Early Career Researcher (ECR) Program
We are pleased to invite early career researchers to attend the ESSSB21 ECR Program.
Designed to foster connection and professional development, this year’s program features two tailored events where you can share ideas, build lasting professional relationships, and engage directly with established experts.
The ECR Program is free for all registered ESSSB21 delegates, but advance registration is required. You are invited to register for both events or choose the one that best fits your interests. Detailed information and timings for each session can be found in the individual event summaries.
TITLE: Making the Most of Your (first) Conference: an Early Career Researcher’s Guide
Date: Wednesday, August 26, 2026
Time: 09:00 – 10:45
Room: Theta at Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva
Registration: participation is free-of-charge but with pre-registration only.
Register here: https://fienta.com/esssb21
Description:
As an early career researcher, a conference can be daunting. There is so much to experience in such a short amount of time, there may be people you would love to meet, and perhaps you yourself are also presenting. In this pre-conference workshop, we want to guide you through navigating a conference, especially one as big as this.
This workshop is hosted by the IASP Early Career Group, who offer a platform for early career researchers to connect, collaborate, and receive support. As early career researchers ourselves, we know exactly how nerve-wracking it can be to show up to a conference and not know anyone, feel intimidated by big names, or just feel a little lost in general.
By attending this workshop, you will gain some tips and tricks for making the most of attending talks and presentations, how to approach other researchers (most of them won’t bite!), and meet other researchers in a similar position. So after attending, you have already successfully networked and gained new acquaintances to hang out with during the breaks.
TITLE: Meet the Seniors: Research Speed Networking
Date: Thursday, August 27, 2026
Time: 18:00 – 19:00
Room: Delta Lounge (22nd Floor / SkyBar at Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva).
Registration: participation is free-of-charge but with pre-registration only.
Register here: https://fienta.com/esssb21
Description:
Are you curious about what a career in research can look like beyond the early stages? Would you like to hear firsthand how more experienced researchers built their careers and navigated the opportunities and challenges of academia? Join us for an informal and engaging speed networking event designed to bring early career researchers and senior researchers together.
During the event, participants will meet in small groups for a series of short conversation rounds with senior researchers from different backgrounds and career stages. This format creates space for open, accessible conversations and gives everyone the chance to speak, listen, and ask questions in a relaxed setting.
You can ask about anything that is on your mind: research interests, career development, academic choices, work-life balance, collaboration, setbacks, opportunities, or the realities of different career paths. Whether you have specific questions or simply want to hear a range of experiences and perspectives, this is an opportunity to learn from senior colleagues in an informal setting.
Snacks and soft drinks will be available throughout the event, with an option to continue conversations after the event.