EARLY CAREER RESEARCHER NETWORK
The WGNV Early Career Researcher (ECR) Network is an informal network of early career researchers engaged in or interested in TB vaccine research & development (R&D). The purpose of the ECR Network is to provide resources, support, and networking opportunities for ECRs. The ECR Network is led by a Steering Committee comprising ECRs.
The ECR Network coordinates activities to support and engage ECRs. These may include virtual networking sessions, online and in-person networking opportunities, workshops and talk to the experts sessions on topics that are important to ECRs, and opportunities to raise the visibility of ECRs in the TB vaccine R&D space.
Joining the ECR Network
The ECR Network is open to members of the WGNV who identify as an ECR and more senior researchers who want to contribute to activities to support ECRs. WGNV membership is free of charge and is open to anyone who is interested in and supportive of the development of new, more effective TB vaccines.
Read our FAQs below to learn more.
For the purposes of the Working Group on New TB Vaccines (WGNV) Early Career Researcher (ECR) Network, an Early Career Researcher is defined as an undergraduate, graduate, or post-graduate student or a researcher who completed their highest degree within the past 10 years in a relevant field of study.
Because this network is a space for ECRs, you do have to be an ECR to join. However, WGNV recognizes that many of our colleagues in TB vaccine R&D are interested in supporting ECRs and helping them to advance their careers. We will provide other opportunities to engage with and support ECRs.
You do not need to be directly involved in TB vaccine research to join the ECR Network. However, you should be engaged in research that will support the advancement of TB vaccines. This could include a broad range of research activities, including basic research, immunology, epidemiology, preclinical research, clinical research, behavioral research, implementation/operational research, etc. The fields of diagnostics and drug research as well as research in other disease areas can contribute to TB vaccine research and researchers engaged in these fields are welcome to join the ECR Network.
Some activities are open for anyone to join, others are limited to members of the WGNV ECR Network.
To join the ECR Network, submit the WGNV membership form and indicate that you want to join the ECR Network. If you are not an ECR but want to engage and support ECRs, you can indicate that on the membership form.
EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Upcoming Activities
Upcoming events will be posted here. Check back!
Past Activities
7 May 2026
Progress and Opportunities in TB Vaccine Clinical Research
Elana van Brakel, Medical Director at IAVI in South Africa, provided an overview of the TB vaccine clinical pipeline and what is involved in conducting a clinical trial, and discussed career opportunities in clinical research.
Read the session summary
5 March 2026
Elisa Nemes, Carly Young, Rebecca Clark, and David Lewinsohn shared insights and practical tips on establishing mentorship relationships and networking through conferences and online platforms.
Read the session summary
View the slides
4 December 2025
The WGNV ECR Network held an informal virtual "Coffee Corner" online discussion and networking session for ECRs. We got to know each other and shared our experiences, opportunities, and concerns.
7 March 2024
The ECR Network held an online informal discussion and networking session among ECRs to learn what activities and topics members would like the Network to explore in 2024.
29 June 2023
Dr. Eileen Foy (Vir Biotechnology) spoke with participants about how her experience working in biotech and career path opportunities in the private sector.
Alan Sher (NIAID, NIH) talked with participants about how to start up and maintain a successful research group, including managing the complex diversity of trainees while balancing the requirements and expectations of being a group leader.
Mike Leipold (Stanford University School of Medicine) discussed opportunities to pursue and sustain a career in science without the pressure of the need or expectation to be a PI and/or Professor.
Read the blog summarizing the discussion sessions with Drs. Leipold and Sher.
Click here to view the ECR Network Terms of Reference