Early Career Researcher (ECR) Forum

Are you a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA), Research Assistant (RA), Research Associate or other ECR staff member? Join our special event for Kent early career research staff on 30 March 2023 to enhance your personal growth and career development, expand your networks, and help shape and grow our supportive ECR community.

The ECR Forum is being organised by the Graduate and Researcher College (in conjunction with Divisional R&I and other Professional Services teams) to encourage and support the professional development of ECRs based across the University. The one-day event is divided into two halves: the morning focuses on understanding the research landscape and developing our research culture, and the afternoon includes sessions on writing and getting your first research grant. Please see the programme for more details and book your place if you would like to attend.

Dr Alison Charles, Researcher Developer (Academic), said:

“Attending the ECR Forum is a great chance to deepen your knowledge of the research ecosystem and to pick up practical tips for writing successful grant applications. You will also be able to network with your peers, as well as colleagues from across the University who can support you to fulfil your plans. We also hope you will share your own experience, ideas and best practice, and thus contribute to the debate.”

Participation in the event is also a developmental opportunity as there will be an ECR-led panel/workshop entitled ‘What does a positive research culture look like for ECRs?’ from 11.30am-1pm. This will be led by a small team of ECRs who will take responsibility for organising, delivering and/or chairing the session – with support to be provided from the GRC. Getting involved could benefit both your own career development, as well as your colleagues and our wider research community so please contact the GRC if you would like to volunteer or for more details about this session or the event as a whole.

We look forward to seeing you on 30 March – and please spread the word to your ECR colleagues in the meantime!