Challenges and solutions for diabetes early career researchers in the COVID-19 recovery: Perspectives of the Diabetes UK Innovators in Diabetes.

The COVID-19 pandemic has put diabetes at the forefront of conversation. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes in the UK is high1 and has links to adverse COVID-19 outcomes2 . Research investigating the links between these two public health issues are moving at pace. However, the pandemic has seen early career researchers (ECRs) in diabetes face professional and personal challenges that have the potential to slow down or derail bourgeoning careers. These challenges are not unique to ECRs working in the diabetes field - and they compound a challenging decade that included the fallout from an economic crisis and uncertainties arising from a protracted Brexit.