ECR+ Network

Supporting early and mid-career researchers in public health

ECR+ network

Our ECR+ Network (Early and Mid-Career Researcher Network) brings together over 200 members and is dedicated to supporting researchers across early, mid, and transitional career stages in public health.

We offer training workshops, foster networking, and create opportunities for members to share their research, build collaborations, and advance their careers within a supportive, multidisciplinary environment.

Advisory committee

The network's activities are organised through an advisory committee comprising:

  • Saleyha Ahsan: PhD student in the International Health Systems Group, Engineering Design Centre in the Department of Engineering. Her research examines the impact of attacks on healthcare in armed conflict.
  • Emily Bradfield: Practitioner Research Associate at the Fitzwilliam Museum (University of Cambridge) working with (older) adults living with non-visible disabilities, chronic health conditions, and / or experiencing social isolation. She is interested in creative health - and the intersection between arts, public health, wellbeing and ageing.
  • Tiago Canelas: Research Associate and member of the Global Diet and Activity Research Group and Network (GDAR) at the MRC Epidemiology Unit. His research interests are the use of spatial data to understand public health problems.
  • Lihani du Plessis: PhD student in Resource Efficiency Collective, Engineering Design Centre in the Department of Engineering. Her research examines ethical public procurement in the medical sector using a systems thinking approach.
  • Iris (Dongying) Ji: Research Associate at the Andrew and Virginia Rudd Research and Professional Practice Centre. She is interested in the interplay of different risk factors for chronic loneliness and common mental health problems.
  • Rakesh Modi: Wellcome Trust PhD Fellow in the Department of Public Health and Primary Care, looking at successful models of implementing atrial fibrillation screening.
  • Sebastian Walsh: NIHR doctoral fellow in the Department of Psychiatry. His research focuses on developing the evidence base for whole population-based dementia prevention strategies.

Careers support for Early Career Researchers

The University of Cambridge Careers service offers support to all students through a team of experienced and impartial careers advisers.

Starting points

Career Essentials for PhDs and Postdocs

Meet the Careers Service 1:1

  • Appointments with Careers Consultants for postdoctoral and postgrad researchers – interview preparation, application review including CVs and cover letters, career exploration and more.     

Podcasts

Key resources

  • Careers resources for researchers (postdocs and PhD students).
  • Book events, appointments, find jobs and employers on Handshake, the University's careers platform.