
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) — 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?
- 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
More support for ECRs at York
There’s a range of wider university support you can tap into:
- Building Research Innovation and Capacity team (BRIC) and Researcher Development – 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 BRIC’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.
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.