ECRN

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BNU joins British Academy Early Career Researchers Network as regional cluster lead

Buckinghamshire New University has been selected as one of the lead partners in the newly launched Southeastern cluster of the British Academy Early Career Researchers Network (ECRN).

The ECRN is a national initiative designed to support Early Career Researchers (ECRs) working in the SHAPE disciplines - Social Sciences, Humanities, and the Arts for People and the Economy - as well as adjacent fields. This free-to-join network offers a wide range of benefits, including:

  • Exclusive access to seed funding and career development grants
  • Participation in research development events and training across the UK (delivered in-person, hybrid, and online formats, with travel costs covered by the British Academy)
  • Mentorship and meaningful networking opportunities
  • Direct advice and guidance from key funders

BNU joins the University of Southampton and Canterbury Christ Church University in co-leading the delivery of a dynamic programme of events aimed at empowering ECRs across the region and beyond.

This initiative will work in close collaboration with The Plexus+, BNU’s Inclusive Researchers' Development Network, further strengthening the university’s commitment to cultivating a vibrant and inclusive research culture. It also marks a significant step forward in enhancing BNU’s regional impact and academic community.

The prestigious partnership is the result of a successful bid led by Associate Professor at BNU Dr Liana Psarologaki (Academic Lead and Associate Professor at BNU), with Professor Arinola Adefila (SHAPE Senior Research Lead Advisor and Professor at BNU), and the dedicated administrative support of BNU’s Research and Knowledge Exchange Office.

Commenting on the partnership, Dr Liana said:

“We are very excited to launch the new regional chapter of The British Academy ECRN in our region together with esteemed colleagues from The University of Southampton and Canterbury Christ Church University. All partners in the cluster share the same values around equitable collaboration and inclusive culture in research development. BNU will contribute an array of events and opportunities for ECRs in the region and beyond and we look forward to seeing the cluster grow and research communities flourish”.

Learn more about the ECRN here.

Photo by: Greg Allen