Celebrating Community, collaboration, and curiosity: STEM ECR Networking and Careers Event

On Friday 20 June, the Physics Department and St John’s College hosted a STEM ECR Networking and Careers Event, open to all science faculty students and staff, aimed at supporting researchers at this pivotal stage. Around 30 ECRs signed up for an informal evening of pizza, drinks, and cross-disciplinary conversation, bringing together participants from chemistry, physics, computer science, engineering, and more.
Being an Early Career Researcher (ECR) is both an exciting and demanding journey. Whether you're a master's or PhD student striving to make sense of experiments or simulations, or a postdoc charting a course toward academic independence, the challenges are real, from publishing and thesis writing to securing funding and shaping a research identity. The event provided a valuable opportunity to connect across departments and career stages.
Attendees shared ideas, discussed challenges, and exchanged advice in a relaxed and supportive setting. Senior academics added to the richness of the evening with insights and encouragement drawn from their own professional journeys.
We are especially grateful to Thorlabs for generously sponsoring the event. As a global leader in advancing scientific discovery, Thorlabs supports research not only through its innovative instruments and consumables, but also through its deep, ongoing commitment to the wellbeing of the researchers who drive science forward.
Thanks also to the Physics and Engineering Departments, particularly Heads of Department Professors Paula Chadwick and Andrew Gallant, for their kind support. And a warm thank you to Liz Hall, St John’s College Conferences Coordinator, whose energy and organisation helped bring the evening to life.
Events like these strengthen our research community by offering space for shared curiosity, mentorship, and collaboration, essential ingredients for thriving in academic life.