About

Early- and mid-career researcher (EMCRs) in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) working for employers located in regional Australia face unique challenges that can affect their career development.

Opportunities to access professional development and networking with potential collaborators can be limited compared to the opportunities EMCRs in metropolitan areas can have access to. 

The Empowering Regional Research conference aims to provide EMCRs with an opportunity for professional development, focusing on building skill in key areas that are applicable to industry, academia and other areas, and transferable across different fields. 


Who should join?

EMCRs working in academic institutions or research organisations outside of major cities are invited to register.  EMCRs are defined as researchers who have received their PhD within the last 15 years (excluding any periods of career interruption).

The program of the conference might be most useful for early career stage researchers. 


Why should you join?

The program for the conference is designed to empower attendees with the key skills required to build successful careers in academia, industry and/or government through professionally facilitated sessions. 

Topics include:


Time management and prioritisation


Communicating Research to diverse audiences and stakeholders


Building a professional profile and online presence


Key leadership skills and strategic planning

The conference will provide opportunities for EMCRs to connect with other EMCRs working in regional areas. 


The Organising Committee

The Empowering Regional Research conference is organised by a team of researchers from the University of New England with the support of the Australian Academy of Science through the Theo Murphy Initiative (Australia). 

Dr Deborah Bower


Lecturer

School of Environmental and Rural Science

Dr Natalie Connors


Research Fellow

Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit

Professor Natkunam Ketheesan

Professor in Biomedical Science

School of Science and Technology

Dr Mary McMillan 

Lecturer

School of Science and Technology

Ms Kimaya Sarmukadam

PhD student

Brain-Behaviours Research Group

Dr Sam Walkom

Research Fellow

Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit

Dr Brendan Wilkinson

Lecturer in organic Chemistry

School of Science and Technology


Contact us: emcr@science.org.au                             @Science_Academy                             @EMCRForum                            #EmpowerRegRes