The International Centre for Diffraction Data (ICDD) last year created an Early Career Researcher (ECR) Networking Group on LinkedIn that aims to support early-career scientists in the field of X-ray diffraction and materials characterization. The group provides networking and support mechanisms, such as Zoom events and online forums, to help ECRs develop their skills, build their networks, and advance their careers. This is a unique opportunity and a supportive space for ICDD ECRs around the globe to meet up, both virtually and in person, to discuss their work and share their experiences.
The ECR Networking Group has hosted events, such as ECR Member Research Presentations – with mentor feedback, Goals and Objectives meet-and-greet, and an ICDD Opportunities introductory meeting.
Summer 2023 events included a Zoom meetup with presentations from Later Career Researchers on their career trajectories and an in-person presentation/lunch at the 2023 Denver X-ray Conference in Lombard, IL, USA (www.dxcicdd.com).
Speakers have included leaders and experts in the field: Charlene Greenwood (Keele University), Tom Blanton (ICDD), Andrew Payzant (ORNL), Carlo Segre (Illinois Institute of Technology), Tom Watkins (ORNL), Maggi Loubser (University of Pretoria), Conal Murray (IBM), Justin Blanton (ICDD), and Nichole M. Wonderling (Penn State University). ECR members Jessica Lyza, Erhan Karaca, and Sarah Gosling have also presented their work to their peers for feedback.
ICDD looks forward to supporting the ECRs with future events. Members will get feedback on their research, learn from more experienced researchers, and network with other ECRs.
If you are an Early Career Researcher in the field of diffraction characterization and materials characterization, you can join the ECR group on LinkedIn to stay updated on future meetings. www.linkedin.com/groups/12776263/. If you are an Early Career advisor of students learning to use X-ray or neutron diffraction to identify or characterize materials, please pass on the information for your students to join.