As one of the four delivery partners, the University of Greenwich supported the launch of the British Academy’s Early Career Research Network (London Cluster). The ECRN London Cluster Launch was an opportunity for ECRs from across the city to connect with each other and play an active role in shaping the Network’s future. The network launch provided the opportunity to celebrate ECRs - our achievements, good practice, and ideas that will bring about positive change. The day featured learnings and achievements from ECRs from existing regional clusters, facilitated and informal networking, as well as an activity planning session where ECRs were able to push for what they want to see from the Network in London. The event was attended by 5 Greenwich ECRs, and Dr Angus McNelly, Senior Lecturer in International Relations, a panellist at the opening session, reflected on the opportunities and challenges of being an early career researcher and particularly the important role that networks have played in his career.
In just 6 weeks, we had over 350 ECRs register to join the Network from over 30 institutions across London. If you identify as an ECR and work in the wider SHAPE disciplines, you can register to become a member of the Network here Early Career Researcher Network | The British Academy.
As a member of the Network access will be available to an Online Community Platform which offers members a place to access all ECR Network-related resources including presentations, a list of upcoming events and past event recordings. A key element of our online community platform is that you have access to almost 2000 ECR Network members who you can connect with to discuss common interests, seek advice and tips, and start potential collaborations. The Platform is also used by other members of the Academy, Regional partners, FBA’s and Learned Societies to connect with ECRs.
Professor Andy Frost, Director of Greenwich Research and Innovation said:
The British Academy Early Career Researcher Network is an engaging Network which creates a dynamic, evolving and supportive community that maximises career development to enrich the long-term employability of SHAPE ECRs. We are working with our partners to develop an empowering and responsive nationwide Network: by ECRs, for ECRs which forges wider academic connections to the British Academy & the broader SHAPE community. The Network will ensure that equity, diversity and inclusion is at the forefront of everything we do.
