The ECR workshop kicked off with an update from Flossie Brown on the Fresh Eyes on CMIP project, a platform for early career researchers to get involved in the CMIP process as well as suggest and contribute to paper and projects. We heard about the model bias review paper, currently in final preparation, which is a fantastic effort by dozens of ECRs from across the world. Watch out for the paper later in the year! There are plenty of opportunities to get involved in Fresh Eyes on CMIP: https://wcrp-cmip.org/cmip7-task-teams/fresh-eyes-on-cmip/.
We then heard from three keynote speakers on their different career paths in climate science, and the lessons they have learnt along the way. Prof. Masa Watanabe explained that research is a cyclical process and that it normal for output and motivation to fluctuate with progress and setbacks. However, what’s important is to keep a steady baseline motivation and passion for your work. Dr Maureen Wanzala introduced her career at the interface of science and policy, emphasizing that your starting point doesn’t dictate where you’ll end up in your career. It is important to stay curious and be open to new opportunities. Finally Dr Anna Pirani gave us an overview of her career journey from a researcher to a science coordination role, working on the IPCC process.
Next up, Dr Feba Francis updated everyone on the Global South Inclusion session which occurred earlier in the week. We heard about the barriers to inclusion to researchers from Global South institutions, such as funding and institutional bias. This talk greatly influenced the final part of the ECR workshop, in which ECRs were given the opportunity to discuss in groups the main challenges they face and how we might overcome them. In our group and in others, the importance of inclusion was prominent. This included suggestions such as hosting events and summer schools at Global South institutions and providing funding for researchers from these institutions to attend.
The ECR organised events at international workshops and conferences are always amongst the most engaging and energetic, and this was no different. We had a great morning of talks and discussions, with concrete steps suggested for improving the ECR experience as part of CMIP. Thanks to all the organisers!
