A new roadmap to support early and mid-career nursing and midwifery researchers, break barriers and drive healthcare innovation has been launched.
Leading ACU researchers Dr Nicola Straiton and Professor Sandy Middleton, with colleagues from the SPHERE Nursing and Midwifery Implementation Science Academy EMCR group, have developed the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Early to Mid-Career Researcher (EMCR) Advocacy Roadmap.
This initiative was supported by a grant from the Australian Academy of Science.
Dr Straiton said nurses and midwives are at the forefront of healthcare research, driving improvements in patient outcomes, care delivery, and workforce development.
Yet early to mid-career researchers (EMCRs) — those up to 10 years post-PhD — face significant challenges, including limited recognition, research funding constraints, career progression barriers, and insufficient structural support.
Developed with input from over 100 EMCRs, clinical leaders, policymakers and consumers, the roadmap provides a strategic plan to bridge gaps, strengthen collaboration, and foster research-led healthcare innovation.
Dr Straiton said the new initiative provides a much-needed strategic framework to support nursing and midwifery early mid-career researchers while addressing critical challenges such as limited recognition, funding, and career advancement opportunities.
Professor Middleton said nurses and midwives comprise nearly half of the global healthcare workforce and play a vital role in improving patient outcomes, care delivery, and workforce education.
However, those pursuing research careers encounter significant challenges, including limited recognition as researchers, restricted career advancement opportunities, and inadequate funding — less than five per cent of Australian national competitive funding is allocated to nurse and midwifery-led research.
"Additionally, a lack of structural support to integrate research with clinical practice further exacerbates these difficulties," Professor Middleton said.
"These barriers not only hinder professional growth but also pose a risk of burnout and loss of research expertise within the sector.
"We encourage Australian organisations, policymakers, funders, and individuals to support and implement the recommendations outlined in this Roadmap to drive meaningful change in nursing and midwifery-led research."
Roadmap key findings and objectives:
Bridging the gap: Addressing systemic challenges that impact nursing and midwifery EMCRs, including funding access, career pathways, and research-practice integration.
Recognition and support: Ensuring EMCRs receive adequate institutional, policy, and funding recognition for their contributions to healthcare innovation.
Strengthening collaboration: Facilitating stronger networks between EMCRs, clinical leaders, academic institutions, and policymakers to sustain impactful research.
Access the roadmap here:Roadmap Link
