Leeds Trinity University has joined the British Academy Early Career Researcher Network (ECRN), upon its recent expansion to Yorkshire and the Humber. This marks an important opportunity for Early Career Researchers (ECRs) in the region.

The network, now at over 7400 members across the UK, addresses a need for opportunity, collaboration and support among young researchers who work in humanities, arts and social sciences. Early career researchers eligible to join the network should be within ten years of completing their PhD or have equivalent research experience. This includes practice-based researchers, or teaching staff and academics who are research active.
Professor Karen Sayer, Interim Dean of Research and University Research Lead at Leeds Trinity University said: “In our university, we often welcome Early Career Researchers into their first posts, so it’s really important that we support our ECRs and look at ways for them to develop their careers, as they start to step up and lead their own work. Our own ECR Network is a vital part of that process and helps our ECRs to connect with each other here at Leeds Trinity. Becoming part of the new regional ECRN underpins that work too, and we look forward to seeing it and our ECRs grow.”
Since receiving university status in 2012, Leeds Trinity has built its research portfolio across a range of fields including business, sustainability, creative writing, digital and screen media, journalism and social policy.
The University is a welcoming environment for early career and postgraduate researchers, offering them tailored guidance, peer support and professional development to advance their careers. This includes workshops on funding, impact and engagement, guidance on disseminating their research and developing their external profiles, and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration through research centres and clusters.
Leeds Trinity University’s ECRs are already demonstrating impact by contributing to policy, creating nationally recognised resources and improving lives. Joining the British Academy ECRN will further support their efforts and contribute to research excellence in underrepresented fields in the region.