Disruptions and Legacy of the Pandemic in the Scientific Communication of Spanish Early Career Researchers

Abstract

The situation of Spanish Early Career Researchers (ECRs) during the pandemic is presented, taking into account the main changes caused by confinement in their work habits and academic communication practices. Based on the information extracted from interviews and surveys, the transformations experienced in the following areas are analyzed: distance teaching, research production, the evaluation system and the metrics used, the progress of open science, peer review, ethically questionable practices, collaboration and networking, online meetings and conferences, scientific dissemination and outreach and the use of social networks. After the pandemic, some disruptions have reversed. However, others have remained. The pandemic has normalized the use of virtual and hybrid events and promoted researchers' dissemination practices, among other changes.