Researcher Identity Development
Diversity in academic careers: inclusive doctoral training in Spain
Diversity in doctoral trajectories is a wealth often invisible within the academic system. Although the doctorate is often presented as a homogeneous journey, real experiences are diverse and are shaped by multiple personal, social, and institutional factors.
This study is part of the research line on the Formation of the early-career researcher's identity, which we have been developing for the last 15 years from the SINTE team, and focuses on the analysis of Diversity and Inclusion in the Academic Career (DICA). Specifically, the study aims to highlight and understand diversity in doctoral trajectories and the challenges they face. The questionnaire we are sharing aims to capture the challenges and conditions of doctoral trajectories associated with different sources of diversity that are often not reflected in institutional data.
To gain a better understanding of the diversity of experiences, challenges and conditions that shape doctoral trajectories, we invite you to complete the following questionnaire (available in spanish and catalan):
Below you will find information about the objectives of this study and the details of your participation that we request. Please take some time to read the information carefully before confirming your participation. If anything is unclear or if you would like further information, please do not hesitate to contact us at: dica.project@blanquerna.url.edu
Why are we conducting this study?
We want to give voice to your experiences and contribute to improving doctoral training policies and practices, moving towards more equitable, inclusive, and diverse environments.
What is our objective?
Our objective is to understand the diversity present at the doctoral stage and to analyze how this influences the experience of doctoral students at Spanish universities.
Why have I been invited to take part?
We have invited you to take part because you are currently undertaking a PhD at a Spanish university. Your experience is essential to gain a more accurate understanding of the doctoral reality and to help rethink it from a more inclusive perspective that better accommodates the diversity of existing pathways.
Do I have to take part?
Your participation in this research is voluntary and anonymous, and you may ask questions before deciding whether to take part. You can withdraw from the study at any time by notifying us of your decision, and your data will be destroyed. At any time, you can save the questionnaire and resume it later; your answers will be saved until you complete it.
What will happen in the study?
If you decide to take part in the study, you will be asked to sign a consent form. After that, participation may include:
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Answering some online questions about yourself as a doctoral candidate and your experiences in doctoral training.
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Continuing to participate by taking part in a future interview.
Is there any potential risk in participating?
This research aims to analyse doctoral students' experiences in academic training. Reflecting on and verbalizing these experiences may lead to the expression of evaluations, both implicit and explicit, about the institution or organisation to which they are affiliated, as well as about colleagues and others in their professional context. Regardless of whether these evaluations occur, all data will be processed anonymously to ensure confidentiality and encourage free expression.
Similarly, reflecting on personal experiences may, in some circumstances, evoke distressing memories. In this case, we invite you to let us know, and we commit to stopping the interview if necessary and providing you with the appropriate support to address the situation.
What happens to the data?
All data collected will be processed anonymously. To this end, a digital and a paper file will be securely kept, linking the real name to the corresponding pseudonym, exclusively during the study period. Your real name, personal data—such as your telephone number or address—and any other identifying information will not be accessible to people outside the research project. This ensures the confidentiality and anonymity of your participation. For example, your contributions may be cited, but always under a pseudonym.
All data will be processed in accordance with the data protection policies of the Ramon Llull University, for example:
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Electronic data, including consent forms, questionnaires, and files, will be stored in password-protected locations. Audio files will not be used for dissemination.
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Paper copies will be kept in the locked research cabinet in the project office.
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Emails will be saved to the researchers' professional email accounts.
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If, during or after the project, another researcher requests access to the data, the request may be granted if the purpose is reasonable and in accordance with the information sheet and consent form, including an agreement to preserve the data's anonymity and confidentiality.
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At the end of the project, the data will be securely stored, encrypted, and kept for three years: electronic data on a restricted-access drive on the project server and paper copies in the locked research cabinet in the project office. At the end of this period, it will be decided whether the materials are to be stored in an external archive or destroyed confidentially.
You can find more information about our ethical data handling here: https://www.researcher-identity.com/privacy-policy and here: https://www.url.edu/en/research-andinnovation/research-url/research-ethics-committee-url
Will the study be published?
The research dissemination plan includes the production of reports, online resources, workshops, conference presentations, and publications. In all cases, the anonymity and confidentiality of participants will be guaranteed. We will also make the study's results available to you upon request.
Questionnaire accessibility
The questionnaire is accessible. If you have any difficulties, you can contact us by email.
Who should I contact if I have any questions about the study or wish to make a complaint?
If you have any questions or complaints about the study, you can get in touch by emailing: dica.project@blanquerna.url.edu