Leaving academia: PhD attrition and unhealthy research environments

PhD candidates’ attrition rates and reports of better working conditions outside academia are raising concerns about the potential impact of unhealthy research environments. To study this impact, we investigated PhD candidates’ (N = 391) perceptions about their research environment at a Dutch university in terms of the research climate, (un)ethical supervisory practices, and questionable research practices. We also assessed whether their perceptions are related to career considerations. While most PhD candidates experience fair evaluation processes, openness, integrity, trust, and freedom in their research climate, many report lack of time and support, insufficient supervision, and witness questionable research practices. Results based on Spearman correlations indicate that those who experience a less healthy research environment (including experiences with unethical supervision, questionable practices, and barriers to responsible research), more often consider leaving academia and their current PhD position.