Early Career Researcher Network: what we offer
Networking and developmental support
You have the opportunity to meet fellow ECRs and British Academy Fellows from a range of fields across the humanities and social sciences.
You can also sign up to our exclusive online community platform and access a range of activities, including training, workshops and panel sessions. Examples include:
- From thesis to monographs: getting your PhD published
- How to write a compelling grant application
- Grant and publications writing retreats
- Engaging with policymakers
- Careers outside academia: what to expect
- Communicating social sciences to wider audiences
- Let’s talk interdisciplinarity: value and practicalities of working across disciplines
- Planning impact
- Value and impact: a look at international collaborations
- Media training
Our events
As members, you are free to attend a host of regular events organised by, or on behalf of, the ECR Network – ranging from skill-based workshops to talks and panel sessions on issues impacting the ECR community. Here are some examples of popular events we hold regularly:
- National Postdoctoral Conference for ECRs
- Academic Book Publishing Conference
- Workshop: Policy Impact Basics
- Summer Writing Extravaganza
See information on our ECRN events programme.
Our unique community
The Network brings together thousands of ECRs from across the humanities and social sciences, bridging important gaps between those ECRs who have security and funding and those who do not. You can:
- Inform, shape and feed into the activities of the Network
- Develop their own sessions with support from the Academy and/or hub partners
- Access our community platform to expand their networks and links with researchers, Fellows, and partners
- Access online and in-person events, workshops, and training
- Access networking opportunities that expand networks and encourage cross collaboration
Our online community platform
You'll have exclusive access to our online community platform.
This community offers you a place to access all ECR Network-related resources including presentations, a list of upcoming events and past event recordings.
On the British Academy ECR Network online community platform, you can access exclusive opportunities for Network members.
A key element of our online community platform is that you have access thousands of ECR Network members who you can connect with to discuss common interests, seek advice and tips, and start potential collaborations.
Funding and mentoring
Development Fund Stream 1 - Event Convening
Through the Development Fund, ECRs can apply for up to £3,000 to organise an event for the Network. This funding offers members the opportunity to host new events that contribute meaningfully to the personal and professional development of Early Career Researchers (ECRs)—both for organisers and participants. Events should clearly demonstrate their value and impact on the research community. They can be thematic, discipline-specific, or designed to foster community engagement, knowledge exchange, and networking among ECRs.
Development Fund Stream 2 – Personal and Professional Development
Network members can access up to £300 towards attending a conference, training or workshop being organised outside of the Network, cover Professional Association membership fees or costs for travel to in-person job interviews, research group meetings, or other key meetings that will have a direct and positive impact to your professional and personal development. There are no geographical restrictions, these opportunities can be based in the UK or abroad.
Early Career Researcher Network Seed Fund
Belonging to the Early Career Researcher Network gives you access to the British Academy Seed Fund Programme, designed to provide Early Career Researchers, particularly those with limited experience in securing funding, an opportunity to enhance their research portfolio and gain leverage for further funding from the Academy and other sources. Proposals can request up to £5,000 of funding. These small awards are intended to cover the direct costs associated with activities that promote the development of new research collaborations.
Travel and Accommodation support
If required, Network members can request to have their travel and accommodation costs covered when attending a Network event.
Mentoring
The Network’s Encourage and Engage initiative pairs ECRs with Fellows working in similar subject areas. This opportunity is offered once a year. As part of the programme, ECRs take part in a workshop and one-to-one sessions with Fellows, where they receive valuable advice and insights on how to best navigate a career in research and academia.
