The UniSA Early Career Researcher (ECR) Network is run by and for early career researchers and academics, across all UniSA academic and organisational units.
We aim to create an environment where ECRs can succeed in their research, teaching, and careers. We help ECRs build networks, maximise their professional opportunities, support their wellbeing, and advocate for their interests.
We welcome any early career academic at UniSA who is involved or interested in research, regardless of contract type.
The UniSA ECR Network welcomes any ECR at UniSA who is up to approximately 5 years post-PhD, accounting for any career interruptions. We also welcome anyone at UniSA who has similar experiences, needs or interests to ECRs. This may include academics already employed in research or teaching roles but have not yet been conferred their PhD (e.g. those transitioning from clinical, industry or other professional backgrounds); researchers who may have returned to academia after an extended career interruption; middle-career researchers who have had fewer opportunities for career development; or PhD candidates transitioning into research or teaching roles.
Our goal is to foster a supportive and inclusive community that enables ECRs to connect and collaborate across career stages, disciplines, and institutions.
We want to create a space where ECRs can build both professional and social relationships, grow their networks, and support each other.
This includes connecting with peers at the University of Adelaide, in anticipation of the merger and transition to the new Adelaide University.
We aim to develop and provide resources for the professional development of ECRs at UniSA, in order to maximise research impact and support career advancement.
This includes workshops and training covering topics such as research methodologies, funding applications, leadership skills, and career planning.
We are here to identify what matters to ECRs at UniSA - whether that is about their workload, research environment, or professional goals.
We then work to advocate on behalf of ECRs to academic unit and university management, particularly as we transition to the new Adelaide University.
