One of ECSA’s (the Estuarine & Coastal Sciences Association) key aims is to help early career members, whether in research or other careers. A preliminary survey identified strong demand for a forum focused on career development, funding, networking and practical skills. Respondents particularly valued support for grant and proposal writing, career pathways and continuity, interdisciplinary collaboration, data science/AI, science communication, public speaking, leadership, and engagement with policy and stakeholders. Mentorship, virtual interactive workshops, and in-person networking and knowledge-exchange sessions were among the most preferred activity formats, while a community mailing list was the preferred communication channel. Time and funding were the most frequently reported barriers to participation, alongside location, time-zone differences and conference costs. Overall, respondents envisioned an informal, inclusive and supportive international community that combines peer connection and collaboration with tangible opportunities such as training, mentoring, small grants, job information and collaborative projects. We would like to do a broader survey, and this is your chance to contribute.
Please use this link to the questionnaire page on the ECSA website. We look forward to hearing from you.
