In this project, we investigated PhD candidates’ (N = 391) perceptions about their research environment at a Dutch university and assessed whether their perceptions are related to their career considerations. Results indicate that those who experience a less healthy research environment (including experiences with unethical supervision, questionable research practices, and barriers to responsible research), more often consider leaving academia as well as their current PhD position. We formulated recommendations based on our results, extant literature, and discussions with university decisionmakers.

In this project, we draw on value theory in social psychology to conceptualize the range of motives that may influence research-related attitudes, decisions, and actions of researchers. To conceptualize academic research values, we integrate theoretical insights from the personal, work, and scientific work values literature, as well as the responses of interviewees, survey participants, and experts about values relevant to academic research. We relate our conceptualization and item proposals to existing work and provide recommendations for future measurement development.

In contemporary academia, overlapping crises — from the reliability of research to the precarity of researchers' careers — underscore significant inefficiencies and lack of sustainability in scientific practices.

Many of these challenges are particularly evident in the experiences of early career researchers. In this project, we reflect on some of these problem areas, drawing from research on PhD candidates' career considerations (see Leaving academia project) and other related work on researchers' values (see Academic research values project).

I have been involved in various projects connected to my experiences as a designer, researcher, and social psychologist in the past couple of years. This section summarizes some of my side projects and prior works and gives a brief (but not all-encompassing) overview of my expertise, skills, and interests.