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ECR Newsletter - May 2025
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Research Staff Development Programme
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Learning and Development Opportunities: University of Exeter and Beyond
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1:2:1 Careers Appointments with Kenneth Howgill – Researcher Development Careers Coach (ECRs)
Unsure of your future career direction either within Academia or beyond Academia? Kenneth Howgill, (Careers Coach for Researcher Development and Research Culture), is available to offer 1:2:1 Career coaching appointments for ECRs. 50 minute online appointments are available for you to book on by clicking here.
Kenneth can offer advice and discuss how to manage and plan your career and has timeslots through to December. If you have any queries, please contact ResearcherDevelopment@exeter.ac.uk.
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Geography Grant Writing Workshop: “Ready to win the grant?”
Thursday 15 May 2025 (9.20 am - 4 pm) - Streatham Campus, Forum Library, Digital Maker Space (inside library, can be found on floor -1).
Deadline for Registering : Monday 12 May 2025
We are pleased to invite you to a one-day Geography Grant Writing Workshop: “Ready to win the grant?”, designed to support researchers in navigating the funding landscape, refining proposal development skills, and enhancing the clarity and impact of their research ideas.
Lunch and refreshments will be provided throughout the day!
This event is open to all ECRs in Geography department across disciplines—including both human and physical geography—as well as later-stage PGRs (Year 3+). Places are limited, so please register by Monday 12 May 2025 (latest). You can view the Workshop Programme here.
This activity is a Researcher-led Initiative that has been funded by the University of Exeter Researcher Development and Research Culture team. This event is co-hosted by Geography ECRN.
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Join Us for an Exciting SiCK Event!
Thursday 15 May 2025 (1 pm - 4 pm)
SWIOT Arena, IC1, University of Exeter
In the scope of preparing for the Superintelligence Conference organised by the IDSAI ECRN, we are hosting a series of SiCK events. William Thorne who is a conference committee member, PhD student at the University of Sheffield and the National Gallery is visiting us and will give a talk on his research on training large language models for cultural heritage applications. This will be followed by a social activity and a co-writing workshop to submit a request for funding to IDSAI as well as a discussion on sponsorship. View
poster.
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Tuesday 20 May 2025 (12.30 pm - 2 pm)
St Lukes & Penryn (in-person) and online.
This seminar is the final in a series and will help you navigate the funding landscape and provide a valuable opportunity to learn how to progress your research career towards independence. This event will be held online and face to face, with a brunch/lunch provided at face-to-face event.
This activity is a Researcher-led Initiative that has been funded by the University of Exeter Researcher Development and Research Culture team.
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Be part of the University’s 2025 Gender Equality Conference
19 - 23 May 2025.
The University of Exeter’s first annual Gender Equality Conference is happening in May 2025, led by the Gender Equality Group.
You can view the full list of events and sign up on our website sign the 'Read more' button below. Please share as far and wide as you can as well!
Events are open to staff and students and include:
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A panel discussion on gender and sexual orientation equality work.
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Opportunities to meet people in-person and learn more about gender equality projects, research and networks.
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Workshops for Athena Swan applications.
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Talks/Q&As focusing on carers, pay gaps, and more.
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Classes, including self-defence skills.
We also welcome/encourage you to organise an event focusing on gender equality as part of the programme.
Please feel free to contact Sandip Samra on Teams or email (s.samra@exeter.ac.uk) if you have any thoughts/questions/ideas. Happy to meet/chat if helpful!
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UK Premiere of Data Shadows – Where Art Meets Ethics in Data
Monday 19 May 2025 (3.30 pm - 5 pm)
Streatham Court, Lecture Theatre D and online via Zoom
Registration deadline : 14 May 2025.
The Institute for Data Science and AI (IDSAI) is excited to invite you to this free UK premiere of the groundbreaking short film Data Shadows, hosted by the Ethical Data Initiative.
Co-directed by philosopher and data scientist Sabina Leonelli, visionary artist Jacob van der Beugel, and filmmaker Oliver Page, this unique 20-minute film offers a powerful exploration of data’s journey - through nature, art, and philosophical inquiry.
Data Shadows invites us to see data not just as numbers or code, but as something deeply connected to the material world - soils, stones, and plants. Through stunning visuals and a compelling narrative, the film reveals the lifecycle of data from extraction to transformation, while raising urgent ethical and environmental questions.
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'Make your Mark' Series - Dr Helen Foster-Collins.
Wednesday 21 May 2025 (1 pm - 3 pm)
Streatham Campus, Old Library, Training Room 4
NVivo is a software program used for qualitative and mixed-methods research, to support the organisation and analysis of unstructured text, audio, video, and image data (eg, commonly used for projects which involve analysing interviews, focus groups, in-depth qualitative surveys etc).
This hands-on in-person workshop will introduce you to this software, and how to use it for coding during qualitative analysis, for methods such as thematic analysis, content analysis, grounded theory, and so on.
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Help Shape Industry Engagement Opportunities
Survey Deadline : Friday 23 May 2025
The Developing Business-Aware Academics project is running a survey (takes 10 - 15 minutes) to understand how researchers engage beyond academia.
Whether you regularly collaborate with partners beyond academia, are just starting out, or if you have never considered working with businesses, non-profits and policy organisations, we want to hear from you! By sharing your insights, you will inform the design of researcher training and networking programmes in universities. The survey is being carried out by Developing Business-Aware Academics, a project responding to calls by universities, industry and government for greater research collaboration with non-academic organisations to realise the full potential of the UK’s research and innovation talent.
To keep updated on future DBAA work, you can follow along by subscribing to our newsletter and our social media pages.
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The Health Resilient Researcher
Thursday 5 June 2025 (11 am - 3 pm) - Online
During this course you will discover new ways to view personal health and become a more resilient researcher. Start to address the key cornerstones of a healthy lifestyle and help yourself to become significantly more productive as a researcher, whilst finding a more authentic version of you. Rather than learning (yet more) about health fads, you will learn practices and life hacks that will slot into your busy schedule and start you on a road to achieving whole health. You will be invited back to a drop in one hour zoom session on 26 June 2025 at 11 am - 12 noon where you can check in on actions you committed to doing within a month, based on the course.
Dr Joyce Reed BSc Hons MBChB, previously had a successful career as a Paediatrican working in various teaching Hospitals across the UK. Now she focuses on empowering people to find whole health, rather than managing disease via the emerging field of Health Coaching.
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Overcoming Barriers to Writing & Goal Setting
Monday 9 June 2025 (2 - 3 pm) Online
This session addresses obstacles to writing and introduces 'obstacle thinking,' a reflective process to identify and confront these barriers. Participants will learn practical strategies for making time to write, a common challenge for many.
Learning Outcomes:-
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Identify personal writing barriers and use 'obstacle thinking' for effective responses.
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Apply strategies for writing amidst a busy schedule.
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Track writing behaviors to understand progress.
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Develop personalized strategies to maintain writing habits.
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Utilize tools to sustain momentum and progress, even when motivation wanes.
This session is for academic writers and authors at all levels.
Presenters: Bec Evans & Chris Smith from Written Academy.
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Call for Academic Participation - AI in Creative Industries Festival
Monday 9 June - Tuesday 10 June 2025
We are looking forward to welcoming industry guests from AI providers and creative organisations for a 2-day festival encouraging conversation and collaborative R&D across 9 - 10 June 2025. As part of this event, there are a few opportunities for academics to get involved:
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Feature on a discussive panel and participate in a design sprint
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Host and showcase your research (either poster or other form). EOI below - deadline 25 April.
Funded by Project ADA, this event is led by Prof Gabriella Giannachi (ECW) and Prof Aline Villavicencio (IDSAI) with Exeter Innovation's Creative Economy team. Please email Alice Foulkes a.foulkes@exeter.ac.uk with any queries or interest in involvement.
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Project Management Essentials for Researchers
This online course comprises 4 sessions and it is a requirement that participants attend every session.
Monday 9 June 2025 (9.30 am - 12.30 pm)
Monday 12 June 2025 (9.30 am - 12.30 pm)
Monday 16 June 2025 (9.30 am - 12.30 pm)
Monday 19 June 2025 (9.30 am - 12.30 pm)
Enhance Your Project Management Skills with Our Virtual Course!
Join our exclusive four-part online course designed specifically for research active staff and particularly useful to Early Career Researchers. This course will equip you with essential tools and techniques for effective management of research projects. Led by Dr Fraser Robertson of Fistral Training and Consultancy, you'll explore critical topics including project initiation, scope definition, evidence-based planning, and risk management.
With limited places available, successful applicants must commit to attending all sessions and may need to obtain permission from their PI/Manager.
Take this opportunity to enhance your project management capabilities!
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Join IDSAI for a collaborative visit to Penryn – Mathematics & Data Science Exchange
Monday 16 June 2025
Deadline for siging up Friday 16 May 2025
Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (IDSAI) is partnering with Exeter Centre for the Mathematical Sciences (ExCMS) and Project ADA for a special visit to Penryn Campus on Monday 16 June 2025. The aim is to build new research connections in Mathematics and Data Science, and to spark conversations that span disciplinary boundaries.
Whether you're a member of academic staff, an Early Career Researcher, or a PhD student, we’re curating a day of engaging talks, poster presentations, and interactive discussion groups – all designed to promote the exchange of ideas across the Mathematical Sciences, Data Science, and other related disciplines.
Transport will be provided for colleagues attending based at Exeter campuses.
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Visual Literacy: How to Read and Construct Images
Monday 23 June 2025 (10.30 am - 12 noon) Online
We carry cameras with us everywhere, and nearly 5 billion photos are taken daily. But how many of those photos are well constructed and tell a great story? Visual literacy is a skill that helps us to not only interpret imagery in our everyday environment, but to help us build our own images and effectively communicate ideas and narratives to others. This online session will introduce you to the basics of how images are structured, drawing on historical artworks and contemporary advertising, and then offer practical guidance on strengthening the communication impact of your own images.
Profiles of Presenters : Sarah Campbell and Clare Hearn
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Apply for Recognition of your Education Practice via ASPIRE PRP
Application Deadline : Wednesday 25 June 2025
Did you know that all colleagues engaged with education-focused activities for a minimum of 9 months at the university are eligible to apply for recognition of their practice as Associate Fellow (AFHEA) or Fellow of the HEA (FHEA)? Relevant experience of teaching and learning support can include delivering lectures, running seminars, creating learning resources, assessing and providing feedback, supervision (UG/PG), demonstrating in labs, and even ‘teaching’ colleagues (e.g. running staff development sessions where you facilitate others’ learning).
The final opportunity to apply in 2024/25 via Exeter’s experiential route to fellowship, the ASPIRE Professional Recognition Pathway (ASPIRE PRP) is on 25 June 2025. Applicants must notify the team that they intend to submit an application by 14 May 2025, via completion of an ‘Intention to Submit’ form and a ‘Readiness Check’.
To find out more visit our ASPIRE PRP Sharepoint homepage by clicking on button below or email aspire@exeter.ac.uk
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Sustaining Momentum & Building Lasting Writing Habits
Monday 7 July 2025 (2 - 3 pm) Online
This session encourages reflection on writing experiences to identify consistency strategies. Participants will explore long-term writing habits and practical tools for sustainable progress.
Learning Outcomes:-
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Identify personal writing barriers and use 'obstacle thinking' effectively.
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Apply strategies to write consistently, even with a busy schedule.
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Track and reflect on writing behaviors for insight.
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Develop personalized strategies for lasting writing habits.
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Utilize tools to maintain momentum and progress when motivation dips.
This session is for academic writers and authors at all levels.
Presenters: Bec Evans & Chris Smith from Written Academy
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Join the AI for Good Global Summit – Free Virtual Pass Available
8 - 11 July 2025
Geneva, Switzerland – or join virtually for free. We encourage all members of the IDSAI community to register for a free pass (your pass will provide you with access to livestreams of the Centre Stage and on-demand replays)
The AI for Good Global Summit is the United Nations’ leading platform for advancing practical AI solutions to tackle global challenges. Organised by the ITU in partnership with over 40 UN agencies and co-convened with the Government of Switzerland, this summit brings together experts, innovators, and leaders to explore how AI can drive meaningful, global impact. Click here to read more and to view the programme.
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FUTURES Festival 2025 Recruitment
Sunday 12 October 2025
We are now recruiting University of Exeter academics for FUTURES Festival of Discovery 2025. Hosted at Exeter Phoenix, with our Pop-Up Shop and associated activities, this event is run in tandem with Universities across the South West, and connects researchers to their local communities. We are looking for researchers at any career stage interested in bringing their work to the public through interactive, family-friendly activities. Contact per@exeter.ac.uk with any further questions.
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Inspire the Next Generation of Researchers!
The Doctoral College is working with the Career Zone on an “Inspiring Future Researchers” project to encourage students from *under-represented groups to consider research as an achievable career choice.
We’re looking for Postdoctoral Researchers (ECRs) and Postgraduate Researchers (PGRs) from similar under-represented backgrounds to share their stories (the highs and the challenges!) to illustrate that research is an attainable goal.
We’ll be using various channels to share stories including online profiles and prerecorded podcasts. If you’d like to find out more and get involved in the project, please complete the following short registration of interest form button below.
*Under-represented groups include those students who identify with at least one of the following indicators as defined by the University of Exeter’s Access and Participation plan 2025-29 :- socio-economically disadvantaged background, 1st generation in family to access Higher Education , Bursary recipient, mature , Disabled (physical, mental health condition social and communication or multiple disabilities), ethnic minority, care experienced or estranged from family.
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📣📣 Calling all Early Career Researchers (ECRs) at the Postdoctoral Level! 📣📣
Help us understand the precarious nature of fixed-term contracts.
The Action Research on Research Culture (ARRC) project at the University of Cambridge is conducting an online Discrete Choice Experiment to examine how postdocs and ECRs make career choices. The results from this survey will inform policy recommendations aimed at improving research careers.
With only 10-15 minutes of your time, you can contribute to the conversation about contract precarity in the academic sector and help the understanding of the situation among funders and universities. As a token of our appreciation, we will donate £2 to a charity of your choice for completion of our survey!
For further information about our project, please visit our website or email us at arrcproject@admin.cam.ac.uk.
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'Focus Space' - Improve Your Productivity!
We would like to give you a warm welcome to our regular 'Focus Space' online sessions which run from 10 am - 12.30 pm Mondays and Thursdays - Click here for dates and details of how to join this group. Participants do not have to stay for the whole session - you can dip in and out as you please! To make things easy, these sessions, open to staff researchers, from Early Career Researchers onwards, can be accessed via the same Teams link.
We are looking to expand our team of facilitators so if you would like to find out more about becoming a facilitator please contact ResearcherDevelopment@exeter.ac.uk. Facilitating is considered part of 'teaching practice' for Fellowship levels of the Higher Education Academy!
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Research Grants, Funding & Competitions
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Research Software Maintenance Fund - round one: SSI (Software Sustainability Institute)
Deadline : Friday 30 May 2025 (4 pm BST).
Funded by UKRI, with co-funders, SSI.
Eligible applicants for round one of the Research Software Maintenance Fund will be asked to submit an expression of interest. If successful, you will then be invited to submit a full proposal by 12 September 2025.
Want to find out more? the RSE Group is happy to discuss expressions of interest/applications and can be contacted on rse-group@exeter.ac.uk.
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Collaborate with Brazilian Researchers
Submission deadline : Tuesday 3 June 2025
Following a successful recent visit from colleagues at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (FUMG) to the Institute for Data Science and AI (IDSAI), we are exploring submissions for the FAPEMIG Call 07/2025 – Visiting Brazilian Researcher.
We are keen to identify Brazilian researchers currently based in Exeter who may be interested in forming partnerships with FUMG collaborators for this opportunity.
Key Points:
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Open to any research topic – no specific themes required.
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Aims to foster international research collaboration and strengthen networks between Brazilian institutions and researchers abroad.
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FUMG colleagues are happy to support matchmaking efforts.
For more details (in Portuguese): FAPEMIG Call 07/2025. If you are interested please email IDSAI@exeter.ac.uk as soon as possible.
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Dr Andrew Cunliffe has created this Funding Finder platform which signposts hundreds of funding opportunities that will be of interest to current community members looking to undertake research, fieldwork, conference visits or exchanges with our partner organisations worldwide. It has easily searchable listings and awards ranging from £100 to £10,000,000.
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The University is a subscriber to PIVOT-RP, a comprehensive searchable online database of research funders and schemes, accessible to all colleagues and postgraduate researchers. To get started look at the Training and Guidance. Users can search for external and internal calls; create tailored searches, set up funding alerts, track opportunities, share, and collaborate with colleagues, and search for conference / paper calls
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MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2025
Deadline : Wednesday 10 September 2025 (5 pm - Brussels local time)
The Marie Sklowdowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowships scheme helps researchers advance their careers and gain new skills through training and international, intersectoral and international mobility.
Postdoctoral Fellowships are aimed at researchers who are already in possession of a doctoral degree, and at the call deadline have a maximum of 8 years of full-time equivalent research experience. Career breaks, time spent outside/not on research-related activities, part-time working, time spent outside of the EU (for reintegrating researchers), and refugee status will be taken into consideration when calculating this eligibility criterion.
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Research & Researcher Networks
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Are you an ECR Specialising in Circular Economy or Digital Innovation?
Tuesday 20 May 2025 (9.30 am - 3 pm) - Science Museum, London
The EPSRC-funded Digital Innovation and Circular Economy (DICE) Network+, comprising 11 academic partners across nine universities, is hosting this invitation-only event which aims to unite academics, industry partners, and policymakers from the Circular Economy and Digital Technology communities. We will be launching calls for Feasibility Studies and Knowledge Exchange Placements, providing a platform for networking with industry partners to identify and develop opportunities.
Guest speakers will provide an overview of the funding, research, and commercial landscapes, including introductions to nine UKRI-funded research projects. In addition, we will initiate conversations, gather insights on current activities, and discuss challenges and opportunities within Digital Innovation and Circular Economy adoption.
We welcome your application to join the event... please simply email DICE-Network@exeter.ac.uk with a brief introduction to yourself and your research interests indicating if financial assistance for travel is required.
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British Academy Early Career Researcher Network South West & South Wales - Impact and Engagement Workshop
Thursday 5 June 2025 (10 am - 4.30 pm) in-person
Doubletree Hilton Hotel, Bath Spa
The impact and public engagement agenda in the UK and internationally is rapidly changing the nature of academic work across disciplines and affecting the shape of academic careers and post-doctoral research opportunities more widely.
It is important to understand how the opportunities and requirements produced by this shift can help Early Career Researchers strengthen their research portfolios, networks, and ultimately help secure an interesting and meaningful research career.
Join us for a day of workshopping, discussions and networking where we’ll benefit from the insights of experts and peers on impact and public engagement in humanities and social sciences research, including representatives from AHRC, BA and a leadership consultant & coach.
We will be guided towards fruitful ways of (re)imagining our research, extending its reach, building academic and non-academic collaborations, and strengthening our standing in the national and international research space.
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CBS ECRN Mini-Conference Day
Thursday 19 June 2025 (10 am - 3 pm)
RILD, South Atrium & Lecture Theatre
We’re excited to announce the upcoming Clinical & Biomedical Sciences (CBS) ECRN Mini-Conference Day, open to PGRs and ECRs.
Tea/coffee and lunch will be provided!
Please let us know your interest by registering below — whether you would like to attend, present a flash talk or poster, or chair a session! This will be a great opportunity to develop your skills in a friendly environment with your peers. Full programme of skills workshops and scientific talks to be circulated soon! View poster.
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Raising the Value of Your Work with a Clear Professional Identity
Thursday 19 June 2025 (12.30 pm - 2 pm) - Online
John Niland, Self-Worth Academy
The British Academy Early Career Researcher Network (ECRN) - Southwest & South Wales invites ECRs across humanities and social sciences to its Webinar Series.
How do you talk about your work? In the Age of AI and of geopolitical turmoil, perception of value is changing all the time.
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What is professional identity and why is it important?
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Common pitfalls to avoid, when talking about your work
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The four biggest benefits of a clear identity at work
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The key steps to nurture an outstanding professional identity
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Why self-worth is vital, particularly during transitions
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Tips to illuminate the value of your work with other people
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Shifting from Growth-Mindset to Renaissance-Mindset
Contact Linda Lanyon for any enquiries.
The SWSW Webinar Series aims to bring knowledge and skill-based content relevant to our community every month, with engaging expert speakers.
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National Postdoctoral Conference
Thursday 18 September 2025 (10.30 am - 6.30 pm) followed by drinks reception
British Academy, London
Hosted by The British Academy Early Career Researcher Network, this FREE event is open to ECRs from SHAPE and STEM disciplines. Travel and accommodation will be covered for ECRs to attend the event.
The Conference aims to celebrate, unite, and empower postdoctoral researchers from across the UK. It will provide a vibrant platform to explore the postdoc journey, foster interdisciplinary and cross-sector collaborations, and identify shared challenges and opportunities for ECRs across diverse disciplines. The event will emphasise building synergies between SHAPE and STEM, highlighting opportunities for collaboration and guidance on navigating career pathways in both fields. Key topics will include research culture, interdisciplinary partnerships, career development, leadership, publishing, careers beyond academia, equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), and the evolving role of AI in research.
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ECR Community on Viva Engage
Have you noticed the University community for ECRs on Viva Engage? Lots of ECRs have already been added and if you are not on there, you can join. This is a collaborative online space to share and discuss ideas, ask questions and keep up to date with the latest activities, events and opportunities.
Have your voice heard and shape our community and ECR culture.
Join the conversation now by sharing your first post!
This page is maintained and moderated by the Researcher Development and Research Culture team.
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Research & Researcher Blogs
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RLIs 2024 Award Winners Blog - Beyond the Goldfish Bowl: Communicating Research Creatively
We are excited to share a new blog post highlighting the Beyond the Goldfish Bowl initiative, led by Dr Harriet Hunt as part of a Researcher-Led Initiative (RLI) 2024. This project showcases innovative workshops designed to empower researchers in enhancing their creative communication skills. The blog links to a series of digital resources, included recorded sessions, to support researchers in creative communication.
Join us in celebrating this exceptional work and fostering effective communication in our research community. Let’s continue to share and learn from each other’s experiences!
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Sanctions and Export Control in University Research: What You Need to Know
In an increasingly global research environment, international collaboration is essential—but it also brings legal and ethical responsibilities that can’t be ignored. This blog breaks down the complex world of sanctions and export controls, explaining how UK laws may impact your research. Whether you're collaborating with overseas partners, working with international students, or commercialising research, it's vital to understand your obligations.
Don’t leave compliance to chance—read the full blog to learn how to protect your work, the institution, and our reputation.
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Organising an Event & Need Help?
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Health, Wellbeing & Support
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Find out how the University can support Early Career Researchers. The page includes support from the University, Spectrum.Life as well as a list of networks to support staff wellbeing.
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