A new pilot programme from the British Academy Early Career Researcher Network (BA ECRN) Scotland Cluster offers early-career researchers in Scotland a fully funded, year long opportunity to develop their skills, strengthen their networks and reflect on key career transitions.
Designed for colleagues who have recently completed their viva, are establishing themselves as independent researchers or are exploring roles beyond academia, this new programme provides structured support, peer mentoring and dedicated time to consider the next steps in an academic or research career.
Enhanced support with your researcher career transitions
Academic careers rarely follow a straight line. Many of us move between institutions, sectors, disciplines and identities as researchers. These shifts can be disorienting, especially when you are expected to simply know how to navigate them.
‘Moving Along: Transitions into, through and out of academia’ creates space to pause, reflect and build the skills and networks that make these transitions more manageable.
Over the course of a two-day residential workshop and 11 peer mentoring sessions across the year, participants will explore:
- Cultural and structural transitions that shape academic careers
- Moving between sectors or institutions
- Becoming an independent researcher
- Shared challenges across SHAPE disciplines
- How to build and sustain meaningful peer mentoring relationships
The programme blends practical tools with reflective exercises, culminating in a short written piece to be published on The Auditorium blog hosted by the University of Glasgow’s Research Culture and Researcher Development Team.
What to expect from the two-day workshop:
What?: ‘Moving Along: Transitions into, through and out of academia’
Where?: Stirling Court Hotel, University of Stirling
When?: 1-2 June (with optional overnight stay, and meals included)
Participants will be grouped by both career stage and broad discipline (Arts and Humanities or Social Sciences), with opportunities to come together across groups to share experiences and insights. Workshops are tailored to the realities of each transition point, whether you are stepping into your first post viva role or navigating the shift toward mid-career.
You will also receive mentoring and mentee training and be paired with a mentor during the workshop, forming the foundation of your peer mentoring sessions throughout the year.
All meals, accommodation and travel are fully covered.
Who should apply
This programme is open to SHAPE researchers who are:
- Members of the BA Early Career Researcher Network (Scotland Cluster)
- Based in Scotland
- PGR to ECR: post viva and within 5 years of completion
- ECR to mid-career: at least 5 years post PhD and not yet holding a major grant
- Working inside or outside academia, including independent researchers, think tanks, government, GLAM, culture and heritage and related sectors
If you are currently employed, you must have agreement from your line manager to participate.
Why Edinburgh Napier researchers should consider this
Following ENU’s recent success in BA ECRN seed funding, this programme provides a natural next step for Edinburgh Napier early-career researchers looking to deepen their engagement with the British Academy. For researchers at Edinburgh Napier, it offers a rare combination of structured development, cross institutional networking and protected time to reflect on your career trajectory. It is especially valuable if you are:
- Seeking clarity about your next steps
- Wanting to build a supportive peer network across Scotland
- Curious about careers inside and beyond academia
- Looking for mentoring experience that strengthens both sides of the relationship
- Interested in contributing to a national conversation about research culture
Transitions are easier when you do not navigate them alone. This programme creates the kind of community many early career researchers wish they had earlier.
How to apply
Submit your Expression of Interest form. Spaces are limited, and selections will be made by a panel to ensure a balanced cohort across disciplines, experiences and career stages. Applicants will be notified by mid-April.
Questions can be directed to Cole Collins (cole.collins@glasgow.ac.uk).