The newly created EArly and mid-CAreer REsearchers network (EACARE) will promote networking and mentorship among early- to-mid-career researchers
Launching a successful scientific career isn’t easy. That’s why a group of young researchers at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC) began discussing the need for a new support network.
With the enthusiastic support of Dr. Rhian Touyz, Executive Director and Chief Scientific Officer of the RI-MUHC, their first action was to survey the postdoctoral community at the RI-MUHC. Survey results demonstrated a clear desire among RI-MUHC postdocs for more support in the form of networking opportunities, scientific and career discussions, and training tools.
To address this important need, the next step was to create an organization called the EArly and mid-CAreer REsearchers network (EACARE). The founding team clarified its mission: to help elevate and propel young scientists by supporting the career development needs of postdoctoral fellows as well as early- and mid-career research associates and research assistants at the RI-MUHC. An organizing committee, led by postdoctoral fellows and research associates, will oversee the network. Current representatives are Ruben Lopez Salazar, Shradha Wali, Justin Miron, Eva Michaud and Augusto Montezano.
The founders’ inclusive vision informs the organization’s six key objectives:
- To stimulate scientific networking between trainees, early- to mid-career researchers and other members of the RI-MUHC community.
- To stimulate interaction between senior and junior researchers, where the primary purpose is professional mentorship and career growth of the junior person.
- To facilitate skills development and learning in science, career development, scientific independence, networking and communication, grant and scholarship applications, research integrity, and time management in both work and personal spheres.
- To broadcast the research of early- and mid-career members and facilitate the exchange of scientific ideas.
- To stimulate collaboration between training committees from various organizations, particularly for events and workshops dedicated to trainees at all levels.
- To evaluate the additional needs of trainees on an ongoing basis, and create an appropriate goal-oriented action plan.
Postdoctoral fellows, research associates, research assistants and other early- to mid-career researchers at the RI-MUHC are invited to register for the first EACARE icebreaker event on September 15, 2022. The research community is encouraged to follow EACARE on social media for more events and activities to come, on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.