What can YESI do for early career researchers?

At YESI, we have developed targeted support for early-career (ECR) researchers in the interdisciplinary environmental sustainability space. We define ECRs broadly — from PhD researchers and post-docs to early-career lecturers.

We offer events, funding opportunities, and ways to connect with other researchers across disciplines. Here’s a snapshot of what’s available:

Events and Training

We kicked things off with an ECR launch event to find out what kind of support would be most useful. (Slides available to York staff and students)

We’ve also hosted a grant incubator session, giving ECRs a chance to get feedback on their grant ideas from experienced PIs, grant evaluators, and research services.
You can explore the key insights — from burning questions to top tips (including how to survive the marathon that is grant writing) — on our interactive Padlet.

All ECR-focused events are advertised in the YESI newsletter — your go-to for YESI events, funding calls, and more.

YESI Fellows Scheme

Our YESI Fellows Schemes are open to ECRs from any discipline, as either principal or co-investigators. The schemes support:

These are great opportunities to gain experience in leading interdisciplinary research projects.

Get Connected

Want to meet others working on environmental sustainability from a different angle?

Want to chat?

If you’re based at the University of York and have an idea for an ECR-focused event — or if you’d just like an informal conversation about career development in interdisciplinary sustainability research — email us at yesi@york.ac.uk.

More support for ECRs at York

There’s a range of wider university support you can tap into:

Past training spotlight

In 2022, YESI partnered with the UNEP-led Global Peatlands Initiative (GPI), the PEAT Early Career Researcher Action Team, and C-PEAT to deliver international training for ECRs.

Though designed for peatland researchers, the training supported participants from any field, helping them communicate findings in ways that stick with policymakers and decision-makers.

Sessions focused on:

  • Creating real-world impact with evidence
  • Clarifying research methods for wider audiences
  • Writing accessible, engaging outputs — including for non-native English speakers

This is just one example of the kinds of impactful training we aim to support.

Related links

   YESI Objective: Nurture wording and icon of watering can watering a seedling

YESI Objective: Nurture

Research Training Sessions

Partner Organisations

Related links

   YESI Objective: Nurture wording and icon of watering can watering a seedling

YESI Objective: Nurture