2026 ECR Connect

COMBS ECR Connect is an in-person workshop for COMBS E/MCRs to come together, get to know each other, and plan for the year ahead

What to Expect

Welcome to ECR Connect 2026!

This year’s in-person event brings together ECRs from all COMBS nodes across Australia to hone essential presentation and grant writing skills, foster interdisciplinary buddy program and shape the Centre's strategic roadmap for 2027

Key Highlights of ECR Connect 2026

 🎤 Full-Day Science Communication Workshop: An interactive, hands-on masterclass led by professional presentation coach Stephen Feneley and Communications Manager Rachael Vorwerk. Learn how to talk about your research in an engaging way in 2-minutes for grant applications, industry pitches, conference presentations or even to your friends and family.

🤝 COMBS Buddy Program Launch: In-person launch of the COMBS Buddy program pairing HDRs with ECR and late-stage HDR buddies to foster informal peer support

✍️ Grant Writing Workshop: An intensive masterclass tailored specifically for ECRs, covering ARC scheme strategies, proposal structuring, mock review panels and more.

💬 COMBunity Building & Network Dinner: Join the ECRs cohort for a community building activity followed by a joint HDR & ECR network dinner.

Detailed Agenda

The agenda for ECR Connect 2026 is currently being finalised. A detailed timetable and session schedule will be published here soon.

Contact & Enquiries

Event logistics or registration questions: COMBS Centre Operations Manager: Nicci Coad

ECR Forum Leadership Team: Toby Mitchell, Lisa Heratis