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During the COVID pandemic, some commentators thought that early career researchers (ECRs) would become a 'lost generation'. Yet the Harbingers (H‐2) longitudinal study, which followed ECRs for 2 years during the pandemic found that ECRs took things in their stride. More than 2 years on, we returned, as part of the AI stage of the Harbingers study (H‐3), to see what has transpired and interviewed nearly 70 ECRs from six countries as part of an exploratory study. We found that: (1) only one in six ECRS thought they were suffering from the residual impacts of the pandemic, with increased workload creating the greatest stress; (2) working remotely, digitally and more flexibly was thought by many to be the biggest dividend delivered, making the job more desirable and competitive; (3) an apparent growth in jobs and promotions (tenures) confirmed the bounce‐back. Given the modest size of the study, analysis by country has to be undertaken with caution, but China, where political and economic factors have stifled any bounce‐back, stands out for special attention in a future full‐blown study. Finally, the study yielded informed and considered views that the long‐term impact of the pandemic appears to be beneficial rather than disadvantageous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]