Initiatives to Support ECRs
There are many initiatives and organisations that are here to support ECRs. This also includes initiatives that the University of Exeter has signed up to. Below are just some of them:
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During National Postdoc Appreciation Week (also known as 'NPAW'), The University of Exeter hosts a series of events, lectures and initiatives that acknowledge, celebrate and give thanks for our postdoctoral colleagues.
Visit NPAW 2026 to join in with this years' celebrations!
The University of Exeter has signed the Researcher Development Concordat, which sets out three clear principles of environment and culture, employment, and professional and career development. The Concordat aims to improve the employment, support, and career development of researchers in UK higher education, making research careers more sustainable and attractive.
The CEDARS Survey is a chance for ECRs to let the University know what it is that they are doing well and where improvements could be made with regards to its support for ECRs and researchers.
Vitae is a membership organisation aiming to strengthen institutional provision for the professional development of their researchers. Part of the Careers Research & Advisory Centre (CRAC) Ltd.
This declaration, signed by the University of Exeter in June 2020, aims to improve the ways in which the output of scientific research is evaluated. DORA is particularly relevant for Early Career Researchers as it seeks to eliminate the use of journal-based metrics; measures which typically favour those with greater experience. Instead DORA encourages research to be assessed on its own merits.
UKRSA, in association with Vitae, aims to provide a collective voice for research staff across the UK, through building researcher communities and influencing policy.