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ECR Newsletter - June 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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📅 Data Visualisation: How to Effectively Communicate with Your Data
Wednesday 10 June 2026 (9.30 am - 4.30 pm)
Streatham Campus, XFi Conference Room
Dan Isaac, the University's Data Literacy & Training Lead working within the Digital department, will be running this in-person session. The aim of this course is to share and discuss the key principles of effective data visualisation and to inspire you to start to tell better stories with your data.
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Discover Your Leadership Voice
Thursday 18 June 2026 (9.30 am - 4.30 pm) - Streatham Campus, Old Library
Thursday 2 July 2026 (9.30 am - 4.30 pm) - Penryn Campus, Daphne du Maurier Bldg
Discovering your Leadership Voice is a workshop programme using 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.
Steve Foster from Foster Leadership will be delivering these sessions in-person on the Streatham and Penryn Campuses and will focus on building self-awareness (who am I really and what do I bring at my best) - coupled with high levels of awareness of those in our teams that together crucially help us all to be healthy, happy and effective in the workplace.
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An Introduction to Research Integrity
Friday 19 June 2026 (9.30 am - 10.30 am) Online
Research Integrity is a priority for research funders and is a foundational value for all research.
This online course, delivered by Dr Sean Jennings, Head of Research Ethics, Governance and Compliance, explains what is meant by `Research Integrity' in the UK research context, why it's important and will help you think about how it applies to your research. It also explains why there are concerns about the integrity of research in the UK context, signposts you to guidance, and explains what to do if you suspect Research Misconduct or Questionable Research Practices.
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MAKE YOUR MARK 2026 - 2027!
Application Deadline : Friday 31 July 2026.
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Would you like to share your expertise with colleagues?
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Would you like to gain peer-to-peer teaching experience and receive constructive observation feedback?
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Are you considering applying for HEA Fellowship and want to expand your teaching practice?
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Why not propose a session as part of the Researcher Development Programme for all research-active staff?
Following the first round of MAKE YOUR MARK which led to 9 new sessions in the Researcher Development programme in 2025, all research active-staff are now invited to propose a contribution for MAKE YOUR MARK 2026-27 year. We are interested in hearing from you if you want to share knowledge and expertise that applies to researchers across the university. This opportunity provides teaching practice and you would be supported in delivering your session. Evidence of teaching practice can be vital for your own career and professional development, and can be used as part of applications to obtain one of the Fellowship levels of the HEA.
Need to knows:
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Our programme is a centralised offering for researchers across campuses and disciplines, so your proposal needs to have breadth and general relevance.
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Our programme is open to all research-active staff, but sessions are often particularly useful for Early Career Researchers. Several sessions are shared with the Researcher Development programme for PGR (doctoral) students.
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You will receive guidance through the process, from skills and delivery options, through to logistics and quality assurance.
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The Learning Experiences and Innovation team have endorsed this opportunity for evidence of teaching practice for ASPIRE Professional Recognition Pathway.
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This opportunity aligns with Exeter’s commitments to the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, providing valuable professional development.
To propose a session, complete the MAKE YOUR MARK form below by Friday 31 July 2026.
If you have any queries about this, contact: Dr Peter O'Rourke, Researcher Development Manager (Research Staff), p.orourke@exeter.ac.uk or researcherdevelopment@exeter.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 research-active staff, 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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Career Conversations - Dr Sanja Djerasimovic
We’re excited to feature a fellow ECR's inspiring journey from PhD beginnings to a research career driven by curiosity and impact.
Dr Sanja Djerasimovic's story is full of insights and advice for anyone navigating the challenges of academia and beyond! Read all about Sanja's journey!
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Other Learning and Development Opportunities: University of Exeter and Beyond
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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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HackAI Hackathon – sign up now!
Monday 15 - Tuesday 16 June 2026
The next event in our HackAI series is a hackathon designed to bring together interdisciplinary teams of researchers to carry out novel research applying AI methods. We're looking for participants with skills in AI, those that want to learn more about data science and AI, and those that have problems they think would be suited to computational solutions.
The hackathon is planned for 15-16 June and we’re looking for people who are interested to join the teams. Register below to participate. If you have an idea for a project and would like to discuss whether it would be suitable for this event, contact idsai-ecrn-committee@exeter.ac.uk.
This activity 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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New Level Unlocked: Discovering the Story of Video Games
Wednesday 24 June 2026 (6.30 pm - 8 pm)
Exeter Phoenix, Studio 74
Join us for a FREE panel talk and Q and A exploring the research behind video games, and what they tell us about ourselves, our futures, and the stories we tell. We'll be joined by Professor James Newman (Bath Spa University), Dr Richard Cole, (University of Bristol), Dr Amy Cutler (University of Exeter), Dr Rob Sherman (University of Exeter), and Dr James Sweeting (University of Plymouth), hosted by Co-Founder and Director of Bristol Games Hub, Dr Tomas Rawlings. This is a fantastic opportunity to level up your video game knowledge and hear from leading researchers bringing their work to the public.
Contact per@exeter.ac.uk if you have any further questions.
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Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) Summer School
Wednesday 1 July - Friday 3 July 2026
Mercure Exeter Southgate Hotel, Southernhay East, Exeter, EX1 1QF
The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaborations South West is delighted to invite participants to Exeter from 1 – 3 July 2026 for the Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) Summer School.
This unique interdisciplinary course is relevant to people undertaking health or care research and those in PPIE co-ordinator/facilitator roles. Equally, it is also relevant to people who are not currently involving members of the public in their work but would like to do so. Linking research and practice, the course is tailored to those who are working across different disciplines in medicine, health and social care, and public health.
Through a combination of theory and practical sessions, participants will engage in a supportive and reflective learning environment, enabling them to develop new approaches to collaborative, inclusive research.
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Creativity Action Research Resource - Online Launch Event
Monday 13 July 2026 (4 pm - 5 pm)
Find out about the Creativity Action Research Resource, a new online tool that supports teachers to develop their skills in teaching for creativity through action research. The resource includes free, flexible materials designed to be used in schools and other educational contexts, structured as a series of 11 practical modules guiding users through an action research process, with 5 hour, 25 hour and 40 hour courses. The launch event includes access to the resource; an introduction from Professor Bill Lucas, Director of the Centre for Real World Learning; an online guided tour from the authors, Professor Kerry Chappell and Dr Ursula Crickmay from the University of Exeter School of Education; and insight from teachers and school leaders who have helped to develop and trial it.
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Due Diligence - Assessing Risk in Potential Partnerships
Friday 17 July 2026 (1 pm - 2 pm) Online
This workshop, delivered by Chrysten Cole and Kate Lindsell, is designed specifically for those who are required to carry out Due Diligence checks on third parties with which there is an interest in creating a partnership with.
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What is Mentoring and how can it be of benefit?
Mentoring allows established professionals and less experienced professionals to meet and engage with one another, offering both parties the chance to progress, learn new skills and fulfil true potential.
The university has a mentoring platform and all ECRs are encouraged to sign up to be either a mentor, a mentee, or both! Mentoring is a valuable developmental activity.
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Are you a Researcher or Research Professional in a UK Higher Education Institution?
Researchers at the University of Warwick are inviting you to take part in an online survey exploring wellbeing in the UK research workforce. The survey is anonymous, takes approximately 15 minutes, and participants can opt into a prize draw for the chance to win 1 of 2 £50 e-vouchers. Findings will inform the development of more effective wellbeing support across UK HEIs.
You are eligible if you are aged 18 or over, can give informed consent, are comfortable completing the survey in English, and identify as a researcher or research professional working in a UK HEI.
For more information, contact Amber Tout (Amber.Tout@warwick.ac.uk) or Elena Riva (E.Riva@warwick.ac.uk).
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Research Grants, Funding & Competitions
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Summer 2026 funding: Laura Bassi Scholarship
Application deadline: 12 July 2026
Results: 24 July 2026
The Laura Bassi Scholarship was established in 2018 with the aim of providing editorial assistance to junior academics whose research focuses on neglected topics of study, broadly construed. The scholarships are open to every discipline and the next round of funding will be awarded in Summer 2026:
All academics in the first five years of full-time employment can apply. Applicants are required to submit a completed application form along with their CV through the application portal by the deadline.
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ESRC Funding Opportunity 🚩
Festival of Social Science (FoSS) 2026
Saturday 17 October - Saturday 7 November 2026
Deadline Monday 20 July 2026
Awards available of up to £1000 for in person, online or hybrid events for a non-academic audience such as talks, exhibitions, quizzes, performances, craft activities, debates, pop-up stalls and more.
The 2026 Festival theme is ‘Money, Finance and the Cost of Living’ however all ideas and topics within ESRC remit are welcomed in addition to this.
All successful applicants will receive free training and support with marketing events.
Open to all colleagues with a project within ESRC remit. Please read the FoSS Applicant Guidance before applying to assist you in your application.
For further information and guidance visit Internal Funding Page or email us at esrcfestival@exeter.ac.uk
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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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University Staff Development Grants 2026
Application Deadline - Thursday 2 July 2026
Are you looking to invest in your development this year?
Apply for one of 100 £500 grants to support your professional development - open to all UK university staff, any role or function.
Use the funding, offered by Santander Open Academy, flexibly for training, conferences, professional accreditation or membership, and related travel. Use the grant to build skills, reskill and progress your career.
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Research & Researcher Networks
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British Academy ECR Network Southwest South Wales
The Southwest & South Wales (SWSW) cluster of the British Academy’s ECR Network provides opportunities for ECRs to enhance their competitive edge through skills development, support, networking, access to funders and experts, and exclusive funding opportunities.
Join the Network here. Contact Dr Linda Lanyon for more information.
Upcoming opportunities:
SWSW Connect - a monthly online gathering where we connect, exchange knowledge, support and inspiration.
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Tuesday 9 June 2026 (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 2026 (11 am - 12.30 pm) Raising the value of your work with a clear professional identity. John Niland, author and founder of Self-Worth Academy.
SWSW Book Proposal - We are assessing interest in contributing chapters to a book proposal on ‘AI and Identity’. For queries or to express your interest, email Dr Samreen Ashraf: sashraf@bournemouth.ac.uk using subject line ‘Book Chapter Contribution – AI and Identity’
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Open Research Awards Ceremony 2026
Thursday 18 June 2026 (10 am - 4 pm)
Streatham Campus, South West Institute of Technology (SWIOT)
UKRN Exeter Team are hosting the Open Research Awards Ceremony 2026 (running for the 4th year)!
Celebrating Excellence in Open & Reproducible Research
The University of Exeter Open Research Awards showcase and reward the very best of student-led open research practices across all departments and faculties. Join us as we celebrate doctoral researchers who are leading the way in transparency, collaboration and research integrity. Read more here.
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DICE Network+ ECR Community Event - Digital Innovation and Circular Economy
Friday 24 July 2026 (9.30 am - 3 pm)
Loughborough University
To support Accessibility, the DICE Network+ Access Fund can contribute towards travel costs.
This FREE event, organised by DICE Network+, offers a valuable opportunity to connect with industry partners, expand networks, and explore how your research can deliver real-world impact.
The day includes visits to Intelligent Energy, a UK leader in hydrogen fuel cells, and R3VTech Ltd., an innovative spinout using circular economy approaches to create new revenue streams.
Participants will also benefit from networking opportunities, an interactive workshop, and training on intellectual property and commercialisation from Loughborough’s Research and Innovation Office. A career panel will provide insights from speakers at different stages, including sharing advice on translating research into practice.
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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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Health, Wellbeing & Support
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Friday 3 July 2026
Exeter, 12 Bar
Fintan May (Global Opportunities), John Hodgkinson (Strategic Delivery Unit), Hannah Timson (Exeter IT) and Dave Newport (Harrison Hub) will be performing at 12 Bar in Exeter on Friday 3 July. The band blends guitar-driven blues, indie folk and heartfelt storytelling through original songs written by frontman Fin. They are particularly excited for this gig as it is the first time they are performing with a full band. If you would like to get a taste of the band’s sound, they have 3 tracks on Spotify. You can keep up to date with future performances and music releases via their Instagram page.
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EURAXESS - free resources & support for researchers
EURAXESS UK provides comprehensive support and resources for researchers moving to or from the UK. Access a funding database, job search tools, and career development resources.
Join our network to enhance your research career today!
You are encouraged to sign up for the EURAXESS newsletter which includes a wealth of information about job & funding opportunities.
All EURAXESS services are free. EURAXESS UK is part of the European Commission’s initiative to support researcher mobility and career development.
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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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