Early Career Researchers Working Group

Empowering the next generation of Informatics researchers, in and beyond academia.

IE’s Early Career Researchers (ECR) Working Group serves as a platform for connection, mentorship, and opportunities, supporting early career researchers as they navigate the diverse paths of an Informatics career. Originating from the ECSS's Professional Workshop for Early Career Researchers, the Working Group now provides year-round support, extending the momentum and impact of the initiative beyond the annual workshop.

Through community-building, knowledge-sharing, and advocacy, the Working Group aims to empower early career researchers in Informatics while helping member institutions foster environments where their talents can flourish.

Mission & Objectives

Our mission is to support early career researchers in Informatics by:

• Facilitating meaningful connections across the European Informatics community;
• Providing access to mentorship, training, and career guidance—both academic and non-academic;
• Promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and visibility for emerging researchers;
• Advocating for inclusive and supportive development programs tailored to early career needs;
• Supporting member institutions in strengthening their frameworks and initiatives that help early career researchers thrive.

We strive to ensure early career researchers are equipped, confident, and connected to succeed throughout their career—whether in academia, industry, or beyond.

WG Operation

• Co-Chairs: Dimka Karastoyanova (University of Groningen, the Netherlands) and Elisabetta Di Nitto (Politecnico di Milano, Italy)
• Online meetings held approximately every 6 weeks, scheduled in coordination with WG members.

Get Involved

Early career researchers bring fresh ideas; experienced professionals offer invaluable knowledge and guidance. By bringing together diverse perspectives, we gain a deeper understanding of emerging researchers’ needs and can develop initiatives that truly make a difference for the individual members of the Informatics community and will help equip the organisations they work for with best-of-breed means to nurture talent. Whether you are seeking support or eager to offer it, your voice matters. 

Join our Working Group by registering here, or get in touch with us via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

• WG Members
• Activities

• Current members:

  • Dimka Karastoyanova, University of Groningen, Netherlands (Co-Chair)
  • Elisabetta Di Nitto, Politecnico di Milano, Italy (Co-Chair)
  • Tariq Bontekoe, University of Groningen, Netherlands
  • Johan Cederbladh, Mälardalen University, Sweden
  • Eduard Kamburjan, IT University of Copenhagen, Denmark
  • Joao Rebelo Moreira, University of Twente, Netherlands
  • Estefania Talavera Martinez, University of Twente, Netherlands

   

• Past Editions of the Professional Development Workshop for Early Career Researchers

  • October 2024 – Held on 28 Oct in Sliema, Malta, as part of ECSS 2024.
    Workshop slides and posters available here.

  • October 2023 – Held on 23 Oct in Edinburgh, UK, during ECSS 2023.
    Featured a talk on "A Fresh Approach to Research Leadership" and a panel discussion on "How to Turn a Research Career into a Success".
    Workshop slides and posters available here.

  • October 2022 – Took place on 24 Oct in Hamburg, Germany, at ECSS 2022.
    Included talks from academic and industry leaders, a breakout session, and an employer panel on the future of Informatics careers.
    Workshop slides available here.

  • October 2021 – Debut edition, held on 25 Oct in Madrid, Spain, as part of ECSS 2021.
    Workshop slides and video recordings available here.