For early career researchers (ECRs), it offers a unique opportunity to connect with a wider research community, access field-specific insights, and explore a range of content focused on both scientific discovery and career development.
To provide even more focused support, we’ve created the Early Career Researchers (ECR) Hub - a dedicated space for those in the first ten years of their research journey. The Hub brings together tailored resources, expert advice, career-focused content, and community discussions to help you grow your profile, navigate challenges, and build meaningful connections.
Here’s how to make the most of it:
Access ECR targeted content and resources in the Hub
Explore blogs, articles, and Q&As written by experienced researchers, editors, publishing professionals, and your peers. Topics cover everything from career development and mental health to publishing guidance and funding advice - all with early career needs in mind.
You can also find posts highlighting different research career paths, tips on transitioning
between academia and industry, and lived experiences from researchers across disciplines.
Follow the ECR Hub by clicking ‘Follow’ at the top right of the page.
Join the conversation in Discussions
The Discussions section of the ECR Hub is your space to share ideas, ask questions, join conversations and learn from your peers. You will find it by clicking ‘Discussions’ at the top of the page on the ECR Hub.
We (the Research Communities team) will post new discussion topics regularly, covering themes like challenges in academia, work–life balance, opportunities for collaboration, calls to action, publishing dilemmas, and more. It’s a great way to connect with others, be heard, and feel part of a wider research community.
You’re welcome to respond to Discussions at any time to share your thoughts, experiences, or tips that are relevant to the topic.
To reply to a Discussion, open the Discussion and type your reply in the box labelled ‘What are your thoughts?’
You can also reply directly to replies under the comment by clicking ‘Reply’.
You will also find ‘Collab Corner’ in the Discussions – a space to post to introduce yourself, find collaborators and build connections with peers in your field and beyond.
Please be mindful that the Communities Guidelines apply to comments and Discussion replies.
Discover opportunities specific to early career researchers
You can find posts highlighting fellowships, editorial board positions, mentoring schemes, calls for papers, and other opportunities geared toward ECRs - both within Springer Nature and beyond. You will also find helpful resources signposted from across the wider Springer Nature network to save you time and get the most from what’s available.
We’ll highlight a range of early career opportunities - both from Springer Nature and the wider research landscape. These may include:
- Calls for papers for special collections and early career-led issues
- Invitations to events, panel sessions, and online workshops
- Opportunities to become an Early Career Editorial Board Member
- Mentorship and training programmes
We’ll also spotlight existing resources and schemes across the Springer Nature network to make sure you don’t miss out.
Stay in the loop with all-things ECR Hub
How to Follow the ECR Hub
Stay up to date with new content and conversations in the ECR Hub by clicking ‘Follow’ at the top right of the page. This will ensure you get notified of new activities in the Hub via email.
Managing your email notifications
You can adjust the frequency of your Digest emails by clicking your profile image on the top right of the page. Click ‘Digest’ and then ‘Tailor your digest’. You can then choose between, Daily, Weekly, Monthly or no Digest emails.
You can also modify your preferences of other emails and notifications in the ‘Change Email Preferences’ section.
Email notifications for Discussions
You can modify your Discussion notification preferences in the ‘Email Preferences’ section.
How to search for a member or a contributor on the ECR Hub
You can explore and follow other ECR Hub members by browsing the Member and Contributor directories. You can find them in the ’Members’ tab of the Hub, or on the righthand side of the ’Activity’ tab. How to post to the ECR Hub
If you're interested in contributing a post, we’d love to hear from you. Please email us at communities@springernature.com.
We hope you find the ECR Hub a valuable part of your journey. If you have questions, ideas, or would like to contribute, get in touch with the Communities team at communities@springernature.com.