Summer of Research: Sussex Impact Days
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British Academy ECR Network - Sussex Chapter Launch
Launch event for the Sussex Chapter of the British Academy Early Career Researcher (ECR) Network, featuring funding insights, career development opportunities and facilitated interdisciplinary networking for ECRs.
Monday 22 June 2026, 10am–2pm
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/british-academy-ecr-network-sussex-chapter-launch-tickets-1988266629010?aff=oddtdtcreator
Overview
Following the University of Sussex’s recent entry into the British Academy ECR Network South East consortium, an introductory launch event will be held to provide information on specific career development and interdisciplinary opportunities while facilitating active networking and connection-building among attendees.
The British Academy ECR Network is designed to provide a more inclusive and accessible environment for researchers across the humanities, social sciences, and the arts (SHAPE). The event aims to help participants navigate the various professional development, networking and funding opportunities offered by the British Academy while outlining the specific institutional support structures available at Sussex.
To offer an ECR-led perspective, the program features insights from previous successful grant applicants who will share their firsthand experiences of securing funding and advancing their research through the network.
Format
This in‑person event will combine short talks with facilitated discussion in an informal, supportive setting. Brief presentations will introduce the British Academy ECR Network, related funding opportunities and Sussex‑specific research development support. The second part of the day will focus on connection‑building and collaboration, with structured but flexible networking activities designed to encourage interdisciplinary conversation across the Sussex SHAPE research community.
The day will conclude with a facilitated networking lunch where researchers can identify synergies across different themes and explore potential interdisciplinary collaborations within the Sussex Chapter.
Speakers
The event will open with short talks from colleagues involved in the British Academy ECR Network and research development at Sussex:
- Erika Mancini, Director for ECRs, University of Sussex – introduction and overview of the Sussex Chapter
- Paula Back, British Academy ECR Network Regional Coordinator – overview of British Academy ECR Network activities and funding opportunities
- Lucy Bell, Research Development Manager, University of Sussex – Sussex support for external funding and career development
- Ugo Gaudolino, British Academy ECR Seed Award recipient – reflections on applying for British Academy funding and engaging with the Network
Target audience
Early career researchers working in the humanities, social sciences and arts (SHAPE disciplines), and University of Sussex staff who support ECR development.
Summer of Research 2026
This event is part of the Summer of Research 2026, a two‑week festival of researcher‑led talks, workshops and events celebrating the breadth and impact of research at the University of Sussex. The festival brings together researchers, students and professional services colleagues to share ideas, build connections and explore opportunities for future collaboration.
Find out about and sign up for other exciting events here!