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Early Career Researchers

At ISRV, supporting the next generation of respiratory virus researchers and professionals is a core part of our mission. We are committed to creating meaningful opportunities for Early Career Researchers (ECRs) across the global respiratory virus community through education, networking, mentoring and professional development.

Whether you are working in basic science, translational research, clinical practice, public health, epidemiology, vaccinology, virology or related disciplines, ISRV aims to provide accessible and inclusive opportunities to help you develop your career, expand your international network and engage with leading experts in the field.

We recognise that career development pathways vary globally, and we are particularly committed to improving access and participation for researchers and professionals from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Read our FAQs at the bottom of this page to see ISRV’s definition of ECRs.

ISRV Schools and Mini-Schools

One of the key ways ISRV supports ECRs is through our growing global Schools and Mini-Schools program.

These educational initiatives are designed to provide high-quality, interdisciplinary learning opportunities focused on respiratory viruses, combining scientific content with networking, mentoring and peer connection.

Our program includes:

  • ISRV Schools – multi-day programs offering immersive learning experiences with international faculty, interactive sessions and dedicated networking opportunities.
  • ISRV Mini-Schools – shorter, accessible educational events often delivered alongside major conferences and meetings, helping ECRs gain focused knowledge and maximise their wider meeting experience.

Topics covered may include:

  • Respiratory virus epidemiology
  • Vaccines and therapeutics
  • Laboratory science and diagnostics
  • Clinical management
  • Public health and surveillance
  • Pandemic preparedness
  • Scientific communication and career development

Many Schools and Mini-Schools include:

  • Travel scholarships and financial support
  • Reduced-cost or free registration opportunities
  • Networking and mentoring sessions
  • Dedicated ECR social events
  • Opportunities to engage directly with international faculty and experts

You can learn more about our current and upcoming Schools and Mini-Schools on our dedicated Schools page.

ISRV Schools and Mini-Schools

Find out more about ISRV Schools and Mini-Schools by clicking here:

Half-price ISRV Membership for ECRs (free for LMICs!)

ISRV is proud to offer half-price membership for eligible Early Career Researchers, and free membership for members based in Low-Middle Income Countries (LMICs).

ECR membership provides access to:

  • ISRV newsletters and updates
  • Reduced registration rates for selected meetings and educational activities
  • Access to ECR-focused opportunities and events
  • Networking within the global respiratory virus community
  • Opportunities to engage with ISRV committees and activities
  • Updates on scholarships, educational programmes and funding opportunities
Find out more about ISRV membership

Contact Us

Get in touch with us about ECR membership.

Upcoming ECR Events and Opportunities

ISRV regularly delivers and promotes opportunities specifically aimed at supporting ECR engagement and development across the respiratory virus field.

These may include:

  • ECR networking events
  • Career development workshops
  • Mentoring opportunities
  • Conference social events
  • Presentation and abstract opportunities
  • Educational webinars and online learning activities
  • Mini-Schools linked to international conferences

ECR Events

Take a look at our upcoming dedicated ECR events and register for your free place to attend.

Forthcoming Events

Forthcoming Event

ECR Events

ECR Social Event – Options XIII

30 August 2026 - Washington DC, USA

Read More

Forthcoming Event

ECR Events

ECR Lunchtime Workshop – Options XIII

2 September 2026 - Washington DC, USA

Read More

Get Involved

We welcome ECR engagement across the ISRV community and are always keen to hear from members interested in contributing to educational activities, networking initiatives and future program development.

If you would like to learn more about ECR opportunities within ISRV, or get involved, please contact us at schools@isrv.global.

FAQs

Who qualifies as an Early Career Researcher (ECR)?

ISRV defines Early Career Researchers/Members as individuals who have a maximum of 8 years (whole-time equivalent) of professional experience following the completion of their highest academic degree (e.g. PhD, MD, Master of Public Health) or equivalent.

This definition is intended to include individuals with advanced degrees and significant post-degree experience in research, public health, clinical practice or related fields.

ISRV recognises that career pathways are not always linear and will consider reasonable concessions or accommodations on a case-by-case basis to support equitable participation and opportunity. This may include consideration for:

  • Part-time working
  • Career breaks
  • Caring responsibilities
  • Other relevant circumstances affecting career progression

This definition does not include individuals who have completed Habilitation*.

*Habilitation is the highest post-doctoral academic qualification in several European countries, authorising holders to teach and conduct research as a professor.

Is ISRV membership free for ECRs?

Membership is half-price for ECRs, but if you are based in a Low-Middle Income Country (LMIC), as defined by the World Bank classification, then you may be eligible for free ISRV membership. ISRV membership provides access to ISRV updates, educational opportunities, networking activities and selected member benefits.

Click here to find out more.

What are ISRV Schools and Mini-Schools?

ISRV Schools are multi-day educational programs designed to provide immersive learning experiences for ECRs and emerging professionals in respiratory viruses.

Mini-Schools are shorter educational events, often delivered alongside international conferences and meetings.

Both programs aim to support scientific learning, mentoring, networking and international collaboration.

Click here to find out more.

Are scholarships available?

Yes — ISRV aims to offer scholarships and financial support opportunities for selected educational activities where funding allows.

This may include:

  • Free registration
  • Travel support
  • Accommodation support
  • Attendance bursaries for participants from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)

Scholarship availability varies by event and funding program.

Do I need to be an ISRV member to attend a School or Mini-School?

You will receive complementary ISRV membership as part of an ISRV School registration. You don’t need to be an ISRV member to attend a Mini-School, however ISRV membership will give you a discounted ticket rate for the main meeting the Mini-School is attached to.

ISRV membership may also provide access to discounted rates, priority opportunities or additional ECR activities.

What types of ECR events does ISRV run?

ISRV supports a growing range of ECR-focused activities, including:

  • Networking events
  • Career development sessions
  • Mentoring opportunities
  • Scientific workshops
  • Conference social events
  • Educational webinars
  • Schools and Mini-Schools

How can I hear about future opportunities?

You can stay informed by:

  • Becoming an ISRV member
  • Following ISRV on social media
  • Signing up to ISRV newsletters
  • Regularly checking the ISRV website for upcoming events and opportunities