Early Career Researchers (ECRs) are at the core of the Penta ID Network’s mission, and we strongly believe in the need for voicing the vision of the future by a younger generation to assure the continuity of Penta.
Who is a Penta ECR?
An Early Career Researcher (ECR) is a Penta ID Network member who is either undertaking a PhD (or equivalent professional training) or is a researcher within seven years from the date of their first research-related appointment, minus eligible delays in research. An ECR has the ambition to continue to develop their research career and to become an independent researcher.
What do we offer ECRs?
Penta provides an ideal environment that enables ECRs to build their research passion and capability. We strive to increase the visibility of ECRs in the scientific community and offer support in the development of future leaders in paediatric infectious diseases.
We do this through:
Mentorship Programme
The Mentorship Programme is a unique opportunity offered by Penta to its ECRs, where they get paired with experienced researchers from across our Network. Through this 1:1 partnership, mentees and mentors work together to define realistic career goals and tackle professional challenges.
The 2026 edition of our Mentorship Programme is currently in preparation. If you’d like to learn more or are interested in joining, please reach out to us.
Penta ECR Café
The Penta ECR Café is a friendly, informal space where Early Career Researchers can share updates on their work, exchange feedback and connect with peers. Each Café also includes career development sessions, where ECRs gain guidance from senior Penta Network members and invited experts to support their professional growth. The Penta ECR Café takes place every two months.
The next ECR Café will be held on Tuesday, 25 November, 14:00–15:00 CET. Agenda:
- 14:00–14:15: Welcome and introductions by the Penta ECRs Working Group
- 14:15–14:30: Meet the Penta ECRs
- 14:30–14:55: Career Development Session – “Navigating Global Health Careers: Insights from the Field” with Pauline Amuge (JCRC, Kampala, Uganda) and Vana Papaevangelou, University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
- 14:55–15:05: Letters to the Penta ECRs Café & Wrap-up
ECR Learning Hub
The ECR Learning Hub is an online space where Early Career Researchers design and deliver short lessons to share their knowledge with peers and strengthen their teaching skills, supported by senior Penta trainers.
The ECR Learning Hub aims to prepare the next generation of Penta trainers and act as a gateway to Penta’s wider training opportunities.
The first ECR Learning Hub lesson, titled “Translating pharmacokinetic (PK) research into clinical practice“, will be held on Friday, 5 December, 13:00-14:00 CET. The lesson aims to provide a better understanding of general PK concepts and how findings from PK studies can be translated into clinical dose recommendations.
- Trainers: Tom Jacobs & Lisanne Bevers (RUMCG, Nijmegen, the Netherlands)
- Supported by: Adrie Bekker & Eric Decloedt (Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa)
ECR Working Group
The ECR Working Group (ECR WG) has been established to foster the next generation of leading researchers in paediatric infectious diseases within the Penta ID Network. It plays a role in contributing fresh perspectives and insights to Penta’s Scientific Working Groups, ensuring innovation and continuity.
- Co-chairs: Costanza Di Chiara, Lisanne Bevers
- Coordinator: Matteo Bason
“Our Working Group has been developed to drive Penta’s scientific work in building the next generation of leading researchers in paediatric infectious diseases and offer new insights for Penta’s scientific group. The vision for the our Working Group is for it to be the incubator for the next global research leaders of the Penta Network. The mission is to help each other become better and to facilitate the best use of Penta network’s resources in that direction.”
Join the ECR Working Group: open call for member applications
Penta welcomes new applications to join the Early Career Researchers Working Group (ECR WG)! The ECR WG was created to offer early career researchers a dedicated space within the Penta ID Network to connect, advance their research careers, and contribute to the Foundation’s mission.
What the ECR WG offers to its members:
- Expand your professional network across institutions, disciplines, and countries.
- Connect with peers, mentors, and leading experts in your research field.
- Opportunities to collaborate with Penta ongoing research initiatives.
- Access training, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.
- Learn about funding calls and contribute to grant proposals.
How the ECR WG membership works:
- Membership is open year-round, and new members are invited to join as spots in the WG become available. The WG is refreshed annually to ensure diversity in geography, gender, expertise, and institutional affiliation.
- We encourage ECRs to submit their applications to the WG at any time. This is the best way to connect with the group, stay informed about our activities, and express your interest in becoming more involved.
How to apply for the ECR WG:
- IMPORTANT: you need to be a member of the Penta ID Network to join the ECR WG! To become a member of the Network, sign up here.
- Submit your application to the ECR WG by completing this form.
We look forward to receiving your application!