Early Careers Research Network

The role of Early Career Researchers (ECRs)

Early-career researchers play a pivotal role in shaping the future of low-carbon hydrogen and alternative liquid fuel research. The UK-HyRES ECR Network serves as a catalyst for collaboration, skill enhancement, and career development among its members. With an initial cohort of postdoctoral research assistants, associates, and affiliated PhD students, the network aims to expand rapidly, fostering a dynamic research ecosystem.

The ECR Network aims to empower members through a programme of tailored activities – chosen by the ECRs. Our ambition is to provide a framework that will enable networking, up-skilling and career development, all while connecting with senior Hub academics to develop future research leaders.

UK-HyRES ECR definition

UK-HyRES ECRs are defined as

Early Career Academic Staff (less than 3 years from first academic appointment)
Post-Doctoral Research Assistants / Associates / Fellows
PhD Students
Early Career Researchers in industry and research institutes

Membership is available in three categories:

Core Members: ECR Committee, PhD students funded by the hub or through a hub-leveraged university research studentship, core postdocs (flexfund), and other funded ECRs.

Associate Member: ECR with a supervisor funded through UK-HyRES

Affiliate Member: ECRs aligned with objectives but not funded through the hub.

Core members are eligible to join the network free of charge, with funding available to cover travel and subsistence costs for any related events.

Associate and Affiliate members are also welcome to join the UK-HyRES network to receive the same benefits and opportunities; however, travel and subsistence funding must come from host institutions or Centres of Doctoral Training (CDTs), as applicable.

UK-HyRES ECR Network Activities

The UK-HyRES Early Career Researcher (ECR) Network runs a range of activities designed to bring members together, support professional development, and encourage collaboration across the UK hydrogen research community. These activities provide opportunities for researchers to share knowledge, develop new skills, and build connections across institutions and disciplines.

Regular activities include monthly network meetings and webinars, as well as an annual ECR Forum. These sessions provide a platform for members to present their research, learn from colleagues working across the hydrogen and alternative fuel sectors, and discuss emerging challenges and developments in the field.

The network also runs training sessions, workshops, and informal networking activities throughout the year, alongside members benefiting from shared information during seminars, grants, and other career development resources relevant to the community.

Through these events, the UK-HyRES ECR Network supports networking, skill enhancement, collaboration, peer support, career development, and awareness of funding opportunities. Members are encouraged to participate actively by attending events, sharing their work or expertise, connecting with peers across institutions, and contributing to the wider ECR community.