UCA’s Early Career Researcher (ECR) Network is an inclusive and supportive forum where ECRs can connect, collaborate, and share knowledge. Designed to help support to those our Early Career Researchers in the beginning stages of their career, our community offers unique opportunities for researchers to develop their skills, providing them with additional opportunities and experiences that will enhance their careers.

The Early Career Researcher Network is an informal group set up as part of UCA’s commitment to the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers.

Membership is voluntary and includes all academic staff of the University who are within 8 years of their PhD award or 6 years of their first academic contract, not including any time taken out for family care, health or covid related reasons.

We hold three meetings of the ECR Network across the academic year, as well as monthly virtual Coffee Mornings for more informal discussions.

Members of the ECR Network select a Convenor from among their number to serve for a two-year term. The current Convenor is Dr Sarah Scarsbrook.

Early Career Researcher
Away Day

UCA’s Early Career Researchers held their inaugural Away Day in London on 2 February.

Guest speaker Professor Dave O’Brien (University of Manchester) kicked off the morning at Senate House in Bloomsbury, with a stimulating talk with examples from his ground-breaking work on how research fits within a strategy (government/funding), wider contexts, and gaps in knowledge as well as the processes involved in between policy and research, and a range of funding opportunities.

After this, the Early Career Researchers  had the opportunity to pose a range of questions to a panel made of UCA Professors and Readers on topics including how to carve out time for research, biggest research successes and failures, and how to form successful collaborations.

Lastly, there was a lively immersive workshop delivered by Vitae on Engagement and Impact in Research.

The event was made possible by funding from the Research Office, and many thanks go to the organising team: Dr Rachael Johnson, Dr Caroline Molloy, Dr Loucia Manopoulou, Dr James Armstrong, and ECR Network Representative Dr Sarah Scarsbrook.

To join the ECR Network, please contact Rachael Johnson.

Early Career Researcher Away Day Early Career Researcher Away Day Early Career Researcher Away Day Early Career Researcher Away Day

ECR Network Presents…
Celebrating Research Excellence at UCA

The ECR Network held their inaugural conference ‘Celebrating Research Excellence at UCA’ on the 20 June 2024 at UCA Farnham.

Featuring artwork showcases, research papers, and lightning talks, this in-person event showcased the amazing projects being conducted by UCA’s ECRs. A range of staff and research students joined in the opportunity to network, share ideas, and collaborate with fellow researchers in a creative and inspiring environment.

ECR Network Presents… ECR Network Presents… ECR Network Presents…

Contact us

If you would like to join the network, or for more information, please contact rachael.johnson@uca.ac.uk.