effectiveness. Reliability could be enhanced by standardizing feedback collection methods and ensuring consistent delivery across all program modules.
Think critically
To what extent can virtual programs fully replicate the benefits of in-person networking and mentorship, and what design considerations are needed to mitigate potential shortcomings?
Design Principles
"Equitable access to professional development is a critical component of fostering diversity and inclusion in research communities."
This research highlights a practical model for creating equitable access to professional development within academic and research communities. By addressing the traditional barriers faced by early career researchers, especially those in the Global South, design interventions can significantly impact career progression and knowledge dissemination.
What This Means for Your Design
A well-designed online training program can help researchers from all over the world, especially those who don't have many opportunities, to learn new skills, connect with others, and advance their careers.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this study when discussing the importance of accessibility and inclusivity in your design process.
- 2.Use the findings to justify the inclusion of diverse user groups in your user research.
- 3.Cite this as an example of how a well-structured program can address specific user needs and improve outcomes.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
The design of professional development initiatives can significantly impact equity within academic communities. As demonstrated by Varghese et al. (2023), a structured, virtual training program effectively provided global early career researchers, particularly those from underserved regions, with crucial networking and skill-building opportunities, highlighting the potential for design to foster inclusivity and democratize access to professional advancement.
Source
ACM Journal on Computing and Sustainable Societies
Shadow Program Committee: Designing for Diversity and Equity within Academic Communities
journal · 2023
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about designing inclusive professional development for underserved researchers?
- Develop and implement structured, virtual professional development programs that prioritize inclusivity and accessibility for early career researchers, especially those from underrepresented regions. Evidence: ACM Journal on Computing and Sustainable Societies (2023).
- Why does "Designing Inclusive Professional Development for Underserved Researchers" matter for design?
- This research highlights a practical model for creating equitable access to professional development within academic and research communities. By addressing the traditional barriers faced by early career researchers, especially those in the Global South, design interventions can significantly impact career progression and knowledge dissemination.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Develop and implement structured, virtual professional development programs that prioritize inclusivity and accessibility for early career researchers, especially those from underrepresented regions.
- What were the main findings?
- A virtual training program can successfully facilitate professional development and networking for a diverse, global cohort of early career researchers.. Such programs can create opportunities for underserved researchers to gain critical skills and connections, fostering greater equity in academic fields.. Early career researchers can be leveraged to contribute to more inclusive conference and academic spaces.
- What research method was used?
- Action Research with 81 participants.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2023 journal from ACM Journal on Computing and Sustainable Societies.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing professional development initiatives, consider a virtual-first approach with built-in mechanisms for global participation, mentorship, and skill-building relevant to academic progression.
- What are the limitations?
- The study was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, which may have influenced participant engagement and the perceived necessity of virtual programs. The specific context of a cross-disciplinary conference may limit generalizability to highly specialized fields.