Early Career Researcher Network

The Early Career Researcher (ECR) Network aims to provide support and advice to people who are interested in research and consider themselves as early career researchers at Aberystwyth University. Our goal is to provide a friendly and inclusive forum to discuss issues concerning careers and wellbeing, as well as provision of skill development and social events. We wish to be responsive to the needs of ECRs and welcome comments and suggestions on issues and events you would like the network to consider. You can contact one of the members of the volunteer committee listed below.

Dr Hannah Rees (har55@aber.ac.uk) – contact for training

I am a Strategic Research Fellow IBERS, working on plant biological rhythms. One of the aims of the ECR network is to work with the graduate school to help organise training and feedback on what researchers need. Feel free to contact me with ideas for events and workshops you would like to see available.

Dr Aiswarya Girija (aig15@aber.ac.uk) - contact for social events

I am a Strategic Research Fellow at IBERS, working on plant-stress adaptation. The Social Hub within the ECR network provides the platform to meet, connect and share with ECRs across all disciplines. If you have any suggestions on organising social events, please feel free to contact me.

Dr Naveed Arshad (mna@aber.ac.uk) - contact for becoming a member

I am Research Scientist working on climate change. I oversee ECR network membership and communication. I'm dedicated to creating an inclusive and vibrant community for emerging researchers, facilitating membership, and fostering meaningful connections among our diverse ECR members.

Dr Yasir Saleem (yasir.saleem@aber.ac.uk) - contact for general enquiries

I am a Lecturer in Computer Science. My research interests include artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, smart cities, vehicular networks and wireless networks. Feel free to contact me if you would like to know more about the ECR network.

Hannah Vallin (hev1@aber.ac.uk) - contact for communications

I am a Research Scientist at IBERS, interested in DNA metabarcoding and its uses for dietary analysis, grassland monitoring, understanding plant communities and plant-herbivore interactions. I am very passionate about the ECR network and its potential benefits to ECRs, and encourage likeminded individuals to join. I oversee the network's social media accounts and feel free to contact me if you have any suggestions to improve our online presence.

Dr Elena Anna Spagnuolo (eas17@aber.c.uk)

I teach Italian within the Department of Modern Languages and I am Research Fellow at the Centre for The Movement of People. I am currently working on a research project funded by the British Academy which investigates the evacuation scheme for the Italian children which took place after the World War II. I am the ECR network representative for the Department of Modern Languages. Feel free to contact me if you would like to know more about the ECR Network.