Exploring the determinants of research performance for early-career researchers: a literature review

This survey study explored various determinants used to predict early-career researchers' future performance. 50 studies and their relevant references were examined from two main perspectives: (1) what relevant studies expected as outcomes of successful early-career researchers, and (2) which determinants could significantly shape future outcomes. Regarding the first, various performance measures identified as dependent variables in the relevant literature were introduced, as were ways to determine researchers' success or failure once their performance was measured. Moreover, the criteria used to circumscribe the early career stage were explained. As for the second perspective, the determinants of early-career researchers' future performance considered in the relevant studies were classified into six categories: research performance; education, supervision, and postdoctoral training; research topics; co-authorship; personal properties; and others. As a result, several studies substantiated that early-career productivity was one salient component of future success, whereas the effect of research impact accrued during the early-career years on future success was less apparent.