The University of Cambridge has been chosen as the lead delivery partner for the British Academy’s new East of England Early Career Researcher Network (ECRN) cluster. This initiative aims to support early career researchers in the Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences throughout the region. Cambridge will collaborate with Anglia Ruskin University and the University of East Anglia as part of this effort.
The ECRN is a researcher-led network designed for UK-based scholars in Humanities and Social Sciences. The national rollout is being completed with the launch of this new cluster serving the East of England.
At Cambridge, the network will be housed at CRASSH (the Centre for Research in the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities), with additional support from the Arts and Humanities Research Facilitation Team and the Postdoc Academy.
“Early career researchers are the architects of some of the most innovative and dynamic projects, events, and networks we host at CRASSH, and we are delighted to be able to extend our work with them in this way,” said Professor Joanna Page, Director of CRASSH and academic lead for the East of England Cluster.
“The British Academy ECRN will provide a wonderful opportunity for researchers across the region to connect with each other and benefit from a rich programme of research and professional development.”
Members of ECRN can access mentoring schemes, training sessions, networking events, grant-writing retreats, conferences on academic book publishing, travel grants for attending network activities, and seed-funding opportunities.
Professor John Aston, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research at Cambridge, stated: “The University of Cambridge has a longstanding commitment to supporting early career researchers, and we are honoured to play a part in this excellent initiative.”
He added: “The British Academy Early Career Researcher Network also helps us to achieve our aims to strengthen ties with academic leaders and communities across the East of England region, helping further the exciting research taking place in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.”
Daniela Dora, ECR assembly representative for Cambridge’s School of Arts and Humanities commented: “It is exciting to see the British Academy ECR Network launch in the East of England. The network offers not only new opportunities to share ideas and experiences across disciplines but also provides a supportive community for researchers. For early career researchers, this comes at a crucial stage where collaboration and connection matter most.”
A launch event for this regional cluster is scheduled for 24 November 2025 in Cambridge. Early career researchers from across Eastern England will be invited.
The ECRN began as a pilot program in 2021 funded by organizations including Wolfson Foundation, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), and Wellcome. Its extension through 2027 follows its initial success.
More information about joining or learning about ECRN can be found via the British Academy website.