The University of Sussex has officially joined the consortium of British Academy Early Career Researcher (ECR) Network institutions across the south-east of England.

This exciting new partnership will allow us to synergise with the British Academy and other regional universities, unlocking significant new training, networking and funding opportunities for ECRs working across the SHAPE disciplines (Social Sciences, Humanities and the Arts for People and the Economy).

If you are a SHAPE ECR at Sussex, register today via the British Academy’s ECR Network website to connect with researchers across the region, build your professional networks, and access a range of free events and online resources to progress your career.

Members can also apply to several funding opportunities:

• Event Development Funding: Apply for up to £3,000 to organise an event, workshop or seminar for the ECR Network.

• Career Support Funding: Apply for up to £200 to cover essential professional expenses, including professional association membership fees, attendance at external conferences or training, and travel expenses for key meetings or interviews.

• Leadership and Advancement Programme: An annual workshop series supporting management skills, career planning, collaboration, publishing and more.

• ECRN Seed Fund: Annual grants supporting collaborative research projects exploring innovative, novel concepts.

Prof Maria Fasli, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, said: "We are delighted to join the British Academy ECR Network South East Consortium, which aligns perfectly with Sussex’s commitment to empower early career researchers. By partnering with the British Academy and our regional peers, we are unlocking new doors for collaboration and professional growth across the south east. 

“I am thrilled that our ECRs now have even more tools at their disposal to build meaningful networks and secure the resources they need to thrive. This network is not just about funding; it’s about building the cross-institutional communities that drive innovation and tackle the complex societal challenges of our time."

As a committed consortium partner, the University will support your applications for Network funding and help you connect with the wider ECR community.

If you have any questions or require support in preparing a bid, please contact your Faculty’s ECR Lead – Dr Avey Nelson (Media, Arts and Humanities), Prof JoAnn McGregor (Social Sciences) and Dr Joshua R. Moon (University of Sussex Business School)  – or get in touch with the University’s Director for ECRs, Prof Erika Mancini.

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