At the Early Career Researcher Institute we are dedicated to fostering a research culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence. We prioritize the professional and personal development of early career researchers, recognizing that a well-rounded researcher is key to achieving impactful outcomes.
Through our transformative projects, we aim to empower research staff to thrive in their environment.
Previously ECRI completed the following projects:
Scoping projects
- The Independent Research Fellows’ ‘Life-cycle’ at Imperial College London: A review of fellows’ experience of processes across departments
- Improving the wellbeing of early career researchers through tangible actions against bullying and harassment
- Understanding ECR Career Perceptions
- What do women need to progress in academia?
- Quantifying and describing the experiences of long-term researchers (LTRs) at Imperial
- Enhancing academic culture: The Role of Teaching Fellows and Learning Technologists
This project sought feedback from prospective and current fellows on their experiences of processes in the departments throughout the fellowship ‘life-cycle,’ from before applying to the end of the fellowship. The report highlights best practice as well as gaps in provision to help improve practices and build upon the existing support in the departments.
If you have any questions about this project, please email Stefanie Edler-Wollstein.
The project concluded with a report showcasing the methods adopted within HE and at Imperial to tackle bullying and harassment and improve research cultures. This informed the work of an advisory board, focused on the actions needed to improve ECRs’ wellbeing.
If you have any questions about this project, please email Stefanie Edler-Wollstein.
This project concluded with a report highlighting the factors influencing the career perceptions of Imperial ECRs and recommendations that encourage a balanced view of the range of career opportunities available to them, including those outside academia.
If you have any questions about this project, please email Dr Ines Perpetuo.
This was an independent, qualitative study in response to the small representation of women in academia and at Imperial. The project team spent over 50 hours hearing from academic women about their experiences and challenges.
If you have any questions about this project, please email Dr Karen Hinxman.
This project was in response to the instability and stress of researchers’ fixed-term contracts, and investigated the numbers of long-term researchers at Imperial, their experiences, and how they are perceived at Imperial. Over 300 survey respondents were involved.
If you have any questions about this project, please email Dr Karen Hinxman.
This project evaluated the current and potential future support provision for teaching fellows and learning technologists at Imperial. This involved 45 survey responses and 22 in-depth interviews.
- Enhancing Academic Culture final report (pdf)
- Enhancing Academic Culture final report (accessible version pdf)
If you have any questions about this project, please email Dr Ines Perpetuo.
Collaborative projects
- Leadership sessions for postdoc reps
- Blackett Lab Family Rising Stars Research School
- Black Researchers of Imperial Symposium
In collaboration with Dr Steve Hutchinson
Six management development sessions were delivered to 77 postdoc reps between March and July 2022. These covered aspects such as resilience, managing teams and influencing skills, and received very positive feedback.
If you have any questions about this project, please email Stefanie Edler-Wollstein.
In collaboration with Dr Jess Wade
The event took place between 29 June – 1 July 2022 and was attended by 25 Black physicists and engineers from across the UK. This was an opportunity to encourage ECRs from historically marginalised groups to aim for academic leadership roles. The feedback was very positive.
An article about this event was published in Nature and can be accessed from here: Lessons from a UK research school for Black physicists and engineers.
If you have any questions about this project, please email Dr Ines Perpetuo.
In collaboration with Dr Tanweer Beleil
This event took place on 10 June 2022 and was attended by approximately 30 Black and mixed Black heritage PhD students and research staff at Imperial. It was an opportunity for networking and showcasing achievements and received very positive feedback.
If you have any questions about this project, please email Dr Ines Perpetuo.