The National Heritage Science Forum (NHSF) and the Icon Heritage Science Group have both been asking themselves how they can support the networking and career development needs of heritage science students and early career researchers in the UK.

We've joined forces for this Zoom session on 5th March and hope that you can join us to hear about what we do and take part in discussions that will help us shape the support that we can provide to you in the future.

We thought the best way of developing support that is fit for purpose is to ask students and early career researchers to contribute directly to a conversation about what they need and how it can provided.

Here are some examples of the needs that we've identified from previous research, but you might feel there's a need for something else entirely - we hope you can join the conversation.

opportunities to present your research
mentoring
guidance on topics such as grant-writing, writing for publication
technical skills development opportunities
peer networking and discussion space
leadership development
links with industry

Programme

Welcome, about NHSF, about the Icon Heritage Science Group - Caroline Peach, Antanas Melinis

Heritage science: culture, collaboration and careers - Josep Grau-Bove

Introduction to the topics for discussion - Lora Angelova

What are the needs of heritage science students and ECRs?
How can NHSF/ Icon Heritage Science group or other bodies help?
What are the next steps for the heritage science community?

Breakout into facilitated discussion groups - each group to discuss all three questions

Summary and reporting of breakout sessions

Wrap-up and identification of future actions

Background

In 2017, the National Heritage Science Forum (NHSF) commissioned research into the opportunities and constraints associated with a career in heritage science. The research focused specifically on responses from postgraduates and recent alumni. Amongst the recommendations in the report were:

• research and training networks should be used to support students during training and employment particularly in the development of transferable skills

• establishing strong networks will help to create a common heritage science identity

• NHSF can work with others to create a platform for young professionals across the UK to interact and share the challenges they face.

• NHSF could broker skills swaps amongst its members to fill gaps in students’ training.

• NHSF can help to work to generate a broader understanding of the variety of heritage science careers that are possible.

The full report can be read here: Careers in heritage science: opportunities and constraints

This event is part of NHSF’s work to address the report’s recommendations and work towards the outcome of ‘Recognition of heritage science as an attractive career’ which is one of the goals of the Strategic Framework for Heritage Science in the UK.

Registrations are closed

Networking and support for heritage science students and ECRs