The UTS Early Career Academic Network (ECAN) invites early career academics to connect, socialise and participate in professional development and mentoring programs.
The use of the term academic rather than researcher is deliberate as both teaching and service are recognised and supported by this Network as well as research.
Anyone who identifies as Early Career is welcome to join and there is no timeframe required since receiving a PhD.
Dr Chloé Smit, an Associate Lecturer in Pharmacy, said that ECAN is a valuable source of support, offering access to relevant funding opportunities, workshops and a network of peers from across UTS.
"Being able to connect with colleagues outside your own discipline is particularly valuable, as it provides new perspectives and shared learning opportunities. The Teams site helps keep members informed and connected, and ongoing efforts to increase social and networking events will create even more opportunities to build relationships and support one another," she said.
Being part of the ECANetwork has given me a genuine sense of connection and belonging within the UTS academic community. It has created a supportive space to connect with colleagues, share experiences, and feel part of a broader community navigating similar opportunities and challenges
Other researchers have reported that they value being part of ECAN and having opportunities to connect with early-career academics from different faculties across UTS to exchange ideas and learn from each other’s experiences.
"Through ECAN, I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to the broader ECA community and help create initiatives that support early career capacity building and collaboration across the University. It’s a great space to meet colleagues outside your usual networks, learn from one another and work together to shape opportunities for ECAs across UTS," said Dr Senani Rathnayake Mudiyanselage, an Associate Lecturer in the School of Life Sciences.
What’s next?
Request to join the Discovery Profile Group
Request to be added to the General | UTS Early Career Academic Network team on Microsoft Teams where information and advance-notice of activities are posted.