This report details a skills development process for early career researchers (ECRs) associated with ten Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)-funded research networks that focus on disability-inclusive development. The process involved both the formation of an ECR peer support group and a face-to-face workshop.
For the peer support group, the principal investigators (PIs) from the networks were asked to nominate associated ECRs to participate. The definition of an ECR was kept broad, with anyone who self-defines as an ECR being welcome to join. Members were not expected to have a postgraduate degree but either be working in a research position or have strong aspirations to do so in the near future. The group attracted 22 members from 12 countries. Online meetings were held every month over a period of eight months in 2023 and 2024. These meetings involved discussions, presentations, and networking opportunities for the ECRs.
A face-to-face workshop was the next phase of the skills development work. The PIs were asked to select ECRs to attend a face-to-face skills development workshop. Various skills domains for development were identified, including collegiality, mentoring, publishing research, and collaboration. The ECRs also expressed a desire to learn more about effective approaches to enhance public engagement with research, techniques for understanding and integrating policy implications into research, and about innovative ways to disseminate research to diverse audiences.
The workshop was delivered in partnership with Stellenbosch University, South Africa, in October 2024, with seven ECRs participating. This report provides a detailed account of the entire ECR skills development process, including reflections from participants on their experiences of being involved.
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