The Early Career Researcher Sustainability Training School (ECR STS) Global recently concluded its second edition, marking another significant milestone in the journey towards fostering a transformative and transdisciplinary research culture at Warwick. Building on the success of ECR STS 1.0 held in June 2023, this year's event aimed to further enhance research, impact, and networking opportunities, while investing in a new generation of planet-conscious researchers dedicated to sustainable development.

ECR STS 2.0, held from 15th to 19th April 2024, expanded its reach across borders, bringing together early career researchers (ECRs) from 18 countries and 5 continents. Participants from Indonesia, the Philippines, Ghana, Nepal, Bangladesh, Turkey, South Africa, and Australia, among others. This global representation not only enriched the discussions but also highlighted the universality of the sustainability agenda. One of the hallmarks of ECR STS 2.0 was its focus on innovative training methods developed by Warwick researchers. Participants had the opportunity to engage in participatory film-making, serious games, and citizen assemblies, offering a unique and immersive learning experience.

A distinguishing feature of ECR STS 2.0 was the active involvement of IGSD Thematic Fellows and the inaugural cohort of ECRs as mentors and trainers. This mentorship model fostered collaboration, knowledge exchange, and peer learning, creating a supportive environment for professional growth and development. Additionally, partnerships with the EUTOPIA consortium and the Commonwealth Futures Climate Research Cohort, ACU, further enriched the experience, underscoring the importance of collaborative research initiatives in driving meaningful change.

ECR STS is not just a training programme; it is a catalyst for transformative action and collaboration. By convening policymakers, practitioners, and young researchers, ECR STS facilitates dialogue, knowledge sharing, and the co-creation of solutions to complex sustainability challenges. As Warwick's flagship initiative with a focus on sustainability, ECR STS is poised to become an initiative that crosses geographical boundaries and contributes to building a more sustainable future for all.

As we at IGSD reflect on the success of ECR STS 2.0, we are reminded of the collective effort and commitment towards advancing sustainable development goals. The diverse perspectives, innovative approaches, and collaborative spirit demonstrated during the training school, serve as a testament to the power of collective and relational action in addressing global challenges. Join us for STS 3.0 in 24/25!

IGSD Research Fellow Dr. Aijan SharshenovaLink opens in a new window discussed David Cameron's recent Central Asia and Mongolia tour in the Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's Majlis podcastLink opens in a new window. Other participants included Professor Luca Anceschi from Glasgow University and Benjamin Godwin, PRISM political risk management company. Lord Cameron's visit covered all five Central Asian republics and ended in Mongolia.

IGSD Research Fellow Dr Aijan SharshenovaLink opens in a new window (SHAPEDEM-EULink opens in a new window project) was interviewed by the Russian service of Deutsche WelleLink opens in a new window in relation to the recent adoption of the "foreign agents" law in Kyrgyzstan and the imminent closure of the Soros Foundation KyrgyzstanLink opens in a new window, a private non-government foundation set up by the Open Society Institute in 1993.

Dr. Aijan SharshenovaLink opens in a new window, a research fellow working on SHAPEDEM-EULink opens in a new window project at the IGSD, published a book chapter on polity diffusion and regime security in Central Asia. Her contribution explores the politics of autocracy promotion, autocracy diffusion, authoritarian learning and know-how exchange between Central Asian republics and Russia, a regional trend-setter.

The book is published by German publisher Nomos with the support of the the Centre of German and European Studies (CGES/ZDES) at Bielefeld University and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). Hard copies are available to purchase at the publisher's websiteLink opens in a new window, and soft copies are free to download (open access).

Last week Prof. Korosteleva attended the #ISA2024 conference in San Francisco as part of the #SHAPEDEM, #AGMOW and #WUB-hub projects. It was an amazingly fruitful experience: she chaired and acted as a discussant to a panel on #Community of Relations under threat: #SocietalResilience across #post-#Soviet space, and presented a paper on #Resilience in #CentralEurasia at the AGMOW panel chaired by Trine Flockhart. Together with Dr Chukitskaya she also met with the Association of Belarusians in America (ABA), and discussed a series of book launches with a focus on Belarus and the wider region.

@LesiaRudnik Karlstad University

@TatsianaChulitskaya Manchester Metropolitan University

Chiara Pierobon, PhD Washington University

Liv Nelsen SDU

Xing Li Aalborg University

@James Fielder Colorado