Confessions of an Early Career Researcher

Episode 6: Wellness and community in academia with Madeline Hewitson and Inés G. Labarta How does one be well as an ECR? Against constant challenges of precarious contracts, growing workloads and uncertain landscapes, it can be difficult to feel like you’re thriving. In this episode of Confessions of an Early Career Researcher, Leonie Smith asks Maddie Hewitson and Inés G. Labarta for their top ti...

Episode 5: Publishing as an ECR: Rejection, patience and conversation  with Fred Paxton and Ayesha Omar ‘Publish or perish’ is something ECRs will hear consistently throughout their academic careers. But why is there such a pressure to publish early, and is it always the right thing to do? In this episode of Confessions of an Early Career Researcher, Leonie Smith sits down with Fred Paxton and Aye...

Episode 4: Plan your journey: Navigating the ECR landscape  with April-Louise Pennant and Martin Scheuregger Failing to plan is planning to fail, right? Often, your journey makes sense only in retrospect. With so many choices in the contemporary ECR landscape, what’s the right route to take?     In this episode of Confessions of an Early Career Researcher, we hear from April-Louise Pennant and Mar...

Episode 3: Two heads are better than one: Networking and mentors in academia With Clare Stainthorp and Devina Sarwatay Like much of ECR life, there’s no one-size-fits-all to finding the perfect networks and mentors. In this episode, Leonie Smith unpacks the world of academic networking with Clare Stainthorp and Devina Sarwatay – from finding and growing group networks, to choosing the right mentor...

Episode 1: Finding your voice: What makes an ECR? With Temidayo Eseonu and Ayse Burcin Baskurt From developing your PhD, acclimatising to UK higher education structures, or navigating the vast expanse of LinkedIn – is there one right way to be an Early Career Researcher? What makes an ECR in today’s ever-changing academic landscape? In our first episode of Confessions of an Early Career Researcher...

Episode 2: From draft to grant: Funding in academia With Anna Vignoles FBA and Pavan Mano Applying for funding is a crucial, continual and admittedly treacherous part of the ECR experience. In this episode of Confessions of an Early Career Researcher, Leonie Smith speaks to Anna Vignoles, director of the Leverhulme Trust, and Pavan Mano on the key marks to hit when going for grants. Hear from the...

Navigating the world of academia after your PhD can feel overwhelming, exciting, and a little bit secretive. Confessions of an Early Career Researcher is a candid, honest, and inspiring podcast for Early Career Researchers (ECRs) at every stage of their journey.   In each episode, host Dr Leonie Smith sits down with scholars at varying stages of their careers to share personal stories, practical i...