Over the last year or so, myself and some friends, who all happen to be recent PhDs in Museum Studies, have been developing a new network for early career researchers working with museums and collections. And we’re launching soon!

We recognise that the academic world can sometimes be tough. It can be difficult to forge a post-doctoral career in the current climate, as well as maintain the motivation to publish research, look for employment and maintain a place in the academic ‘loop’. So, we have developed a network that:

• facilitates opportunities for early career researchers working with museums and collections to meet online and in person, share ideas and develop new projects together;
• campaigns for the interests of early career researchers by highlighting inequities in the academic jobs market, lack of access to source materials, and the issues created by fixed-term, part-time contracts with relevant agencies and organisations;
• through its members, offers informal guidance, mentoring (including a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on!) when academic life get tough.

And the best news of all, membership is free. To find out more see our website (under development) and follow us on Twitter.