Early Career Research Board

The Early Career Research Board (ECRB) is a network of early-career scientists from various departments within the UMC Utrecht’s Strategic Program Cancer. We support early-career scientists, including assistant professors, post-docs, and MD-PhDs.

People socializing at the UMC Utrecht Research Cafe>

Our Three Main Goals

  1. Create a nurturing environment for both local and international early-career scientists
  2. Promote career and personal development opportunities
  3. Build a coherent community by connecting peers

We organize workshops covering career development, project management, professional leadership, and diversity topics. We also coordinate academic seminars, industry events, and social networking opportunities within the UMC Utrecht, University of Utrecht, and greater Utrecht area. Through regular feedback and surveys, we ensure our offerings match your needs and support your career growth.

Contact us: EarlyCareerResearchBoard@umcutrecht.nl

Activities

Live Onboarding Session – May 15th, 2025 Time: 9:00 – 12:15

This session welcomes new research personnel and those with research interests at UMC Utrecht. Learn about our strategic programs, research office, support services, educational programs, and communication resources.

Registration: Access ULearn through your UMCU account [Cursus: Research Onboarding meeting | ULearn (umcutrecht.nl)]

 

Mentoring program for early career researchers 2025

(postdocs / assistant professors / clinical scientists)
within the Strategic Program Cancer

We know that early career researchers face numerous challenges as they work to establish their careers. Our goal is to connect young researchers with a senior mentor within the UMC Utrecht, to help them achieve their career goals, whilst also improving their current position. The first edition of the SPC mentoring program started in March 2025.

The program focuses not only on professional development, but also on finding the right balance between work, personal life, and home responsibilities. Together with their mentors, participants will reflect on their ambitions, values, and personal circumstances, and learn how to make well-informed decisions that support both their careers and overall well-being. Career planning, navigating academic paths, and building confidence in making strategic choices are central themes throughout the mentoring journey.

For information and questions about the mentoring program, please contact us

Board members

Casper Beijst

Research Staff Other

Contact

Marta Cuenca-Lopera

Assistant professor

Contact

Julia Scott

Researcher/Postdoc

Contact

Evita Wiegers

Assistant Professor

Contact
All our experts

Lucie van Leeuwen

Postdoctoral researcher

Contact

Stefano Mandija

Assistant Professor

Contact

Jaqueline Lourdes Rios

Assistant Professor

Contact
All our experts

Former board members

2024

  • First Live Researchers Onboarding Event We launched a tailored onboarding program for UMC Utrecht research personnel. The event provides an overview of research program structures, career profiles, and essential information for new researchers. Following its success, this event will be held twice yearly.
  • ECRB Input on Starting and Stimulus Grants We contributed to developing award criteria for OCW Starting and Stimulus Grants.
  • September 30th, 2024: ECRB at the Research Days Visit our booth for an interactive Jenga game addressing early-stage researcher challenges. Share your experiences and ideas with us!

2023

  • Young Faculty Associations Contact Point Created a joint contact point connecting various UMC Utrecht associations: OncoCareer Board, UMCU Young Academy, RUPS, and Young Science in Transition.
  • Starting and Stimulus Grants Development Collaborated with the Research Support Office to refine criteria and allocation procedures for OCW grants.

2022

  • Career and Science Symposium Organized a comprehensive event exploring career support and opportunities within UMC Utrecht and beyond academia. We addressed topics like Open Science, Recognition & Rewards, and career transitions. The event welcomed everyone from PhDs to full professors, support staff, and students.

2021

  • Research Career Development Initiatives
  • Analyzed survey results from 275 scientists and clinicians
  • Presented findings at ‘Empowering Career Development for Young Investigators’
  • Collaborated with Research Support Office on UMCU talent program
  • Engaged with UMCU Adviesraad on research career programs
  • Professional Development Workshops
  • “Boost Your Grant Writing” with Research Support Office
  • “The Power of Storytelling: How to Tackle a Grant Interview”

2020

  • COVID-19 Response Initiatives
  • Organized virtual dialogues during lockdown
  • Partnered with UMCU Young Academy to address research delays
  • Advocated for early-career scientists affected by the pandemic
  • Career Development Survey Launched comprehensive survey identifying career development needs within Strategic Program Cancer, receiving responses from 61 early-career scientists.
  • Strategic Partnerships
  • Collaborated with Young Science In Transition
  • Joined forces with UMCU Young Academy
  • Conducted UMCU-wide survey on career development and work-life balance