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ECR Newsletter - May 2026
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Spotlight On ... Tea Party Focus Groups: Have Your Say on Researcher Development
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Have YOUR say on Researcher Development ...
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When did you last engage in Researcher Development?
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How do you rate the Researcher Development offering?
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What would you like to see available for researchers to develop skills and competencies?
We want to listen to your experiences and ideas so that we can shape the Researcher Development offering around your needs. Your input is valuable.
These Tea Party Focus Groups aim to bring researchers across the university together to discuss your experiences of development, how needs are changing, and what you want to see going forward.
Scones and tea shall be served (and coffee if that’s your go-to!).
Researcher Development is running several sessions in-person and online – come along when suits you! Register your attendance below:
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Research Staff Development Programme
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Keep your Eyes Peeled for Upcoming Training Dates
The Researcher Development & Research Culture Team is delighted to highlight the following upcoming full-day training courses. Booking for these will be available on iTrent in the coming weeks.
Practical Project Management for Researchers - Streatham Friday 12 June 2026, Penryn Wednesday 8 July 2026 (both 9.30 am - 4.30 pm).
This highly interactive workshop is designed to help researchers manage the complexity of today’s research projects with greater confidence and clarity. Combining practical tools with peer learning and real project application, the session will support participants to structure their projects, manage time and priorities, work effectively with collaborators, and navigate uncertainty.
Discover Your Leadership Voice - Streatham Thursday 18 June 2026, Penryn Thursday 2 July 2026 (both 9.30 am - 4.30 pm).
This workshop uses the 5 Voices framework that will transform how individuals and teams communicate. This leads to a culture where all personalities and voices are celebrated, with an understanding that we all have gifts and talents that will allow us to lead ourselves and others effectively.
Why Your Writing Blocks Aren't About Writing - Monday 22 June 2026 (11 am - 12.30 pm) Online
Procrastination perfectionism, and avoidance reframed as protective behaviours driven by identity threat rather than poor habits or lack of discipline.
From Guilt to Strategy: Planning Your Writing Without Punishing Yourself - Wednesday 1 July 2026 (11 am - 12.30 pm) Online
Why standard productivity advice fails academics psychologically, and what a values-aligned approach to writing planning looks like instead.
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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), is available to offer 1:2:1 Career coaching appointments for ECRs. 50 minute online appointments are available for you to book on.
Kenneth can offer advice and discuss how to manage and plan your career. If you have any queries, please contact ResearcherDevelopment@exeter.ac.uk
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Other Learning and Development Opportunities: University of Exeter and Beyond
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Rethinking Research: Why Humans Still Matter in the Age of LLMs
Wednesday 13 May 2026 (5 pm - 6.30 pm)
Streatham Campus, Streatham Court Lecture Theatre
We are delighted to welcome Professor Sir Bashir M. Al-Hashimi CBE FRS FREng, Vice President (Research & Innovation) at King’s College London and Co-Director of the King’s Institute for Artificial Intelligence. An internationally recognised engineer, Fellow of the Royal Society and Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, Sir Bashir is a leading voice on the future of research in the age of AI.
Join Sir Bashir M. Al-Hashimi for an engaging discussion on the evolving relationship between human intelligence and artificial intelligence (AI) in research. AI and large language models (LLMs) are rapidly transforming how scientific research is developed, conducted and communicated. In this talk, Professor Sir Bashir M. Al-Hashimi explores how these technologies can enhance, rather than replace, human intelligence in the research process.
Professor Al-Hashimi will examine how researchers can rigorously evaluate AI-generated outputs while using LLMs to challenge and refine ideas, arguments and hypotheses.
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Embedding Creativity in the Research Ideation Process: A workshop
Thursday 14 May 2026 (see times below)
Streatham Campus, Building One, Marchant Syndicate Room
Tea, coffee, snacks and lunch provided for in-person attendees.
The aim of this workshop is to promote the use of evidence-based creativity techniques in the research ideation process. Come and learn from experts and trained facilitators in a variety of creativity-based methods. One of the highlights is the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® session by Dr Caitlin Kight. It promises to be a fun and engaging workshop.
Curated with transdisciplinary in mind, this workshop is open to all PGRs and ECRs across the university. In-person and virtual options available.
If you have any questions, email Ibhade (IB) Akpede (ifa202@exeter.ac.uk).
This workshop is a Researcher-led Initiative that has been funded by the University of Exeter Researcher Development and Research Culture team.
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Pathways to Research Impact for Early Career Researchers - call for contributions is now open!
Deadline for Submissions : Friday 15 May 2026
Event: Monday 22 June 2026 (10 am - 4.30 pm), British Academy, London
In today’s academic landscape, ‘impact’ is a core requirement for funders, departments and institutions. This event is aimed at supporting ECRs in the social sciences to navigate pathways to impact, offering practical strategies, training and reflections for translating research into meaningful outcomes.
Our 'call for contributions' is open and we are inviting ECRs in the social sciences to submit either a 'pitch' or 'showcase':
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The Impact Pitch: A 5-minute ‘work-in-progress’ presentation. Perfect for getting early feedback on a project's potential reach, included with 10 minutes of feedback.
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The Impact Showcase: A 10-minute completed impact case study, ready to share with others, with 5 minutes of Q&A.
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World Biodiversity Day celebrations on Penryn Campus
Monday 18 and Tuesday 19 May 2026
Join us as the Environment and Sustainability Institute hosts a series of events ahead of World Biodiversity Day. Activities include a foraging walk around Penryn Campus led by Dr Jon Bennie and a talk by landscape architect Melissa Ralph about the project Making Space for Nature (hybrid), a collaboration between the University of Exeter,
Cornwall Council and Cormac. Our University's Director of Sustainability, Jo Chamberlain, will share how sustainability commitments are being transformed into meaningful, real-world impact (hybrid). An accompanying exhibition will showcase RENEW, a partnership programme focused on developing solutions for the renewal of biodiversity. Everyone is welcome!
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Research Coding Community (RCC) Communities Fair
• 📅 Tuesday 19 May 2026 (1 pm - 5 pm)
• 📍 Streatham Campus, Forum Exploration Lab 2
The Research Coding Community (RCC) - a community hub for people using code and digital methods across the university - is hosting an RCC Communities Fair 🎪:
• 🥗 Lunch provided!
It is an informal drop-in event to:
• 🤝 Meet others using coding and digital methods across the university.
• 🌐 Discover existing communities and initiatives.
• 💡 Share tools, ideas, and challenges.
• 🛠️ Help shape what this network becomes.
Keep in touch via the community channel here. The RCC is a great place to receive ongoing support and signposting after Coding for Reproducible Research (CfRR) workshops, with many CfRR delivery team members being a core part of the community.
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Dismantling Gender Stereotypes and Opening Educational Pathways for Girls in Science
Wednesday 20 May 2026 (2 pm - 3.30 pm BST)
As part of the UNESCO Call to Action “Closing the Gender Gap in Science”, the UNESCO Gender Equality in Science team is delighted to invite you to the 3rd series of the UNESCO Action Groups for Women in Science.
This session will address two key priorities:-
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enhancing the visibility of women in science across society.
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strengthening education pathways to inspire girls to pursue STEM and promote gender equality among learners and teachers.
The objective will be to exchange experiences and collectively identify concrete opportunities to strengthen these efforts.
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Interdisciplinary Research: a Rural And Remote hEalth (RARE) Research Network Event
Tuesday 9 June 2026 (9.30 am - 3.45 pm)
St Luke's Campus, South Cloisters, Room 3.06 (EX1 2LU) and online
Lunch and refreshments will be provided.
This event has been organised in collaboration with colleagues across the University of Exeter, from Health and Community Sciences, Public Health and Sports Sciences, Earth and Environmental Sciences, and Social and Political Sciences, Philosophy, and Anthropology.
A combination of short plenary sessions, workshops, invited presentations and ECR/PGR lightning talks will cover a variety of topics, centred on rural and remote health, the social determinants of health, public engagement and approaches to developing inter-disciplinary research networks and research collaborations.
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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Human Tissue Act (HTA) Training Dates
Are you removing, storing or using any human tissue for research or teaching? The Human Tissue Act (HTA) training is mandatory for anyone working with human tissue samples at the University of Exeter. The next session is on Tuesday 16 June at 10 am (online).
If you plan to collect informed consent as part of your research, you need to attend the Informed Consent training, also held on Tuesday 16 June at 11.15 am (online).
You should attend these training sessions even if the human tissues that you work with are later rendered acellular (for example, plasma or urine). This helps ensure that all researchers at the University understand their responsibilities under the Human Tissue Act and feel confident in meeting those obligations. If you have previously completed this training but have not stored samples or taken consent in previous two years, then you should re-attend.
Contact the HTA team (HTA-return@exeter.ac.uk) for further enquiries or to book your place.
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Coding for Reproducible Research Training Initiative Course Update
A quick reminder that the timetable and registration details for our free-to-access programming training for Staff and Students can be accessed via the button below.
An additional run of our popular Introduction to Python course has been added to the schedule due to high demand. Spaces are already limited and will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis, so we recommend registering your interest as soon as possible.
Further information on our full range of courses, self-assessment quizzes, and self-study learning resources are available on the programme's website.
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Launch of Reputation Accelerator Toolkit
The Reputation Accelerator helps ensure it is seen, understood and valued - by peers, policymakers, funders and global audiences.
This complements the Research Toolkit by focusing not on the support available to carry out your research, but on how to communicate and share research effectively. In addition to the advice available on SharePoint, this page brings together practical resources to help you:
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Strengthen your academic profile and digital presence.
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Share your research confidently across social and professional platforms.
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Engage effectively with media and write impactful commentary.
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Present your work clearly through compelling visuals and storytelling.
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Maximise the visibility and impact of your conferences, talks and events.
Whether you are looking to build your international profile, contribute to public debate, or increase visibility within your field, the reputation accelerator provides simple, practical tools to help you amplify your research with confidence.
If you have any questions or would like further guidance contact Simon Strange (Research Dissemination Officer), or Becky Edmunds (Reputation Campaigns Manager).
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Researcher Development Concordat Survey 2026
Deadline to complete Survey - Friday 15 May 2026 (takes 10 - 15 mins)
The Concordat has provided a shared framework for supporting researcher careers for over 30 years, with previous reviews in 2008 and 2019. As the wider research and HE environment continues to evolve, this review aims to understand how the Concordat is being implemented across institutions and whether any elements require updating.
We are seeking feedback from individuals and organisations who engage with, are affected by, or have an interest in the Concordat. Your input will help shape the future direction, priorities, and governance of the RDC. All responses will be anonymised before analysis.
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Sexuality and Shame Conference 2026
Wednesday 27 - Thursday 28 May2026
Sexuality & Shame Conference 2026 brings together scholars and creative practitioners to examine how sexual norms, stigma, and shame are produced, experienced, and interpreted across historical, cultural, and social contexts. Hosted at the University of Exeter, this two day conference explores institutions, representation, lived experience, and embodiment, with particular attention to the methodological and ethical challenges of researching what is partial, coded, or silenced. Through keynote papers, themed panels, a roundtable on evidence and interpretation, and interactive sessions, the conference creates space for interdisciplinary dialogue across history, gender and sexuality studies, media and cultural studies, philosophy, medical humanities, and practice-based research.
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Research Grants, Funding & Competitions
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Your Entrepreneurs Scheme 2026
Your Entrepreneurs Scheme (YES) is a global programme designed to equip early career researchers, including PhD students, postdocs, research fellows, and technicians, with vital entrepreneurial and innovation skills. YES immerses participants in a simulated start-up environment to develop commercial thinking, IP knowledge, financial awareness, teamwork, and communication — competencies highly valued across academia, industry, and policy sectors.
We strongly encourage early applications to secure a spot and maximise the benefits of the programme.
NB - There is a cost for this programme, but some bursaries are available, while for UK technicians working at universities, places are FREE.
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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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New Pivot-RP Searches for the ECR Community
As part of ongoing work to develop our university-wide support for fellowship applicants and active fellows, we have established two curated Pivot-RP searches targeted at this ECR community that can be readily accessed and tailored to individual’s needs. Guidance on how to do this can be found on the button below.
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Update on your ECR Representatives
We are pleased to announce there are two new ECR Representatives who have joined Dr Tom Horton and Dr Faryal Khalid to sit on the University’s Research and Impact Executive Committee (RIEC), representing the ECR community. This means there is now a full team of four reps, as follows:
Dr Katie Partridge (Exeter)
Dr Peta Greer (Exeter)
Dr Tom Horton (Cornwall)
Dr Faryal Khalid (Cornwall)
Thank you to everyone who participated in the process to find new reps.
An enormous vote of thanks goes to Rebecca Whear and Dimitar Vlaykov who are both stepping down from their roles as ECR Reps to RIEC (Exeter campuses). Rebecca and Dimitar have played a vital role in shaping the structure of ECR Representation; their dedication to the interests of ECRs is greatly appreciated!
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Research & Researcher Networks
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Immersive Technologies in Sport and Exercise Conference
Monday 20 July 2026 (9.30 am - 4.30 pm)
St Luke's Campus, North Cloisters 12
Lunch and refreshments will be provided and the conference is open to everyone!
Submit an Abstract : Call for Abstracts by Friday 15 May 2026.
The Exeter Immersive Research Network is pleased to invite you to join us for a free, day-long conference exploring the cutting-edge intersection of immersive virtual reality (VR) and Sport and Exercise.
This event will feature a keynote presentation from Oliver Runswick (King's College London), who will give an overview of his work using immersive technologies in science and education with a talk titled: 'New solutions to old problems? The potential of immersive technology in sport and exercise'. A full programme will be shared in due course.
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Emotionally Demanding Health Research: Panel Discussion
Tuesday 19 May 2026 (10.30 am - 12.30 pm)
St Luke's Campus, Baring Court 112 - option to join remotely.
The panel will bring together experienced health researchers from across disciplines at the University of Exeter to share insights, practical tips, and tools into managing both the personal and systemic challenges researchers can face whilst working on emotionally demanding projects, followed by a Q&A.
This session is open to anyone involved in delivering and supporting emotionally demanding health research. ECRs, PGRs and their supervisors are particularly encouraged to attend. Any questions contact hlrr202@exeter.ac.uk.
As a reminder, the ECR Network session is on 8.5.26 - please read more and register here.
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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Navigating Challenges, Failures and New Opportunities: Keeping Up Momentum as an Early-Career Academic
Tuesday 19 May 2026 (11.30 am - 2.30 pm) Hybrid
Streatham Campus, Laver 320, and on Teams
Event will include refreshments, pizza and sweet treats!
Organised by The HASS ECR Network, this roundtable invites speakers from various parts of the University of Exeter and beyond to discuss the different pathways and challenges that early-career academics face as they navigate the demands of the profession.
Invited speakers include Prof Pascale Aebischer (English and Creative Writing), Dr Jessica Boyall (Communications, Drama and Film), Dr Katie Crosson (Communications, Drama and Film), Dr Jo Esra (English and Creative Writing), Dr Ben Phillips (Archaeology and History) and Becky Taylor (University of Exeter Press). Any questions, contact Nadeen Dakkak or Zlatina Nikolova.
The event is part of an ECRN Enhancement Award that has been funded by the University of Exeter Researcher Development and Research Culture team.
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Studying the Human Brain: Tools, Skills and Opportunities for Emerging Researchers - Symposium
Thursday 28 May 2026 (9 am - 5 pm)
Streatham Campus, XFi Building - lunch and refreshments provided.
Whether you work in molecular, engineering, medical, or social sciences, this free event is designed for early career researchers (ECRs) who are curious about how neuroimaging could complement their work but are unsure where to start. Through talks, discussion, and practical guidance, we will explore how neuroimaging can be integrated across different fields and how NeuroimEx can support you.
We will also hear from neuroimaging researchers from across the globe, keynote speakers and ECR speakers from Exeter. Event programme.
Call for short talks: We are inviting 5-10 minute presentations from Exeter ECRs who would like to share their work or ideas related to neuroimaging. Submit a few words about your proposal HERE. We will also offer optional guidance and support before the event to help presenters prepare and build confidence. If you have any questions, please email neuroimex@exeter.ac.uk.
This event is supported by an ECRN Enhancement Award from the University of Exeter Researcher Development and Research Culture team.
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British Academy ECR Network Southwest South Wales
Exeter’s co-leadership of the Southwest South Wales (SWSW) cluster of the British Academy’s ECR Network has recently been extended until 2028. The Network provides opportunities for ECRs to enhance their competitive edge through skills development, support, networking, access to funders and other experts, and exclusive funding opportunities.
Upcoming events in the SWSW:
Cluster Celebration and Workshop
SWSW Connect - a monthly online gathering where we get to know each other, exchange knowledge, support and inspiration.
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Tuesday 12 May (12 noon - 1 pm) Open session & opportunity to have a say in what sort of training and support you would like to see from the network.
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Tuesday 9 June (12 noon - 1 pm) ‘Future of HE’ with Bath Institute for Policy Research.
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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Thursday 11 June (11 am - 12.30 pm) Raising the value of your work with a clear professional identity. John Niland, Self-Worth Academy.
Join the Network here. Contact Linda Lanyon for more information.
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Wellbeing Network - Pub Quiz!
Join the Wellbeing Network team Agatha Quiztie for a weekly pub quiz at Arcadia in Exeter city centre, behind Boots on the high street. £2 entry per person, 6 people per team. Winning team get a free round of drinks, which can be redeemed at the time or put on a voucher for later. Money raised goes to Exeter Wildlife Trust. To join the Network, please fill in our short members form. Any questions, email wellbeing-network@exeter.ac.uk.
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The Exeter Wellbeing Network is a social group for staff and PGRs run by volunteers, hosting a variety of events to help colleagues based at Streatham, St Luke's or online to connect with one another. Recurring events include StaffCraft, Volleyball, Walk and Talk and Fika; find the full list on our webpage.
You can also contact us at wellbeing-network@exeter.ac.uk.
If you are looking for information about activities at Penryn, Falmouth and Truro, please visit the Cornwall Wellbeing Network webpage.
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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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Organising an Event & Need Help?
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Health, Wellbeing & Support
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Support for Colleagues affected by events in the Middle East
The University understands that this will be a particularly difficult and uncertain time for colleagues with loved ones in the Middle East and surrounding areas.
Please remember that wellbeing support is available to you if you need it. Our Employee Assistance Programme, Spectrum Life, is accessible 24/7, offering free and confidential support, advice, and counselling to all colleagues and their dependants over 16. You will also find a range of useful resources for support on our Colleague Wellbeing webpages.
The University's Global Incidents webpage will be updated with further advice for colleagues as appropriate.
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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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