Developing Researchers' Competencies through CARE-KNOW-DO and upSKILL.map, aligned with EU and UNESCO Priorities

Area of Science:

• Research skills development
• Transversal competencies in science
• Sustainability in research

Background:

• Researchers face increasing demands for socially relevant solutions alongside disciplinary excellence.
• Current competency frameworks often overlook sustainability, equity, and justice, leading to skills gaps for UN-SDG aligned work.
• This disconnect hinders researchers' preparedness for addressing global challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate the upSKILL.map tool for assessing competencies in eco-outwards research careers.
• To integrate values, knowledge, and action within a new competency framework based on CARE-KNOW-DO principles.
• To address skills mismatches for researchers working on UN-SDGs and Horizon Europe priorities.

Main Methods:

• Development of the upSKILL.map tool, articulating eight competency domains (8Cs).
• Mixed-methods approach using researcher self-assessments and reflective think-pieces from 40 participants.
• Psychometric analysis including exploratory factor analysis, reliability testing, expert review, and user feedback.

Main Results:

• A coherent five-factor structure emerged, explaining 75.7% of variance and clustering the 8Cs into key domains.
• Identified an aspiration-practice gap, where researchers' transformative goals contrast with institutional support.
• The upSKILL.map demonstrated validity as a low-cost diagnostic tool.

Conclusions:

• The study proposes a shift towards "competency-as-worldview," integrating technical expertise with commitments to sustainability, equity, and justice.
• upSKILL.map can serve as a valuable tool for doctoral schools and researcher development to identify gaps and design interventions.
• Further multi-institutional validation is recommended for broader application of the findings.