In the frist phase the Early Career Researcher Academy (ECRA) quickly obtained an indispensable role in integrating LSC DiPH activities, supporting the implementation of the LSC DiPH program through a series of invited talks, workshops and exchanges on joint issues.

A particularly motivating feature as reported by ECRA members was the high level of self-governance including management of common resources. This underlines the LSC’s commitment to and the value placed on early career researchers. Consequently, the ECRA grew from its original core of 3-4 postdoc scientists and 6 PhD candidates to include an overall of 43 core and associated members by July 2022, many from outside of Bremen and internationally.

Via our talent fund we also created short-term postdoc positions for ECRA members to prepare a funding application based on their finalized PhD research. The Early Career Research Academy (ECRA) will continue in the same structure.

The ECRA fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, knowledge transfer, and networking among early career researchers in Digital Public Health (DiPH). Connecting a variety of scientific disciplines through its active members, the ECRA achieves these collaborative exchange formats and peer support through:

1.    Career and skill training
The ECRA empowers early career researchers by developing their careers in- and outside academia. Members have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through self-organised events, such as workshops and guest talks. Furthermore, members can attend activities organised by other ECRA members to develop skills needed for their current research projects and future careers.

2.    Science communication
The ECRA offers a forum for networking and knowledge transfer that will build bridges between peers and stakeholders from in- and outside DiPH.

3.    Financial support
The ECRA enables career opportunities by offering its members funding for relevant research stays, professional and research-oriented internships, participation in conferences, as well as training programs. This goes for all active members, regardless of their position within the Leibniz ScienceCampus Digital Public Health.