Social Engagement in Postdoctoral Training: The Role of Community and Social Capital in Scholarly Productivity

Postdoctoral training programs often prioritize research-related activities under the assumption that these are the main drivers of successful program outcomes. However, the diverse life circumstances faced by postdocs and the growing recognition of the need for support beyond disciplinary training call for broader consideration of the activities offered by such programs. Drawing on the concept of social capital, this study addresses that gap by examining how participating in networking and social activities relates to postdoc’s perception of social capital within training programs and their scholarly productivity. Findings from structural equation modeling suggest that active engagement in program social activities significantly enhances postdocs’ positive perceptions of social capital and is associated with a greater number of presentations at scholarly meetings or professional conferences. These results highlight the importance of integrating opportunities for networking and community building into postdoctoral training and the need for more holistic approaches when designing and evaluating programs.

Jessy Martinez; Jessica Schwartz; Tina Creguer