The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the lives of scientists in many ways. Although many aspects of day-to-day life are more challenging, it has also provided the opportunity to explore new ways of positively shaping research culture. Together, the QUEST Center and community partners have developed guides for promoting the mental health of early career researchers (ECRs) written for PIs and supervisors, and for ECRs themselves. Both guides were produced as part of a virtual brainstorming event in February 2021. Approximately 50 ECRs, lab leaders, mental health advocates, representatives from student services, graduate programs and other community partners of Berlin research institutes came together online to discuss pandemic-related mental health challenges and exploring solutions. The resulting guides provide practical resources and solutions for members of the academic community, and will hopefully lead to a supportive culture of research in these challenging times.

Website: https://www.bihealth.org/en/translation/innovation-enabler/quest-center/service/supporting-mental-health-of-early-career-researchers-during-pandemics