🌟 A supportive community empowering Early Career Researchers from underrepresented backgrounds 🌟
What is the aim of the Champions Network?
The Champions Network brings together researchers who are committed to supporting, advocating for, and championing Early Career Researchers (ECRs), particularly those from underrepresented or marginalised backgrounds.
Our aim is to create a supportive, empowering structure where Champions share their experience, guidance, and visibility to help ECRs thrive.
The Network focusses on:.png?ver=3RdD3GozhNae_Ji04YThtw%3d%3d "Champions Network image")
⭐ Encouraging and supporting applications for prestigious funding, prizes, and awards
⭐ Providing meaningful, personalised career development guidance
⭐ Helping ECRs build confidence, visibility, and strong professional networks
It’s about lifting each other up and ensuring ECRs can access the opportunities and support they deserve.
How will it work?
The Network is designed to be simple, flexible, and self‑directed, shaped by what participants find most useful.
Champions
Researchers who express interest will be invited to connect with ECRs and offer support in areas where they feel they can make the biggest difference. This might include
- discussing career pathways
- sharing insights on research leadership
- providing introductions to relevant networks
- supporting applications for prestigious funding, prizes, and awards
Early Career Researchers (ECRs)
ECRs will be connected with more experienced academics in their field. They’ll be encouraged to outline the types of support they’re looking for, whether that’s
- advice on writing applications for prestigious funding, prizes, and awards
- help navigating promotion routes
- expanding their network
- building confidence and visibility
To help spark meaningful relationships, we’ll host a speed‑networking‑style matching event, where Champions and ECRs can meet informally, explore shared interests, and form connections organically. There will be no formal matching, participants will identify the relationships that feel right for them.
Additional resources and opportunities
We’re developing a comprehensive list of funding opportunities, prizes, and awards for early- and mid-career researchers [draft document].
If you know of an opportunity we should include, we’d love to hear from you, please email us your suggestions. (email us an addition).
Interested in joining the Champions Network?
We’d love to hear from you! Get in touch at ignitenetplus@strath.ac.uk