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!

Happy to announce our #ECRSTS 2.0 (Global) application is supported again by @uniofwarwick ERCF! I thank my @IGSD_UoW colleagues for their effort & support. We all look forward to working with a new & existing cohorts of #ECRs from around the globe! Themes Resilience, Climate emergency and Water Security.

Last week we had our first ever ECR Sustainability Training School at Warwick! It has been a huge success, thanks to all the support we had received and our participants!

The ECR STS brought together participants from 26 countries, of different age, religion, philosophy, and discipline - embodying the very spirit of future solutions to sustainable development for a more resilient world. The participants enjoyed a great hospitality that only Warwick can offer 😉, including the weather! They also shared their individual research, with in-depth feedback, and learned to work together through team-building skills and group projects. They were exposed to innovative methods, public and policy engagement; and enjoyed their sustainability trails, and engagement with sustainability champions and strategic partner-networks. Team IGSD - well done - you rock!

#research #sustainabledevelopment #training #EarlyCareerResearchers #IGSD #EUTOPIA #MONASHAlliance #TheGUILD #UNSDSN UK

This week (5-9 June 23) the University of Warwick welcomes its first cohort of early career researchers (ECR) to its newly developed Sustainability Training School (STS). The school has been created by the university’s Institute of Global Sustainable Development (IGSD) in partnership with Eutopia, a university alliance that brings together 10 European universities, and with the support of the Enhancing Research Culture Fund.