Early Career Researchers (ECRs) are at the forefront of scientific advancement, through pioneering novel methods, generating new insights, and developing innovative solutions. Across institutions and research projects, they contribute significantly to knowledge generation, scientific outputs and project deliverables. To grow into the scientific and project leaders of the future, ECRs require support, structural opportunities, and recognition that fosters both their personal growth and professional development.

The first edition of this session, hosted at EGU 2025, highlighted the importance of supporting ECRs, especially those not affiliated with the scope of larger projects. Building on these findings, this year’s edition of the short course will examine mechanisms for empowerment beyond individual projects, extending to broader institutional support.
The course provides an interactive platform for those at any career stage to share experiences, reflect on both opportunities and challenges, along with discussing practical strategies for enhancing ECR empowerment going into the future. Participants will explore mechanisms such as leadership, collaboration, scientific communication, result dissemination, community building, and financial support.

The co-conveners will first present best-practice examples of ECR empowerment, drawing on last year’s course outcomes and the forthcoming paper on the topic (Schlumberger et al., 2025; https://doi.org/10.12688/openreseurope.21517.1). The session will further include break-out group discussions, allowing participants to reflect on these examples and explore new approaches to strengthen engagement and empowerment within their own context. The course welcomes ECRs, senior researchers, and senior professionals interested in fostering supportive environments for early career researchers. We especially invite those involved in large research projects, as these environments are particularly well-positioned to encourage and engage ECRs.