Flourishing Early Career Researcher Network expands further with new North West and North Wales Cluster

The British Academy's Early Career Researcher Network (ECRN) has expanded further with the announcement of its new North West and North Wales cluster.

This regional cluster, led by Lancaster University, University of Manchester, and Manchester Metropolitan, will offer Early Career Researchers (ECRs) in the humanities and social sciences a wide range of support tailored to their specific needs. Funded by the Wolfson Foundation and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), the ECRN is the Academy’s flagship support scheme for researchers at this career level – an inclusive network designed by and for ECRs. Its offerings include mentoring programmes, grant writing retreats, publishing conferences, lunch and learn sessions, and a seed funding programme.

According to an independent evaluation of its early pilot model conducted by the Technology Development Group in 2022, the ECRN is an "undoubted success with ECRs," which "adds value" to their experiences. The North West and North Wales cluster is the fifth region since the Network was established in 2021, joining clusters covering the Midlands, the South West of England, Scotland, and London.

"The launch of the North West and North Wales cluster is a significant milestone and a true testament to the ECRN’s continued success," said Professor Margot Finn FBA, Vice-President for Research and Higher Education Policy at the British Academy. "We are thrilled to partner with the Universities of Manchester, Lancaster, and Manchester Metropolitan University to extend our support to early career researchers in this vibrant region. Led by a dynamic community of ECRs, we look forward to fostering collaboration and excellence in the humanities and social sciences across the North West and North Wales."

Following the launch of the North West and North Wales cluster, the ECRN will continue to expand its operations, with the goal of having a nationwide presence by 2026. The next regions to recruit are the North of England, Northern Ireland, East of England, South East of England, and Yorkshire and the Humber.

Early career researchers based in the North West and North Wales are invited to apply to join the ECRN via the British Academy’s registration form.