Network Meeting 2024, Nicosia

Minutes of the ERG Network Meeting, Nicosia - Monday, 26 August 2024

The ERG Network Meeting held on the afternoon of Monday, August 26, 2024, in Nicosia brought together a diverse group of emerging researchers from post-doctoral, doctoral, and master’s levels. Participants engaged in a session designed to foster community and support professional development among early-career researchers.

The meeting, conducted in a welcoming and collaborative atmosphere, covered key topics central to the Emerging Researchers’ Group (ERG) and its activities. The agenda included:

• Welcome to the Network – A warm welcome extended to all new and returning members.
• Emerging Researchers’ Group Aims – An outline of the ERG’s mission and objectives within EERA, emphasizing the group’s dedication to supporting early-career researchers.
• EERA Activities for Emerging Researchers – Information about EERA’s ongoing initiatives designed to foster the development of emerging researchers.
• Becoming a Co-Convenor – An invitation to members to consider the role of co-convenor, with details on responsibilities and opportunities.
• Feedback about the ERC & ERG – A discussion around feedback, emphasizing the value of participants’ insights for continuous improvement.

Participants were also encouraged to consider attending the Summer School 2025 (scheduled for 2-6 June 2025 in Chemnitz - DE), which promises a robust program for skill development and knowledge exchange. The meeting concluded with an invitation to the ERC Social Event, providing an opportunity for members to engage informally and further strengthen connections.

Feedback Summary from Online Form

This year, feedback collection was conducted via an online form, marking an innovative shift from previous editions. Participants highlighted both sessions/workshops and networking opportunities as essential components of the ERC. Sessions were praised for broadening perspectives and offering multidisciplinary insights, while networking events allowed attendees to connect, exchange ideas, and form valuable professional relationships. Informal gatherings and breaks were also valued as key moments for knowledge-sharing and interaction. Despite occasional challenges locating relevant sessions, participants really appreciated the networking options.

To further enhance future ERC events, respondents suggested introducing additional social and networking activities at the start of the conference, such as ice-breakers or small focus groups to help newcomers integrate more easily. Additional suggestions included providing an overview of ERC networks during the Opening Ceremony, with brief descriptions to help attendees identify networks of interest. Other ideas included establishing a central information board for research partner matching, exploring diverse research presentation formats beyond traditional talks, and reducing the number of reminder emails for a more streamlined communication experience.

On the logistical side, suggestions were made to offer a broader food variety, improve accessibility in venue selection, and adjust scheduling by avoiding early morning sessions and ensuring air conditioning in rooms. Participants also expressed appreciation for the welcoming and inclusive environment fostered by ERC’s volunteers and noted the conference’s diverse program. Additional ideas for future EERA blog topics included collaboration tips, networking advice, and best practices for inclusive participation. Lastly, some attendees raised the issue of the timing overlap between ERC and ECER, suggesting that it could be reconsidered in future editions for enhanced attendance and engagement.