ECRN London Cluster Launch

The British Academy Early Career Researcher Network brings together ECRs across the humanities and social sciences disciplines, regardless of their funding source or background.

This event is for London ECR Network members only.

Event Location: The Wolfson Room, The British Academy, 10-11 Carlton House Terrace, SW1Y 5AH, London. Nearest stations are Piccadilly Circus and Charing Cross. For a map and full directions consult the bottom of the web page.

The British Academy, along with the London Cluster university partners the University of Greenwich, King’s College London, Middlesex University, and University College London, would like to invite you to the ECRN London Cluster Launch on Wednesday 28th February 2024 from 10am-5pm. 

The ECRN London Cluster Launch is an opportunity for ECRs from across the city to connect with each other and play an active role in shaping the Network’s future. We want to celebrate ECRs - our achievements, good practice, and ideas that will bring about positive change. The day will feature learnings and achievements from ECRs from existing regional clusters, facilitated and informal networking, as well as an activity planning session where ECRs will be able to push for what they want to see from the Network in London. 

Lunch and refreshments will be provided. 

Event Programme

10:00-10:30  Arrival and Registration

A chance to chat with fellow ECRs and others over a cup of tea or coffee before the day begins.

10:30-10:45  Welcome and Opening Remarks 

A welcome will be given by Professor Julia Black, President of the British Academy and Strategic Director of Innovation and Professor of Law at LSE, Professor Simon Swain, Fellow and Vice President of Research and Higher Education at the British Academy and Professor of Classics at University of Warwick, and Paul Ramsbottom, CEO of the Wolfson Foundation.

10:45-11:45  ECR Led Panel and Q&A Session

A panel session that will inform and inspire new London ECRN members. ECR representatives from the existing regional Clusters of the South West, Scotland and Midlands will provide valuable insights about what the Network has to offer and how it has shaped their careers. The new London ECR voice will also be represented in the panel.

Chair: Dr Alex Lewis, Director of Research at the British Academy.

Panel: 

Dr Blessing Marandure, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, De Montfort University.

Dr Sacha Hasan, Assistant Professor of Human Geography, The Urban Institute, Heriot-Watt University.

Dr Jing (Jill) Zhao, Senior Lecturer in Architecture and Construction Technology, College of Arts, Technology and Environment at the University of the West of England.

Dr Angus McNelly, Senior Lecturer in International Relations, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Greenwich.

11:45-12:00  Break

12:00-13:00  Our Shared Research Interests – a Facilitated Networking Session

An opportunity to explore themed interdisciplinary tables, discussing overlapping research interests and forming new relationships.

The table themes will be* 

• Arts, Culture and Creative Economies
• Climate Action and Sustainability
• Data and Digital Technologies, AI
• Good Health and Well-being
• Race and Post-Colonialism
• Refugees/Migration

The potential themes of the interdisciplinary tables have been consulted with ECRs and inspired by the United Sustainable Development Goals. ECRs with a particular interest in these areas will be able to register their interest to be informal networking facilitators. *The themes may be amended depending on research interests of attendees.

13:00-14:00  Lunch

14:00-15:30  Priorities for the London Cluster

Presentation by Dr Keri Wong, Associate Professor of Developmental Psychology, co-Director of the University College London’s Centre for Education in Criminal Justice System, and University College London podcast host.

ECRs will be given the chance to brainstorm potential activities for the London Cluster, informing and shaping the priorities for the Network going forward. 

15:30-15:45  Break

15:45-16:00  Summary/Reflections

Summary presented by Hetan Shah, Chief Executive of the British Academy.

16:00-17:00- Reception

An optional social drinks reception. 

Event Organiser: The British Academy in partnership with the University of Greenwich, King’s College London, Middlesex University, and University College London.

Please note there will be photography at the event. If you do not want to be photographed let us know as soon as possible.

Thank you for your interest. We understand that plans may change. If you sign up and can no longer attend let us know by emailing ecr_network@thebritishacademy.ac.uk and your ticket can be offered to someone else

The Network can reimburse travel expenses for ECRs to attend this event if required. For more details please consult our travel and expenses procedure form on the Resources section of the Online Community Platform, or email ecr_network@thebritishacademy.ac.uk.

ABOUT THE BRITISH ACADEMY

The British Academy is the UK’s national academy for the humanities and social sciences. We mobilise these disciplines to understand the world and shape a brighter future.

From artificial intelligence to climate change, from building prosperity to improving well-being – today’s complex challenges can only be resolved by deepening our insight into people, cultures and societies.

We invest in researchers and projects across the UK and overseas, engage the public with fresh thinking and debates, and bring together scholars, government, business and civil society to influence policy for the benefit of everyone.

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