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Network

Early Career Researcher Network

The BERA Early Career Researcher (ECR) Network aims to offer support to those who are in the process of completing their masters or doctorate in education, as well as those who have completed their studies within the past 5 years. It seeks to meet the needs of not only those who are pursuing studies and/or careers as researchers within Higher Education, but also those who are practitioners seeking to undertake research to support their development.

In line with BERA’s strategic priority to increase capacity within the field, the principal objectives of the ECR Network are to provide opportunities for early career researchers (ECRs) to engage with their peers to develop their knowledge and skills; to network and collaborate; and to be connected with BERA and the broader academic community within education. The ECR Network accomplishes this in a number of ways, from targeted correspondence with ECRs – including its termly newsletters, routine features within Research Intelligence, and a dedicated Twitter account (@BERA_ECRNetwork) – to events designed specifically to meet the needs of this community, such as the Network’s annual symposia series and writing for publication workshops. The ECR Network also provides bursaries to enable ECRs to access developmental opportunities – such as the Event Funding Scheme – as well as offering awards to recognise the exemplary work that is undertaken within the field, including the Masters Dissertation Award and Doctoral Thesis Award.

Twitter: @BERA_ECRNetwork

 

Network Convenors

Profile picture of Sin-Wang Chong
Sin-Wang Chong, Professor

Professor in TESOL at Anaheim University

Sin Wang Chong (PhD; SFHEA) is Professor in TESOL at Anaheim University in the United States. His research interests include language and educational assessment, computer-assisted language learning, and qualitative evidence synthesis. Sin Wang is...

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Leanne Henderson, Dr

Lecturer at Queen's University Belfast

Leanne Henderson is a lecturer in education studies in the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work at Queen’s University Belfast. Her research centres on young people’s educational trajectories and transitions. She was...

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Gihan Ismail, Mrs

PhD researcher at University of Bath

Gihan Ismail is a final year doctoral researcher at the department of education at the University of Bath and an associate lecturer at Oxford Brookes University. Her research explores the internationalisation of doctoral education and focuses on...

Regional Reps

Profile picture of Brittany Wright
Brittany Wright, Mrs

ESRC-funded doctoral student at University of Nottingham

Brittany Wright is the Early Career Researcher Network Regional Rep for the Midlands. Brittany Wright is an ESRC-funded doctoral student in the School of Education at the University of Nottingham. Her research explores women’s experiences of...

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Rebekah Ackroyd, Ms

Doctoral Researcher at University of Cumbria

Rebekah Ackroyd is the Early Career Researcher Network Regional Rep for the North of England. Rebekah is a doctoral student at the University of Cumbria. Her research looks at how tolerance and mutual respect are understood and promoted by...

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Yan Zhu, Dr

Lecturer in Education Studies at University College London

Yan is the ECR Regional Rep for the South East. Yan is a Lecturer in Education Studies at University College London. Yan was a Teaching Fellow in Childhood Studies and Programme Leader for MA Childhood Studies at the University of Leeds after she...

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Alysean Banks, Mr

Doctoral Researcher (EdD) and EDI Project Coordinator at Cardiff Metropolitan University

Alysean Banks is the ECR Network Regional Representative for Wales. Alysean is an Equality & Diversity Project Coordinator, Co-Chair of the BAME Staff Network, and a Doctoral Researcher working towards the Professional Doctorate in Education...

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Lisa Reed, Dr

Lecturer in Teacher Education at University of Dundee

Lisa is the ECR Network Regional Representative for Scotland Lisa is a lecturer and ECR in Teacher Education at the University of Dundee. She was awarded her doctorate from the University of Cumbria in 2021, which is focused on the importance of...

Nicola Marlow, Mrs

Lecturer in Education at Ulster University

Nicola is the regional rep for Northern Ireland. Nicola is a lecturer in Education and course director of the PGCE English with Drama and Media Studies programme at Ulster University. Her research interests include writing pedagogy and how...

Content associated with this SIG

Event bursaries 2023

Closes 31 Dec 2023

The BERA Early Career Researcher Network offers a limited amount of bursaries to the value of £100 towards travel for BERA Student Members only to most of in person events (excluding the annual...

AwardOpen

ECR Coffee Hour

20 Sep 2023 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Come along to the BERA ECR Network’s coffee hour during which time you’ll have the opportunity to find out more about the ECR Network and its activities as well as getting to know a little...

ECR coffee hour

Upcoming event

BERA Conference 2023

12 September 2023 to 14 September 2023Aston University/ Conference Aston

Welcome to the BERA Annual Conference 2023 Authors notified of outcome of submission on the 17th March 2023 BERA is delighted to announce a record number of abstract submissions for our BERA...

Upcoming conference12 Sep 2023

Academic Writing Weekend – September 2023

9 Sep 2023 - 10 Sep 2023

Increasingly, researchers wish to make writing a focused social activity with regular breaks in a productive environment that is supportive. In it, you will find an environment to write, share and...

rocks on book

Upcoming event