Mid-career researchers are at risk of falling into a critical gap where they are no longer eligible for early-career support but are not yet sufficiently established to compete successfully for senior research grants. This lack of strategic funding places them in a precarious position, threatening to stall their research progress and limit innovation within South Africa’s research ecosystem.

This challenge is commonly described as the “missing middle”. Researchers at this stage have moved beyond early-career funding opportunities but often lack the extensive publication records, leadership experience, or institutional visibility required for established grants. As a result, many experience a funding gap that can slow or halt their research careers. This lack of targeted support affects not only individual researchers but also weakens the national research system by reducing innovation capacity and disrupting long-term succession planning.

A recent research study funded by the NRF highlights the challenges faced by mid-career researchers in South Africa and examines how targeted funding, mentorship, and policy interventions could strengthen the national research pipeline.

To achieve the study’s aims, the researchers drew on existing literature, funding policy documents, and examples from the South African research environment. They analysed funding patterns, career progression pathways, and institutional practices to identify structural gaps affecting mid-career researchers.

The findings show that mid-career researchers experience several interconnected challenges. These include limited access to dedicated funding; increasing administrative and teaching responsibilities; and fewer opportunities for mentorship. Without sufficient financial support, many researchers struggle to maintain research momentum, access equipment, or expand collaborations. Evidence from the study indicates that funded researchers produce significantly higher research outputs, demonstrating how funding gaps can directly affect productivity.

The study also found that many mid-career researchers are underprepared for leadership roles due to a lack of structured mentorship. While mentorship is often available at the early-career stage, mid-career researchers frequently navigate complex career transitions without guidance. This can contribute to burnout, reduced innovation, and, in some cases, researchers leaving academia altogether.

Supporting mid-career researchers is therefore not only about individual career progression but also about safeguarding the future of South Africa’s research system. Without intervention, the country risks losing a generation of researchers who are positioned to become future scientific leaders.

In conclusion, the study proposes several interventions to address the missing middle. These include:

• Developing funding programmes specifically designed for mid-career researchers.
• Revising grant evaluation criteria to place greater emphasis on research potential rather than past outputs alone.
• Ensuring continuity between early-career and established funding schemes.

The researchers also recommend making mentorship a formal requirement in some funding programmes, supported by experienced researchers across institutions.