Early-Career Researcher Network Launched

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New network for postdoctoral researchers in humanities and social sciences launched

The Early-Career Researcher (ECR) Network – a pilot programme aimed at UK-based postdoctoral researchers in the humanities and social sciences – launched in the South West today with a new hub supported by the GW4 Alliance of universities.

The GW4 Alliance includes the Bath Spa University, Bournemouth, the University of the West of England, Plymouth and Gloucester, who will work together with the Universities of Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter to facilitate networking events.

Launched by the British Academy, the two-year pilot programme aims to create an inclusive, UK-wide Network for ECRs, providing opportunities for skills development and networking across the whole country. The launch of the new hub in the South West follows the successful launch of the first hub in the Midlands in September, led by the University of Birmingham.

Following the launch of the second hub today, researchers from both the South West and the Midlands are invited to join the ECR Network via the British Academy’s website.

Humanities and social sciences researchers who identify as early career are eligible to join, regardless of their funding source or background. This includes those working outside of academia, in independent research organisations and other policy or third sector institutions, and those not in employment but with relevant links into the Midlands and South West research communities.

Professor John Scott FBA, Emeritus Professor of Sociology at the University of Plymouth and Chair of the Advisory Board of the British Academy’s ECR Network, said:

“The launch of our second regional hub in the South West is a major step forward in the establishment of our national support network for early career researchers in the humanities and social sciences. We welcome the participation of the regional consortium in helping us to build and enhance research skills and capacities for a vibrant research base.”

One more hub will be announced during the two-year pilot programme. More details on this are expected in Spring 2022.