Speed networking event: Marine Research Plymouth Alliance’s ECR Network
The Marine Research Plymouth Alliance‘s Early Careers Network has recently been relaunched, kicking off with a free ‘speed networking event’!
The network that brings together early career researchers (ECRs) – including PhD students, Postdocs and Fellows – from Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML), Marine Biological Association (MBA) and the University of Plymouth, aiming to foster connections between early career researchers across these institutions, creating opportunities to network and learn.
The speed networking event will take place Thursday 12th November 2026, 17:30-19:30 at the Marine Biological Association.
The event is open to all marine ECRs and free to attend; those would like to join can sign up via this link: ECR Speed Networking Event. Deadline to register is 6 November.
(Please note you will be required to create a FREE account with the MBA in order to sign up – but the event is open to all marine early career researchers based in Plymouth)
The evening of informal networking and socialising will begin with a short presentation about the network, an opportunity to suggest the future role of the network, and two 14-minute sessions of speed networking, before finishing with informal drinks and nibbles.
For those who aren’t familiar, speed networking is a structured way to network that aims to reduce the awkwardness of approaching strangers and help break the ice when meeting new researchers. Participants will talk one-to-one for two minutes in total: 30 seconds each for an ‘elevator-style’ introduction, followed by one minute of open conversation, before the group rotates. There will be an opportunity to meet seven new people in each 14-minute rotation, with a break in the middle for refreshments and more informal conversations.
After the speed networking there will also be an opportunity to continue conversations more informally.
Can’t make this event? Not to worry!
Sign up for future emails regarding wider MRP ECR network activities here: Marine Research Plymouth Early Career Research (ECR) Network expression of interest – Fill out form
