Early Career Microbiologists' Forum Event Fund applications now open

01 May 2019

ECM-Forum-Event-Fund-news-220x260px.jpg

Applications for the Early Career Microbiologists’ (ECM) Forum Event Fund are now open, in support of events organised by eligible ECM Forum members.

Applications for the Early Career Microbiologists’ (ECM) Forum Event Fund are now open, in support of events organised by eligible ECM Forum members.

Up to £500 can be awarded as a contribution towards the expenses of the proposed event, and a variety of activities can be considered for funding, such as:

  • inviting a speaker to give a microbiological research seminar;
  • hosting a symposium, workshop or short conference (which could be to disseminate research results and give students an opportunity to present work, or provide training in a specific technique or methodology or other professional development activity);
  • a careers advice session.

Last year, ECM Forum Member Jennifer Simpson was awarded this grant on behalf of the University of Cambridge’s One Health Society, to support their event ‘Resisting the Resistance: Strategies for the future of AMR’. The aim of the panel debate was to discuss a range of strategies that should be used to avoid the escalating issues of antimicrobial resistance.

Jennifer said of her grant: “The funding was essential for the organisation of the event and meant that we were able to attract a high attendance, make our speakers feel appreciated and achieve our aim of creating a platform to discuss the issue of antimicrobial resistance and the outlook for the future.”

Organising this event has inspired the One Health Society to run similar events again and it was recently invited to host the 2019 East of England Zoonotics Meeting, together with Public Health England.

Jennifer said that the events had been, “a great opportunity for the Society to get involved with health on a broader perspective. We are hoping to continue to get involved in more events and arrange more of our own in the future.”

Funding for such activities is supported by the ECM Forum Executive Committee. Communications Representative, Rebecca Hall, describes the Event Fund as a “great resource for early career scientists.”

“It encourages them to organise microbiology-based events, and therefore gain experience in organisation, logistics and communication. It's also a great networking opportunity, especially when run as a team. Leading such events is something a little different for your CV which could be a good thing to draw on in future applications or interviews.”

Applications to the second round of the ECM Forum Event Fund are now open and will close on 30 September 2019. For any queries, please contact the Grants Office.


Image: Nattakorn Maneerat/iStock.