Episode 6: Wellness and community in academia with Madeline Hewitson and Inés G. Labarta

How does one be well as an ECR? Against constant challenges of precarious contracts, growing workloads and uncertain landscapes, it can be difficult to feel like you’re thriving. In this episode of Confessions of an Early Career Researcher, Leonie Smith asks Maddie Hewitson and Inés G. Labarta for their top tips on wellness. How do we be strategic about boundaries and priorities? How do we find our people? And ultimately, how do we juggle our identities in and outside of academia? 

Head to our podcast hub for more: https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/audio-video/confessions-of-an-early-career-researcher

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Episode 5: Publishing as an ECR: Rejection, patience and conversation with Fred Paxton and Ayesha Omar

‘Publish or perish’ is something ECRs will hear consistently throughout their academic careers. But why is there such a pressure to publish early, and is it always the right thing to do? In this episode of Confessions of an Early Career Researcher, Leonie Smith sits down with Fred Paxton and Ayesha Omar to discuss their different experiences with the publishing process, the importance of patience, and the need to separate the self from your writing. 

Head to our podcast hub for more: https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/audio-video/confessions-of-an-early-career-researcher

Find out more about the British Academy: https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/     

Join our Early Career Researcher Network: https://thebritishacademyecrn.com/  

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Episode 4: Plan your journey: Navigating the ECR landscape with April-Louise Pennant and Martin Scheuregger

Failing to plan is planning to fail, right? Often, your journey makes sense only in retrospect. With so many choices in the contemporary ECR landscape, what’s the right route to take?  

In this episode of Confessions of an Early Career Researcher, we hear from April-Louise Pennant and Martin Scheuregger on their different ECR journeys. Discussing the ‘traditional’ lecturer route, the more precarious ‘researcher’ route and all the in-betweens, they unpack the power of turning diversions into opportunities, the need to focus on what you’re truly interested in, and the importance of saying both yes and no. 

Head to our podcast hub for more: https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/audio-video/confessions-of-an-early-career-researcher

Find out more about the British Academy: https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/     

Join our Early Career Researcher Network: https://thebritishacademyecrn.com/  

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Episode 3: Two heads are better than one: Networking and mentors in academia With Clare Stainthorp and Devina Sarwatay

Like much of ECR life, there’s no one-size-fits-all to finding the perfect networks and mentors. In this episode, Leonie Smith unpacks the world of academic networking with Clare Stainthorp and Devina Sarwatay – from finding and growing group networks, to choosing the right mentors for you. How can networks help the uncertainty of being a first-gen academic, or aid the move from one country’s HE system to another? How did the pandemic impact our attitude towards community? And ultimately, why are academics so incredibly generous? 

Head to our podcast hub for more: https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/audio-video/confessions-of-an-early-career-researcher

Find out more about the British Academy: https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/     

Join our Early Career Researcher Network: https://thebritishacademyecrn.com/  

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Episode 2: From draft to grant: Funding in academia With Anna Vignoles FBA and Pavan Mano

Applying for funding is a crucial, continual and admittedly treacherous part of the ECR experience. In this episode of Confessions of an Early Career Researcher, Leonie Smith speaks to Anna Vignoles, director of the Leverhulme Trust, and Pavan Mano on the key marks to hit when going for grants. Hear from the perspective of both those applying and those funding on what makes a good application, how to manage rejection, and the importance of asking for help. 

Head to our podcast hub for more: https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/audio-video/confessions-of-an-early-career-researcher

Find out more about the British Academy: https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/     

Join our Early Career Researcher Network: https://thebritishacademyecrn.com/  

Subscribe to our email newsletter: https://email.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/p/6P7Q-5PO/newsletter 

Episode 1: Finding your voice: What makes an ECR? With Temidayo Eseonu and Ayse Burcin Baskurt

From developing your PhD, acclimatising to UK higher education structures, or navigating the vast expanse of LinkedIn – is there one right way to be an Early Career Researcher? What makes an ECR in today’s ever-changing academic landscape? In our first episode of Confessions of an Early Career Researcher, Leonie Smith sits down with Dayo Eseonu and Burcin Baskurt to discuss their non-traditional routes into academia – and the advantages these backgrounds bring. 

Head to our podcast hub for more: https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/audio-video/confessions-of-an-early-career-researcher

Find out more about the British Academy: https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/     

Join our Early Career Researcher Network: https://thebritishacademyecrn.com/  

Subscribe to our email newsletter: https://email.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/p/6P7Q-5PO/newsletter 

Navigating the world of academia after your PhD can feel overwhelming, exciting, and a little bit secretive. Confessions of an Early Career Researcher is a candid, honest, and inspiring podcast for Early Career Researchers (ECRs) at every stage of their journey.  

In each episode, host Dr Leonie Smith sits down with scholars at varying stages of their careers to share personal stories, practical insights, and the realities of building a life in (and sometimes beyond) academia.  

From funding applications and precarious contracts, to imposter syndrome and mentorship, no topic is off limits. Tune in as we unpack your new academia survival guide – Confessions of an Early Career Researcher is now available on all podcasting platforms. 

Head to our podcast hub for more: https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/audio-video/confessions-of-an-early-career-researcher

Find out more about the British Academy: https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/    

Join our Early Career Researcher Network: https://thebritishacademyecrn.com/ 

Subscribe to our email newsletter: https://email.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/p/6P7Q-5PO/newsletter 

The British Academy and Leverhulme Trust are developing an exciting new podcast series exploring the journeys and challenges of Early Career Researchers (ECRs).

Coming very soon!