Research Training

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) here: YESI ECR grant incubator questions and best tips and tricks (PDF , 1,190kb)

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

Funding

Interdisciplinary AI Training and Conference Funding Scheme

The Yorkshire Consortium for Equity in Doctoral Education (YCEDE) invites applications for the Interdisciplinary AI Training and Conference Funding Scheme, aimed at supporting UK (Home fees status) PGRs and Masters students from ethnically minority backgrounds. This scheme is designed to support the attendance at national and international conferences and training workshops that promote the acquisition of AI skills, sharing of knowledge and professional growth. You do not need to be currently doing research in the AI/machine learning space, but plan to in the future.

Application Deadline: 5 November, 2025 (earlier applications welcome)

Interdisciplinary AI Training and Conference Funding Scheme: Guidance

Interdisciplinary AI Training and Conference Funding Scheme: Application Form

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?

Join a YESI network — they regularly host fantastic events.
Use the YESI Community Directory to discover potential collaborators across the University.

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:

Research Culture and Researcher Development team – Resources on academic writing, grant development, wellbeing, and career planning, including the York Fellowship Launchpad.
Looking Beyond Horizons – Explore future career possibilities and transitions. ECRs are entitled to at least 10 professional development days per year (pro rata).
Sign up for Research Culture and Researcher Development’s newsletter for research staff
Mentoring and Coaching – Find formal support for career development via the University’s mentoring offer.
PGR Supervision Training – Includes the York Research Supervisor Workshops and NextGen SuperVision programme.
Involving the Public – Contact the public involvement team for support and resources (Involvement@York).
Valuing Voices – Offers guidance and events, including those aimed at ECRs.

Additional Resources

Meet an Editor, YESI ECR session notes and presentation, 15/10/2025

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.