The impacts of the UK Global Challenges Research Fund on early career researchers: a case study

International collaborations enhance research outcomes by providing partners with increased access to resources, training and multidisciplinary expertise.These partnerships facilitate knowledge exchange and infrastructure development, promoting sustainable research ecosystems.The development of early career researchers (ECRs) is particularly important in strengthening research capacity within international research networks.However, literature regarding their experiences is limited.Here we present a qualitative study of one international research network, the UK Global Challenges Research Fund supported Global Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases (2018-2022), and its impact on ECR career development.Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 ECRs previously supported by the Network, these were then thematically analysed.Key themes were identified relating to ECR experiences with the Network.Findings indicate that the Network provided valuable opportunities for professional development, knowledge exchange and collaborative research, which participants described as transformative for their careers.However, ECRs stressed that structural barriers such as insufficient funding and job insecurity limited the Network's longer-term impact, severely affecting ECR retention and development.These results highlight the benefits of international research collaborations and the need for targeted support and sustainable research funding to retain and develop ECRs particularly in disease endemic countries.