News

Early Career Researcher Network kicks off 2025 with North East and Northern Ireland expansion

23 Jan 2025

The British Academy’s Early Career Researcher Network (ECRN) welcomes its sixth cluster as the North East of England and Northern Ireland join the rapidly expanding network.

This latest cluster, led by Durham University, Northumbria University, and Queen’s University Belfast, will provide Early Career Researchers (ECRs) in the humanities and social sciences with a comprehensive 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.

“I’m delighted that the Academy is hitting the ground running in 2025 with the addition of a new cluster to the ECRN,” said Professor Margot Finn, the British Academy's Vice President for Research and Higher Education Policy. “Partnering with Durham, Northumbria, and Queen’s University Belfast significantly expands the Network's geographic reach eastward and into Northern Ireland. This allows us to provide vital support and development opportunities for researchers in these regions.”

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 East and Northern Ireland cluster is the sixth region since the Network was established in 2021, joining clusters covering the Midlands, the South West of England, Scotland, London, and North Wales and the North West.

Following the launch of the North East and Northern Ireland cluster, the ECRN will continue its expansion with the goal of achieving nationwide coverage by the end of 2025. The next regions planned for recruitment include the East of England, South East of England, and Yorkshire and the Humber.

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

Contact the press office

For further information contact the Press Office on [email protected]  / 07500 010 432.

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