Penta provides an ideal environment where Early Career Researchers (ECRs) can fuel their curiosity, expand their expertise and make a meaningful impact in science. We champion ECRs by amplifying their voices in the global scientific community and nurturing the next generation of leaders in paediatric infectious diseases.
Explore all the activities for and by Penta ECRs, where innovation, collaboration and leadership thrive.
The Penta Mentorship Programme (PMP) is a unique opportunity offered by Penta to its ECRs, to be mentored by experienced researchers from across our Network. Through this structured, 12-month, 1:1 partnership, mentees and mentors work together to define realistic career goals and tackle professional challenges.
The application window for the 2026 edition is now closed. We thank all professionals across the Penta ID Network who applied as mentors or mentees.
The Penta ECRs 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.
Who can attend? All Early Career Researchers within the Penta ID Network are welcome to join, even if they are not part of the ECRs Working Group.
How often? The Penta ECRs Café takes place every two months, offering regular opportunities to learn, network and collaborate.
April 2026 – Stories, insights and takeaways from the Penta mentorship programme (Part 2)
With Ali Judd (University College London, UK) and Georgina Fernandes (University College London, UK).
February 2026 – Stories, insights and takeaways from the Penta mentorship programme
With Shaun Morris (The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada) and Manon Jaboyedoff (LUH / University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland).
November 2025 – Navigating global health careers
With Pauline Amuge (JCRC, Kampala, Uganda), and Vana Papaevangelou (University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece).
September 2025 – Building a research Consortium and finding new partners
With Julia Bielicki (City St George’s, University London, UK).
The ECRs 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 ECRs Learning Hub aims to prepare the next generation of Penta trainers and act as a gateway to Penta’s wider training opportunities.
Who can attend? All Early Career Researchers within the Penta Network are welcome to join, even if they are not part of the ECRs Working Group.
How often? ECRs Learning Hub lessons take place every two months.
April 2026 – Principles of pharmacovigilance in HIV treatment for children and adolescents
Lesson prepared by: Punnathorn Auaboonkanok (Khon Kaen University, Thailand).
Supported by: Alpha Diallo (INSERM, France) and Caroline Foster (Imperial College London, UK).
February 2026 – The re-emergence of measles: clinical and public health lessons for paediatric practice
Lesson prepared by: Sibel Laçinel Gürlevik (Gaziantep Hospital, Turkey).
Supported by: Elizabeth Whittaker and Caroline Foster (Imperial College London, London, UK).
December 2025 – Translating pharmacokinetic (PK) research into clinical practice
Lesson prepared by: Tom Jacobs and Lisanne Bevers (RUMCG, Nijmegen, the Netherlands).
Supported by: Adrie Bekker and Eric Decloedt (Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa).