Early-Career Researchers’ Colloquium 2026
Aberystwyth University | 29 and 30 June
The Learned Society of Wales’ fourth annual Colloquium for Early Career Researchers took place over two days at Aberystwyth University on 29 and 30 June 2026.
The ECR Colloquium is a pan-Wales, interdisciplinary event, aimed not only at those in academia but also those working in the private, public and third sectors too. The fourth annual Colloquium brought together researchers from across Wales to present their research to a unique network of researchers, stakeholders and the Fellowship of the Learned Society of Wales.
The Colloquium brought together researchers from across Wales and all disciplines for two days of interdisciplinary networking, professional development, and collaboration in a supportive environment. Building on the success of last year’s two-day event, the Colloquium was co-designed by the LSW Researcher Development Team, in partnership with Aberystwyth University’s ECR Network. The event was free to attend, with participation open to researchers working within and beyond higher education. More than 140 researchers, stakeholders and Fellows of the Learned Society of Wales joined us at this year’s Colloquium.
Programme
The Colloquium programme was brought together by an organising committee, made up largely of early career researchers, and supported by LSW Fellows, including Professor Rhys Jones and Professor Rattan Yadav, the Society’s Cenhadon in Aberystwyth. The ECR Colloquium Committee, led by Dr Hannah Vallin (LSW Researcher Development Advisory Group member), played a central role in ensuring the programme remained relevant to the needs of early career researchers.
The Colloquium opened with a welcome from Aberystwyth University’s Vice chancellor, Professor Jon Timmis (FLSW), followed by a keynote speech from Professor Helen Roberts (FLSW). In her talk, Professor Roberts reflected on navigating a career without a fixed destination or roadmap, exploring the roles that curiosity, serendipity, courage, and agency have in helping shape the journey, and the value of occasionally losing your way.
Day one continued with flash-talk sessions themed around the Well-being Goals of Future Generations Act including ‘A More Equal Wales’, ‘A Wales of Vibrant Culture’ and ‘Language, and A Resilient Wales’, alongside dedicated time for networking and refreshments. The day closed with ECR-led social activities in the evening.
Day two opened with further flash-talk sessions on ‘A Wales of Cohesive Communities’, ‘A Healthier Wales’, and ‘Wales, the Economy and Emerging Technologies’, followed by the Research Poster Exhibition.
An interdisciplinary panel discussion on ‘Navigating Engagement Beyond Academia as an ECR’ allowed attendees to consider the importance of building relationships and collaborations with external partners and to gain insights into how to navigate challenges that arise, such as ethical issues, contrasting expectations, and the need to balance other responsibilities alongside research.
Hywel Thomas ECR Prize for Research Culture and Community Leadership
A highlight of this year’s Colloquium was the inaugural presentation of the Hywel Thomas ECR Prize for Research Culture and Community Leadership. Established in 2026 to mark the end of Professor Hywel Thomas’ six years as President of the Learned Society of Wales, the prize recognises early career researchers in Wales who support their peers and, in doing so, help create a more inclusive, supportive, and sustainable research environment for all.
The prize reflects Professor Thomas’ leadership and values during his Presidency, and his commitment to a research culture that is excellent, fair, collaborative, and people-centred.
Presented for the first time this year, congratulations go to the inaugural winner, Caitlyn Donaldson.
Congratulations also to runners-up Daniela Duc, Ivana Rozic, and Vassilissa Carangio, and Winnie Courtene-Jones, and to shortlisted nominees Elena Hristova, and Stanislava Nedeva and Anna Katsoulaki.
Workshops
Engaging with the UK Young Academy: Pathways, People, and Possibilities
This session introduced the UK Young Academy (UKYA), an interdisciplinary network of early career researchers and professionals from across the UK who are selected through a competitive process to contribute to work on research culture, policy, and public engagement alongside their main roles. Panellists Dr Emily Lowthian (Swansea University, School of Social Sciences) and Dr Sarah-Jane Dunlop-Potts (Swansea University, Department of Mechanical Engineering) shared case studies from their own experience as UKYA members working across health, the humanities, and the sciences, covering why they applied, what membership involves, and how it has shaped their work. A panel discussion covered the practicalities of applying, including eligibility, assessment criteria, and common misconceptions, giving attendees the chance to consider whether the UKYA might be a good fit for their own career stage and interests.
Boost Your Research Superpowers with LEGO Serious Play
Led by Dr Anwen Elias, Reader in Politics at Aberystwyth University, this hands-on session introduced the core principles of LEGO Serious Play, a method for engaging people, encouraging different ways of thinking, and enabling different kinds of conversation. Participants built and shared their own LEGO models, using current research strengths as a theme to consider what actions might help boost research skills further. The session also encouraged reflection on how purposeful play can add value, and fun, to research, teaching, and the wider organisational and societal contexts researchers work within. Anwen’s own research spans devolution and constitutional change, Welsh politics and elections, and participatory and deliberative democracy, and increasingly draws on creative and visual methodologies to include different voices and enable deeper thinking in academic, policy, and community spaces.
Locally Meaningful Research using WFGA Ways of Working
Facilitated by Dr Tom Avery of Swansea University’s Local Challenges Research Office, this workshop used the Well-being of Future Generations Act’s Ways of Working to prompt critical reflection on research practice, drawing on a real case study of how deprived coastal communities engage with their local environment. The session explored what it means to pursue meaningful change from within historically extractive systems and during a period of financial constraint, inviting early career researchers to consider how the Ways of Working might be embedded in everyday research. Designed to be fully accessible, the workshop offered multiple ways of contributing, spoken, written, or anonymous, with built-in pauses for reflection and agreed ground rules for respectful dialogue, creating a psychologically safe space for participants to engage critically with sensitive themes of deprivation and extractive research practice.
Research Poster Exhibition
Our Research Poster Exhibition encouraged researchers to present their research in a visual format to a general audience. Research poster presenters were asked to ensure their posters were visually appealing with a coherent layout and that the content was understandable to a non-specialist audience.
Congratulations to this year’s winner, Jianhao Yang (Cardiff University), for presenting the research poster “Agri-technological innovation for the development of resilient and sustainable food systems”.
Acknowledgements
The Learned Society of Wales would like to say a huge thank you to Aberystwyth University and its staff, the Colloquium Committee including the Aberystwyth ECR Network and LSW Fellows, and all who attended the event and presented across the two days.
The LSW Researcher Development Team look forward to organising next year’s Colloquium, and encourage you to keep an eye out for new opportunities and updates on next year’s event via the ECR Network newsletter and social media channels.
Registration Now Closed: ECR Colloquium 2026
Whether you are looking to expand your network, share your work, or explore new opportunities, the Colloquium offers a welcoming and collaborative space to engage with researchers and professionals from across sectors.
By attending, you will have the opportunity to:
Connect with ECRs, researchers, policymakers, and professionals across academia, industry, the public sector, and not-for-profit organisations
Share your research through flash talks and posters
Take part in interactive workshops and discussions
Explore new collaborations and career development opportunities
Engage with a supportive and inclusive research community
The Colloquium will also host the Hywel Thomas ECR Prize for Research Culture and Community Leadership, celebrating Early Career Researchers who support other ECRs and contribute to a more inclusive and supportive research environment.
We encourage attendees to consider submitting a nomination.
Find out more about the prize by clicking on ” The Hywel Thomas Prize” tab.
The ECR Network Colloquium is open to:
| DAY 1 | |
|---|---|
| Time | Activity |
| 11:30-12:00 | Arrival and Registration |
| 12:00–13:00 | Networking lunch |
| 13:00–14:15 | Welcome, keynote session, and ECR Prize Introduction |
| 14:15–14:30 | Break |
| 14:30–15:30 | Flash talks |
| 15:30–16:00 | Refreshments and networking |
| 16:00–17:00 | Parallel Workshop sessions |
| 17:00–17:15 | Close of Day 1 |
| Evening | ECR-led social activities |
| DAY 2 | |
|---|---|
| Time | Activity |
| 08:45–09:15 | Arrival and refreshments |
| 09:15–10:15 | Flash talks |
| 10:15–10:30 | Break |
| 10:30–11:00 | Poster exhibition |
| 11:00–12:30 | Lunch and networking |
| 12:30–13:30 | Panel discussion |
| 13:30–14:30 | Closing session and ECR Prize announcement |
The programme includes a mix of keynote sessions, flash talks, workshops, and networking opportunities across two days. A draft schedule for the Colloquium is provided above to assist attendees with travel planning. A finalised programme will be shared with attendees ahead of the event.
Please note: if you have submitted an abstract for the Colloquium, you do not need to complete this general registration form at this stage, regardless of the outcome of your submission. All abstract submitters will be invited to complete a separate internal registration process, and further details will be shared directly by the Researcher Development team via researcherdevelopment@lsw.wales.ac.uk
To register for the Colloquium, please follow the link below:
Register here: ECR Colloquium 2026
The registration is open to anyone interested in attending the colloquium and will close on 12 June 2026, or earlier if the event reaches full capacity.
We are committed to reducing barriers to participation. A limited number of travel bursaries and accommodation options will be available to support attendance. Priority will be given to participants who are presenting at the Colloquium and have had their abstracts accepted. To be considered, please complete the application form linked on the registration page above. Please note that attendees should not make any travel arrangements until their travel bursary has been formally approved
Keep an eye on this page — additional information on the programme and event details will be released over the coming weeks.
Please note: ECRs are expected to travel the day before the event. Accommodation will therefore be provided for the nights of 28 and 29 June. Attendees will be able to travel home on 30 June, after 2:00 pm, once the event has concluded.
If you have any questions about the ECR Colloquium or registration, please contact:
The conference will take place at the MedRus Conference Centre, Penbryn, Aberystwyth University, Penglais, SY23 3BY.
Click here to open directions to Aberystwyth. To access Aberystwyth University Campus Maps, please click here.
Please note that this prize will be awarded at the ECR Colloquium 2026, to be held at Aberystwyth University on 29–30 June.
The Hywel Thomas ECR Prize for Research Culture and Community Leadership celebrates Early Career Researchers (ECRs) in Wales who are supporting other ECRs and contributing to a more inclusive, supportive, and sustainable research environment.
Established in recognition of Professor Hywel Thomas’s leadership and values, this prize reflects a commitment to research culture that is not only excellent, but also fair, collaborative, and people centred. During his time as President of the Learned Society of Wales, Professor Thomas championed early career researchers and supported work to strengthen equality, diversity and inclusion, recognising that thriving research communities depend on the ability of all individuals to participate and succeed.
This prize continues that legacy by recognising ECRs who demonstrate leadership through care, inclusion, and community-building — supporting others while helping to shape a research culture that is open, accessible, and equitable.
The prize will be awarded at the 2026 Early-Career Researchers Network Colloquium in Aberystwyth Shortlisted nominees will be recognised at the event and receive a certificate. The prize winner will receive a certificate, a cash award, and formal recognition through the Society’s communications, including online and in-person channels.
Professor Hywel Thomas is the third President of the Learned Society of Wales, taking up the role in May 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. He led the Society through a period of significant development, including the establishment of the Early Career Researchers Network and continued progress in advancing equality, diversity and inclusion across its work.
An internationally recognised researcher, he is the founder of the Geoenvironmental Research Centre at Cardiff University and a Distinguished Research Professor at Swansea University. He served as a Bevan Commissioner, providing independent expert advice to the Welsh Government on innovation and improvement in health and social care in Wales. He also led FLEXIS, a £24 million project for energy systems research in Wales. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS), a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering (FREng), and a Member of Academia Europaea, the Academy of Europe.
In 2017 he received a CBE for services to academic research and higher education. In 2021, he was elected as a foreign member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the highest honour bestowed by the Chinese government to a foreign scientist for contributions and achievements in science and technology. In 2025, Professor Thomas received the Chinese Government Friendship Award, for his ‘important contribution to China’s socialist modernisation as well as exchanges and cooperation with other countries.’
His leadership reflects a strong commitment to supporting research talent in Wales, strengthening community, and shaping a research culture that is collaborative, inclusive, and forward-looking — values that underpin this prize.
The prize recognises contributions where ECRs support other ECRs and strengthen research culture and community in ways that are inclusive, collaborative, and impactful.
This may include, but is not limited to:
We particularly value contributions that recognise the importance of community, shared responsibility, and the often-unseen work that enables others to thrive.
At the Learned Society of Wales, we believe that research culture should reflect the diversity of the communities it serves. Equality, diversity and inclusion are therefore integral to how this prize is defined and assessed.
We recognise that early career researchers experience research environments in different ways, and that barriers — whether structural, cultural, or practical — can shape access to opportunities and progression. Supporting ECRs means actively working to reduce these barriers and to create conditions in which a wider range of researchers can contribute and succeed.
This prize values contributions that demonstrate thoughtful, inclusive approaches to leadership and community-building. This may include supporting underrepresented groups, improving accessibility, creating inclusive spaces and practices, or widening participation in research and development opportunities.
Nominations are open to:
We define an Early Career Researcher (ECR) as someone who is typically within 8 years of completing their PhD (or equivalent research experience), excluding any career breaks. This includes researchers working across academia, industry, the public sector, and not-for-profit organisations. We also welcome nominations from, and for, Independent Researchers. Please note that doctoral researchers (PhD students) are not eligible for this prize. 1
Nominees should be based in Wales or making a clear contribution to the research environment in Wales. Eligible activity may take place across academia, the public or private sector, industry, not-for-profit organisations, or through cross-sector collaboration.
¹ If you are unsure whether a nominee meets the ECR definition, including cases where individuals may still be undertaking doctoral study alongside employment or have non-linear career pathways, we encourage you to contact us at researcherdevelopment@lsw.wales.ac.uk to discuss your situation. While doctoral researchers are not typically eligible, we recognise that individuals may still self-identify as part of the ECR community in certain circumstances and we are happy to provide further guidance.
Nominations can be submitted by someone inside or outside nominee’s organisation:
To submit a nomination, please complete the online application form by Gwener, 29th May 2026 (4:00 pm): The Hywel Thomas ECR Prize for Research Culture and Community Leadership
You will be asked to provide a short overview of the nominee’s contribution, evidencing how they have supported other ECRs and contributed to a positive and inclusive research culture.
¹ If you are unsure whether a nominee meets the ECR definition, including cases where individuals may still be undertaking doctoral study alongside employment or have non-linear career pathways, we encourage you to contact us at researcherdevelopment@lsw.wales.ac.uk to discuss your situation. While doctoral researchers are not typically eligible, we recognise that individuals may still self-identify as part of the ECR community in certain circumstances and we are happy to provide further guidance.
Following the application deadline, nominations will be reviewed, and shortlisted nominees will be contacted. Both nominators and nominees will be notified if an application is shortlisted.
If you do not hear from us by 17th June 2026, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.
A dedicated team of researchers who are a part of ECR Network at Aberystwyth University, have been working with us to support the planning and delivery of the ECR Colloquium 2026. Their expertise ensures the Colloquium is designed to reflect the needs and priorities of researchers working in Wales.
Dr Hannah Vallin is a Postdoctoral Research Assistant at the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University. She is a multidisciplinary researcher specialising in DNA metabarcoding and environmental DNA (eDNA) for ecological and biodiversity research. Following her PhD on herbivore dietary analysis, she has held postdoctoral research assistant positions at Aberystwyth University spanning terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Her work applies DNA-based approaches to better understand species interactions, ecosystem health, and biodiversity. Hannah is also Chair of the Aberystwyth University Early Career Researcher Committee, where she supports initiatives that foster inclusivity, collaboration, mentorship, and professional development for researchers across disciplines.
Caitlin is a Lecturer in Psychology at Aberystwyth University. Her research explores various aspects of Confidence with Interracial Contact: investigating participants possessing or lacking the confidence to interact with racially/ethnically diverse people and how they discuss (or don’t discuss!) racial topics. Additionally, she studies how this affects their desire to seek new interracial experiences and their ability to develop successful, positive friendships with racially/ethnically diverse people. Currently, she is investigating strategic colour blindness (SCB), a phenomenon in which people avoid discussing racial topics for fear of being seen as racist, with the intention to develop interventions to build confidence and skills.
Elena Anna Spagnuolo works as an Associate Lecturer and Italian Language Instructor at Aberystwyth University. Her monograph Voices of Women Writers. Using Language to Negotiate Identity in Transmigratory Contexts, investigated the connection between writing, self-translating and the redefinition of identity in transmigratory contexts. In 2020, her research project, funded by the Centre for the Movement of People, explored the impact of Covid-19 on the transnational dimension of Italian migration to Wales. She is currently working on a project, funded by the British Academy Small Grants. It investigates an evacuation scheme for Italian children, that took place after World War II.
Ben is a doctoral researcher and early career ecologist at the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University. His research takes a multidisciplinary approach to upland ecology, investigating the complex relationships between vegetation dynamics, peatland hydrology, wildfire regimes, and how land use and management can influence the resilience of these landscapes. As a member of the ECR Colloquium Committee for 2026, Ben hopes to contribute to the LSW's ongoing work in fostering networking and collaboration among early career researchers across Wales.
Dr Beatrice E. Ifie is a Senior Research Fellow in Plant Breeding leading the Miscanthus Breeding Programme at the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, where she applies innovative plant breeding technologies to accelerate genetic gains for improved yield, stress resilience, and quality traits. Her current research focuses on developing high-yielding, climate-resilient Miscanthus varieties to support sustainable agricultural systems. Her research focuses on advancing the understanding of Miscanthus biology, particularly by investigating the mechanisms underlying plant responses to abiotic stresses and diverse environments, to inform targeted breeding strategies. Beatrice has extensive university teaching experience and has played a key role in developing e-learning resources in Plant Breeding.
Jule is a marine chronobiologist and postdoctoral researcher at Aberystwyth University. Her research focuses on understanding how organisms keep track of time, with a particular focus on the influence of the tides and the moon on life in our oceans. She completed her PhD at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology in Plön, after which an independent early-career fellowship brought her from northern Germany to Wales.
Hardik Harishchandra Patel is a PhD researcher in Biological Sciences at Aberystwyth University. His research focuses on lodging resistance in teff, with particular interest in stem biomechanics, lignin deposition and plant physiological responses. He has a strong academic background in plant breeding, genetics and crop improvement, with previous research experience in cotton and pulse crops. He is passionate about sustainable agriculture, innovative research methods and supporting the development of early career researchers through collaborative academic initiatives.
Tina is a PhD student in the Department of Life Sciences at Aberystwyth University. As a microbial ecologist, Tina’s research is based on understanding the microbiome of cryoconite (dark sediment found on the surface of glaciers or ice sheets) mostly from Arctic glaciers (Ny-Ålesund). Tina’s research focuses on the study of change in bacterial communities in Arctic glaciers as well as cryoconite formation. Tina has been a PhD representative of the department for 2022/23 and 2023/24 academic years then ECR departmental representative for 2024/25. These roles helped Tina to deliver the issues faced by fellow PhD students to the respective department.
Chelsea is an experienced post-doctoral researcher, specialising in veterinary parasitology and microbiology. Chelsea’s research expertise spans cell biology, proteomics, and molecular biology. Chelsea’s research is driven by a commitment to understand host-pathogen interactions to advance livestock health, welfare, and productivity.
Dr Hannah Rees is a Research Fellow at IBERS, Aberystwyth interested in the body clocks of plants. She is fascinated by how biological clocks tick, how they differ between plants, and how we can tweak them to grow better crops.
Yasir is a Lecturer in Computer Science and co-convener of the Early Career Researcher Network at Aberystwyth University. Through these roles, he has developed a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by early career researchers across disciplines. As a committee member of the ECR Colloquium 2026, Yasir contributes to shaping and delivering an engaging and supportive programme for ECRs. He is particularly interested in fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and supporting international researchers in navigating the research landscape in Wales and the wider UK, helping to create opportunities for meaningful connections and impactful research.
Dr Laura Jones is a freelance officer within LSW’s Researcher Development team. She previously worked at the University of Edinburgh on the ESRC-funded Digital British Islam project, following a similar postdoctoral role at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David. She is a social scientist and religious studies scholar with an interest in contemporary Muslim communities. Her research interests include social cohesion, religious occasions and faith in the public space. She is particularly interested in community-building in a Welsh context and is fluent in the Welsh language.
If you have any questions about the ECR Colloquium, please email us at researcherdevelopment@lsw.wales.ac.uk
We are now inviting abstract submissions for 3-minute Flash Talks and Research Posters.
We are inviting proposals that align with one of the Seven Well-being Goals of the Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015:
We also encourage proposals that have an international scope to apply. If your research is being conducted outside Wales, you can refer to the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals instead.
Research posters should be size A0 (84.1m x 118.9 cm) and use a portrait layout.
We encourage applicants to creatively present their research for an interdisciplinary or non-specialist audience.
Submission Guidelines
