NAUČNO-ISTRAŽIVAČKE KOMPETENCIJE MLADIH ISTRAŽIVAČA U OBLASTI SPECIJALNE EDUKACIJE I REHABILITACIJE: IZAZOVI TRANZICIJE OD STUDENTA DO NAUČNIKA
RESEARCH COMPETENCIES OF YOUNG RESEARCHERS IN SPECIAL EDUCATION AND REHABILITATION: CHALLENGES OF THE TRANSITION FROM STUDENT TO SCIENTIST

Summary/Abstract: The transition from student to independent researcher is one of the most demanding stages in the development of a scientific career. In the field of special education and rehabilitation, this process carries additional specificities arising from the interdisciplinary nature of the profession, work with vulnerable populations (children and persons with developmental disabilities), and a pronounced gap between clinical practice and academic research. The aim of this theoretical paper is to identify, based on a review of relevant domestic and international literature, the key barriers young researchers in this field face during doctoral studies – in the domains of mentorship, academic publishing, international collaboration, and research funding – and to offer recommendations for improving the support system. The review shows that, in addition to the general challenges inherent to doctoral education (developing a researcher identity, academic writing, the mentor relationship), young researchers in special education and rehabilitation must also master additional competencies related to ethical conduct toward vulnerable participants, methodological adaptation, and bridging the research-practice gap. It is concluded that systemic support for young researchers in this field should be structured, interdisciplinary, and tailored to the specifics of working with vulnerable populations.

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