Join us in developing an MCR Network

Eastern Arc is seeking expressions of interest from colleagues across our partner universities who would like to join a Working Group to co-design and establish an Eastern Arc Mid-Career Researcher (MCR) Network.

This is an exciting opportunity to help create a cross-institutional community that supports the development, visibility, connectivity and leadership potential of mid-career researchers across the Eastern Arc partnership.

Further information is given below, including where to submit your expression of interest. We very much look forward to hearing from you.

Background

The proposal to develop an Eastern Arc Mid-Career Researcher Network emerged from findings within the Eastern Arc RAIL report. The report highlighted both the significant contribution that mid-career researchers make to research excellence and innovation, and the challenges they often face in navigating the transition from established researcher to research leader.

Key themes identified included:

• The need for stronger peer networks and communities across institutions.
• Access to mentoring, sponsorship and leadership development opportunities.
• Greater visibility of mid-career researchers within strategic research initiatives.
• Opportunities to build interdisciplinary and cross-institutional collaborations.
• Support for inclusive leadership and career progression.
• Sharing of good practice, challenges and opportunities across partner institutions.

Similar networks established at institutions such as the University of Sheffield and consortia such as the White Rose Consortium have demonstrated the value of creating dedicated communities for researchers at this career stage, providing opportunities for networking, leadership development, collaboration and peer support.

Purpose of the Working Group

The Working Group will develop recommendations and an implementation plan for an Eastern Arc Mid-Career Researcher Network. This may include:

• Defining the network’s purpose, scope and membership.
• Identifying priority activities and benefits for members.
• Developing a sustainable governance and delivery model.
• Exploring opportunities for mentoring, sponsorship and leadership development.
• Creating mechanisms to foster interdisciplinary collaboration across Eastern Arc institutions.
• Recommending approaches to support inclusivity, diversity and broad participation.
• Identifying opportunities to align with existing institutional and sector initiatives.

The ambition is to launch a network that provides meaningful value to mid-career researchers while strengthening the collaborative research environment across Eastern Arc.

Who Should Apply?

We welcome expressions of interest from colleagues across Eastern Arc partner institutions who:

• Identify as mid-career researchers or research leaders with an interest in researcher development.
• Have experience of researcher development, leadership programmes, mentoring or research culture initiatives.
• Are keen to contribute ideas and expertise to the design of a collaborative network.
• Bring diverse disciplinary, professional and lived experiences.
• Are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive research environment.

We particularly encourage applications from colleagues from groups that are currently under-represented in research leadership roles.

Commitment

The Working Group is expected to meet approximately once every 6–8 weeks over an initial six-month period, with members contributing between meetings as required. Meetings will be held online wherever possible to maximise participation.

Benefits of Participation

Working Group members will have the opportunity to:

• Influence a strategic Eastern Arc initiative.
• Build connections with peers across partner institutions.
• Contribute to improvements in research culture and researcher development.
• Help shape future leadership and collaboration opportunities for mid-career researchers.
• Gain experience in cross-institutional network development and community building.

How to Express Interest

To express your interest, please complete this short form, which comprises the following questions:

• Your name
• Your job title and/or career stage
• Your institution
• A brief statement as to why are you interested in joining the group and what relevant experience, perspectives or ideas you would bring to it? (max 2000 characters)
• Confirmation of support from your line manager (where required by your institution).

Deadline

11:59, 5 September 2026

Further information

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us at info@easternarc.ac.uk