The British Academy’s Early Career Researcher Network

A new national network for early career researchers – join now!

All early career researchers working in SHAPE disciplines (Social Sciences, Humanities and the Arts for People and the Economy) are invited to join the British Academy’s Early Career Researcher Network after Newcastle University joined the North East and Northern Ireland Cluster. 

The Wolfson Foundation partners on this initiative, which has operated successfully in other regions for several years. This month, we joined the North East and Northern Ireland Cluster, opening the network up to all ECRs working in the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (you don’t have to be funded by the British Academy to join).   The cluster is led by Durham University, Northumbria University and Queen’s University Belfast, with all other HEIs in the North East and Northern Ireland participating as members.   

About the Network

The British Academy’s Early Career Researcher Network was launched in Autumn 2021 in partnership with the Wolfson Foundation, which agreed to support the pilot phase over an initial two years. Following the successful pilot, the Network will now continue for the next three years, up to Autumn 2027. The aim is for the Network to be a permanent and long-lasting programme.   

 What do I get if I join? 

The Early Career Researcher Network is an inclusive, researcher-led membership body accessible to all UK-based early career researchers (ECRs) working in the humanities and social sciences – regardless of their funding source or background. Members gain access to a range of in-person and online training and events aimed at supporting ECRs as they develop their careers. 

The ECRN welcomes those who have completed PhDs, and are typically within 10 years of award, but allows flexibility for those who have had career breaks and/or have research experience broadly equivalent to a PhD. With over 2,500 members already, the network is growing rapidly and providing real opportunities for ECRs to discuss common interests, share advice and start potential collaborations.

 What to do next? 

• To sign up, please follow this link (making sure you join the North East and Northern Ireland cluster on the drop down in the application form). 

• Remember – membership is open to all ECRs in the region—you don’t need to be funded by the British Academy to join.

• The first event is the launch at Northumbria University on Friday, 28th March. You can sign up here to attend.