The global research landscape often poses significant challenges for early career researchers (ECRs), especially those attempting to tackle complex global issues through interdisciplinary collaboration. Overcoming these barriers is crucial in a world increasingly defined by challenges like climate change, resource scarcity, and public health crises.
The Royal Academy of Engineering's Frontiers Programme aims to bridge these gaps, promoting interdisciplinary thinking and collaboration among early to mid-career researchers, innovators, and practitioners worldwide. The goal is to empower them to address complex global challenges. The programme is built on a unique funding model consisting of four interconnected strands: frontiers symposia, seed funding, follow-on funding, and Champions awards. The symposia bring together international early and mid-career researchers across disciplines and sectors to discuss global challenges. Seed funding then helps develop ideas and collaborations from these meetings, followed by follow-on funding to advance work initiated by seed-funded projects. Finally, Champions awards offer networking grants to symposia participants.
An independent evaluation of the programme by RAND Europe indicates that it has allowed researchers to explore new avenues in development-focused work. But what does this initiative mean for those involved, and why is it significant for the wider research ecosystem?
Fostering Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Barriers such as communication difficulties, disciplinary silos, academic incentive structures, and a lack of shared research language often hinder interdisciplinary collaboration (PDF). Providing researchers, especially those early in their careers, with opportunities to develop synergies across disciplines is widely recognised as crucial for research innovation.
Barriers such as communication difficulties, disciplinary silos, academic incentive structures, and a lack of shared research language often hinder interdisciplinary collaboration.
One of Frontiers' key contributions is its focus on interdisciplinary collaboration, which evidence suggests leads to longlasting partnerships and new research outcomes. The symposia events bring together ECRs, senior researchers, and representatives from industry, public, and third sectors worldwide to address challenges aligned with the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals. These events act as a launchpad for cross-sectoral collaborations. Many ECRs, particularly those from developing countries, lack access to such networking opportunities, and for many, the Frontiers symposia are their first experience of interdisciplinary research and international development contexts. One participant observed: “The event opened avenues I never thought possible, making my work more global and connected. I was able to collaborate with researchers with completely different expertise to mine.”
The interactive nature of the symposia, combined with the availability of seed funding, allows researchers across engineering, social sciences, and natural sciences to collaborate and form multidisciplinary consortia focused on common challenges. Both seed and follow-on funding have helped sustain enduring research partnerships across disciplines and regions. Participants have reported exposure to novel methodologies and perspectives, which has often expanded their research portfolios.
In addition, the programme's Champions award aims to broaden the networks established through the programme. The award offers “Champions” a high degree of autonomy to create their own thematic networks. Through these grants, awardees have engaged regional and local stakeholders, expanded their professional networks, and fostered south-south collaborations around pressing issues.
Empowering Early Career Researchers Towards Independent Research
Early career researchers face numerous barriers to establishing independent research careers. The UK Research and Development Roadmap (PDF) highlights systemic challenges, including limited pathways to independence, funding constraints, and a lack of structured mentorship. These challenges are particularly pronounced for researchers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where resources are often limited.
By focusing on early and mid-career researchers, Frontiers aims to address this critical challenge within the research-for-development landscape. Seed funding awards often represent researchers' first major independent grants, allowing them to transition from collaborative roles to independent leadership. Researchers funded by Frontiers have achieved various impacts, including publications and product commercialisation. Many have used their Frontiers experience to secure further funding, with the programme serving as a significant stepping stone in their careers.
Beyond the main strands, the Frontiers Programme supports ECRs through targeted mentorship, skills-building workshops, and good practice resources for researchers. Awardees often cite their involvement with Frontiers as a turning point, providing confidence and practical experience in grant management, project leadership, interdisciplinary work, and stakeholder engagement, all of which have proven beneficial for their career progression.
Promoting Equitable Research Partnerships
A key feature of the Frontiers Programme is its commitment to equitable research partnerships. The symposia prioritise participation from researchers in the Global South, offering travel and logistical support to ensure accessibility. The funding model also embeds requirements for inclusive collaborations, with a significant proportion of all awards involving researchers from outside the United Kingdom. These efforts align with global best practices, such as those outlined in the TRUST Code of Conduct (PDF), which advocates for fair, respectful, and reciprocal partnerships in international research.
Programme Responsiveness and Alumni Engagement
One of the strengths of the Frontiers Programme is its responsiveness to feedback. Changes to funding structures, symposia design, and communication strategies reflect a willingness to adapt to researchers' needs. For example, the introduction of the follow-on funding award addressed some limitations of the initial seed funding model. Awardees have found the programme management to be flexible and understanding of the uncertainties inherent in development research. This iterative approach reflects best practices in research programme management, which emphasise adaptability and responsiveness to participants' evolving needs.
The alumni network also plays a crucial role in extending the programme's impact. Regular updates and opportunities for ongoing engagement help participants remain connected, fostering a broader community among ECRs. However, the challenge lies in balancing inclusivity with providing targeted support for alumni at different career stages.
For ECRs, the Frontiers Programme offers valuable opportunities to gain experience, build networks, and create impact. By integrating principles of collaboration, interdisciplinarity, equity, and continuous improvement, the programme positions itself as an important initiative in the research-for-development landscape.
