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

Peter Puskic, Kathryn Willis, Valeriya Komyakova, Rachel Kelly, Narissa Bax, Emma Church, Anna Farmery, Aysha Fleming, Denis Karcher, Gabi Mocatta, Kirsty Nash and Rowen Trebilco
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Peter Puskic: Centre for Marine Socioecology, Australia / Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Australia
Kathryn Willis: Centre for Marine Socioecology, Australia / Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Australia
Valeriya Komyakova: Centre for Marine Socioecology, Australia / Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Australia
Rachel Kelly: Centre for Marine Socioecology, Australia / Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Australia
Narissa Bax: Centre for Marine Socioecology, Australia / Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, Greenland / Western Australian Museum, Australia
Emma Church: Centre for Marine Socioecology, Australia / Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Australia
Anna Farmery: Centre for Marine Socioecology, Australia / Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security, University of Wollongong, Australia
Aysha Fleming: Centre for Marine Socioecology, Australia / Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Australia
Denis Karcher: Centre for Marine Socioecology, Australia / Anthropocene Laboratory, Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Sweden
Gabi Mocatta: Centre for Marine Socioecology, Australia / School of Geography, Planning, and Spatial Sciences, University of Tasmania, Australia
Kirsty Nash: Centre for Marine Socioecology, Australia
Rowen Trebilco: Centre for Marine Socioecology, Australia / Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Australia

Ocean and Society, 2026, vol. 3

Abstract: 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.

Keywords: collaborative research; early-career ocean professional; early-career researchers; interdisciplinary research; leadership; professional development (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:cog:ocesoc:v3:y:2026:a:12880

DOI: 10.17645/oas.12880

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