The British Academy’s Early Career Researcher Network (ECRN) is now UK-wide with the Yorkshire & Humber regional cluster added in September 2025, meaning that Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences ECRs based in the region are now able to join by following the link to sign up on the British Academy website.
Since it was launched, the ECRN has grown from a single regional ‘cluster’ in the Midlands with 500 members to 7,000 members in nine regions across the four UK devolved nations. An independent evaluation in 2022 said it addressed “an important need in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences landscape” and was “an undoubted success among ECRs.” The Yorkshire and the Humber initiative comprises the White Rose Consortium (University of Leeds, University of York, and the University of Sheffield), York St John University, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds Trinity University and University of Bradford.
Benefits of the free membership to the British Academy Early Career Researcher Network include:
- Access to the Network’s online community platform which helps to expand networks and links with researchers, British Academy Fellows, and Partners.
- Access to networking opportunities that expand networks and encourage cross collaboration.
- Travel and/ or accommodation covered to attend Network events.
- Access to the new ‘Encourage and Engage’ group mentorship programme.
- Access to up to £3,000 funding to organise an event, roundtable, meeting, training, or workshop for the Network.
- Access to up to £300 to be used towards conference, training and workshop fees, which are taking place outside of the BA ECRN, or costs to cover membership fees for a professional association.
The Yorkshire and the Humber initiative comprises the White Rose Consortium (University of Leeds, University of York, and the University of Sheffield), York St John University, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds Trinity University and University of Bradford.
This network is a fantastic opportunity to bring together early career researchers from across the Arts & Humanities and Social Sciences in the Yorkshire and Humber region — expanding networks and encouraging both cross-institutional and interdisciplinary collaboration. Participants will also benefit from access to funding opportunities and a curated programme of events. We’re delighted that researchers at Sheffield have already embraced this initiative, meaning we are currently leading the way!
Hugo Dobson
Academic lead for the cluster and Faculty Director of One University Strategy Delivery