The British Academy’s Early Career Researcher Network (ECRN) has expanded with the announcement of its new Yorkshire and Humber cluster, supported by the White Rose University Consortium and partners.  

This new regional cluster will offer early career researchers (ECRs) in the humanities and social sciences access to a comprehensive range of tailored support to help them meet their professional and research needs.  

The cluster will be led the University of York on behalf of the White Rose University Consortium, which includes the University of Leeds and the University of Sheffield, and York St John University.   

Funded by the Wolfson Foundation, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and Wellcome, the ECRN is the Academy’s flagship inclusive network designed by and for ECRs. Members benefit from mentoring schemes, training, networking events, grant-writing retreats, academic book publishing conferences, travel grants to attend network events and conferences, and seed funding opportunities.  

Dr Karen Hinxman, Head of the White Rose University Consortium, said:  

“It’s fantastic to support the launch of this network cluster in our region. As a consortium, our mission is to enable our people to thrive.

“This new Early Career Research Network will give researchers at our partner universities access to the opportunities and support they need to strengthen their skills and grow their professional connections.” 

Dr Alex Bamji, Deputy Pro-Dean for Research and Innovation (Arts, Humanities and Cultures), University of Leeds, said: 
“The Early Career Researcher Network will provide our researchers at the University of Leeds with energising opportunities to connect with researchers across the region, as well as a wealth of support to accelerate their development. We’re thrilled to be collaborating with our partner universities on this cluster.” 

Professor Hugo Dobson, Faculty Director of One University Strategy Delivery (Arts and Humanities), University of Sheffield, said:
“At the University of Sheffield, we are both honoured and delighted to be a partner in this regional network that extends across Yorkshire and the Humber. Through a variety of activities, the network will nurture our early career researchers who span a range of vital disciplines within both the Social Sciences and Humanities.”

Megan McLoughlin, Head of Research Culture & Researcher Development, University of York, said:  
“We’re excited for our researchers at the University of York to get access to the range of skill-development opportunities the Early Career Researcher Network will provide and the chance to make connections with researchers across the region.” 

Professor Margot Finn FBA, Vice President of Research and Higher Education Policy at the British Academy, said:  
“High-quality research in the humanities and social sciences is essential to understanding and addressing the complex challenges of our time. Nurturing talent at the start of a research career is a vital part of securing that future.
“The nationwide expansion of the Early Career Researcher Network will give researchers in every region of the UK the support, resources and community they need to thrive – an investment not only in individual careers, but in the strength of SHAPE research across the UK.” 

To join the network, register on the Early Career Researcher Network website.