Early Career Researcher Networking Sprint
This 2-day sprint offers Early Career Researchers (ECRs) a unique opportunity to develop high-impact collaborative networks that are capable of tackling some of the most pressing global net zero challenges.
Unlike traditional events, no prior expertise in the focus area is required—just bring your curiosity and team spirit. With expert mentoring from C-DICE and industry leaders, you’ll work with an interdisciplinary team to shape the network’s goals and refine your ideas.
Why You Should Participate
This two-day sprint will bring together ECRs to form diverse, interdisciplinary teams dedicated to forming networks to address the challenges of achieving net zero by 2035 from a regional perspective. Participants will collaborate to identify specific challenges and develop a plan for creating a network that will utilise a scenario-based systems approach to advance progress toward net zero. This approach will consider key areas such as transport, water, biodiversity, energy, jobs, skills requirements, and economics. The sprint will conclude with team pitches, with the best network proposal(s) awarded up to £5,000 to support network development.
Expected Outcomes
Participants will create actionable plans to establish collaborative networks aimed at advancing regional progress toward net zero, fostering interdisciplinary connections, and addressing complex challenges through scenario-based systems approaches.
Session Dates
The event will take place on 10th and 11th February 2025 at the Loughborough campus of Loughborough University.
Eligibility Criteria
We welcome applications from the following:
- Doctoral researchers (e.g., students studying for a PhD or EngD).
- Post-doctoral researchers [including researchers on precarious (fixed term or project funded) contracts].
- Academics who have not been a PI on a grant >£100k [including, teaching fellows and lecturers]
Please contact the organising team (cdice-enquiries@mailbox.lboro.ac.uk) if you consider yourself an ECR but do not fit into the criteria outlined above.
How To Apply
The application form is available via Inkpath, our researcher development platform.
STEP 1
If you already have an Inkpath account, please go to Call for applications -C-DICE Sprints
If you do not have an Inkpath account, you need to create one. Instructions are provided below on how to create an Inkpath account. Please email cdice-enquiries@mailbox.lboro.ac.uk if you have any problems accessing the activity or registering with Inkpath.
How to create an Inkpath account
STEP 1
STEP 2
Book onto the activity on Inkpath. After booking is completed, you will receive a link to the Microsoft form application.
STEP 3
Fill in the Microsoft application form, ensuring you address the assessment criteria outlined below. You will be asked to:
Briefly describe your primary research area (no more than 50 words)
Describe why you are interested in participating in the C-DICE Sprint (no more than 100 words)
If you need to access the application form in a different format, please get in touch-cdice-enquiries@mailbox.lboro.ac.uk
Application deadline: 12pm 3 February 2025
You will be notified within one week of submitting your application if you have secured a place on the C-DICE Sprint.
How will applications be assessed?
The assessment criteria for participant selection are:
- An interest in addressing the challenges of achieving net zero by 2035 from a regional perspective.
- The ability to collaborate to identify specific challenges and develop a plan for creating a network that will utilise a scenario-based systems approach to advance progress toward net zero.
- Undertaking research in subject areas related to infrastructure, Cities and Energy (IC&E) sectors, and/or accelerating progress towards a net zero society.
- The ability to communicate research to a wide audience.
- Demonstrate how attending the Sprint will enable you develop collaborative networks.
- Commitment to taking an active role in all of the sessions.
Timeline of event
| Activity | Timeline |
| Application process opens | 11 December 2024 |
| Information webinar | 16 January 2025 |
| Application process closes | 3 February 2025 |
| Sprint session 1 (In Person) | 10 February 2025 |
| Sprint session 2 (In Person) | 11 February 2025 |
| Winning team(s) notified of award | 13 February 2025 |
In the event of this opportunity being substantially oversubscribed, C-DICE reserves the right to modify the assessment process. Please note that we will not be able to give individual feedback to unsuccessful applicants, however we will provide some general points of feedback.
Support Available For Participants
If you are interested in participating in a C-DICE sprint, C-DICE can support you through our travel grant and caring support fund. Find out more below: