The University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM) hosted the UK-Malaysia Early Career Researchers (ECRs) Link Network workshop this past 30 July 2024. The workshop was held at Capri by Fraser Bukit Bintang and was aimed at fostering collaboration and networking among ECRs. This significant initiative was organised in collaboration with Loughborough University (LU, UK), Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS, Indonesia), and the National Taipei University of Technology (Taipei Tech). This working group is known as the Empowering Network for Researchers in Innovation and Collaborative Research (ENRICH).
Funded by the Academy of Medical Sciences UK, this workshop is a key component of the Networking Grant awarded to facilitate research excellence and cross-border academic connections. Dr Ianatul Khoiroh from the Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering at UNM led the project, working alongside an esteemed team of collaborators including Prof Anna K Croft (LU), Dr Anurita Selvarajoo (UNM), Dr Saidah Altway (ITS), and Dr Ardila Hayu Tiwikrama (Taipei Tech).
The workshop saw an impressive turnout, with 35 ECRs from various universities across Malaysia, including UCSI, Sunway University, Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), Heriot-Watt University Malaysia Campus, Taylor’s University, and Universiti Malaya. Participants engaged in a series of knowledge-sharing activities and collaborative discussions, receiving positive feedback for the enriching experience and the opportunity to forge meaningful professional connections.
Prof Shahir Liew, UNM’s Vice-Provost for Research and Knowledge Exchange (RKE) was one of the facilitators, delivering an insightful talk on career advancement strategies for ECRs. Saleh Shadman from Eco Thinkers Solutions also contributed significantly, offering valuable perspectives on post-PhD opportunities in the industry. Other notable discussions during the workshop included sessions on UK and European funding opportunities, the importance of networking, and the challenges faced by ECRs. These sessions provided attendees with crucial information and practical advice to navigate their academic and professional journeys.
Looking ahead, the next iteration of the ECRs Link Network workshop organised by ENRICH is scheduled to be held in Surabaya, Indonesia, in early 2025. This upcoming event promises to build on the successes of the recent workshop, further strengthening the bonds between researchers and fostering continued collaboration across the region.
Posted on 7th August 2024