Call for Submissions: IAMRAT Early Career Researchers Essay Challenge
Are you an Early Career Researcher (ECR) passionate about transforming the research ecosystem?
Do you have bold, creative ideas on how to better involve and support ECRs in the research process?
This is your opportunity to shape the future of research through collaborative thinking and innovation.
The Challenge
To mark the 2025 IAMRAT day celebration, we are inviting teams of three Early Career Researchers to co-author an essay on the theme:
“Innovative Models for Early Career Researcher Involvement in a research institute”
The essay should move beyond identifying existing challenges. We are looking for imaginative, forward-thinking, and actionable ideas, from reimagining mentorship and funding pathways to co-creation, leadership, and structural transformation.
This is not just about writing—it’s about reimagining the future of research with ECRs at the centre.
Who Can Apply?
- Applicants must be Early Career Researchers, defined as holding at least a master’s degree (Pre and post doc) in the field of public health and laboratory sciences. Junior lecturers are encouraged to apply.
- Each team must consist of three members.
- Interdisciplinary and cross-institutional teams in the field of Health are highly encouraged to apply.
Essay Guidelines
- Length: 2000 –2,500 words
- Format: Clear, well-structured, and engaging writing. Essays should incorporate evidence, personal insights, and illustrative examples where possible.
- Tone: Innovative, solution-oriented, and reflective of collaborative authorship.
- Submission Deadline: May 23, 2025
- Submit to: Abayomi Odetunde; email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and copy: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Name the document: (team name) - ERC Essay 2025
What’s in It for You?
- The top three essays will each receive a cash prize
- Winning essays will be published on the IAMRAT website and disseminated widely within research and policy networks.
- Winning teams will be invited to present their ideas at the IAMRAT day virtual meeting on June 7, 2025.
- Additional opportunities for mentorship, networking, and potential involvement in future collaborative initiatives focused on ECR development.
Suggested Areas to Explore (but not limited to):
- Co-leadership and shared decision-making in research projects
- Innovative mentorship and peer support models
- Framework for an ECR programme in a research institute
- Rethinking research funding for ECRs
- Representation of ECRs in institutional and policy-level decision-making
- Equity, inclusion, and mental wellbeing in research careers
- Digital platforms and virtual collaboration communities
- Global South perspectives on early career research challenges
Disclosure
Please disclose if you use AI for the preparation of this Essay.
Let’s Rethink Research—Together
Your voice matters. Your ideas matter. This is your moment to reimagine how Early Career Researchers can not only participate in research but lead it.
Form your team. Be bold. Be creative. Submit your vision for a more inclusive, innovative research world.
For more information or queries, contact: Bamidele Adeniji. Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ;Tel nos: 08033910757