November 2025
NECTAR Mini-Series:
End of Year Skills Tune-Up
24 November - 3 December 2025
Session 1: What Helps Me Communicate My Research
Date: Monday 24 November
Time: 12:30pm
Location: Online (Zoom link provided upon registration)
Learn how to share your research in ways that resonate.
Join Karina Judd, Postdoctoral Fellow at the Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science and fellow Early Career Researcher, as she shares practical techniques for storytelling, speaking with clarity, tailoring your message and what has worked for her when communicating research.
Session 2: Effectively Promoting Yourself Leveraging Research Portal+
Date: Wednesday 26 November
Time: 12:30pm
Location: Online (Zoom link provided upon registration)
Make the most of ANU’s Research Portal+ to showcase your work.
Join Alex Dullow, Research Portal+ Administrator to learn how to update your profile, highlight key outputs, and increase your visibility within and beyond the university.
Session 3: Funding Your Future: Strategies for ECR Success
Date: Monday 1 December
Time: 12:30pm
Location: Online (Zoom link provided upon registration)
Securing independent research funding is a key milestone as an ECR and can accelerate career advancement both within and beyond academia.
Join Dr. Charlie Morgan, Research Development Strategist at the Research School of Biology, for a quick practical session that will help you create a personalised research funding strategy. Explore pathways and winning approaches to focus your efforts on applying to funding opportunities that support your career development and research ambitions. We’ll cover options ranging from small seed grants to major national (e.g. ARC DECRA and upcoming schemes) to international fellowships.
Session 4: Networking at ANU (In-Person + Lunch)
Date: Wednesday 3 December
Time: 12:30pm
Location: In-Person (Location provided upon registration)
Includes: Complimentary lunch
Connect with peers across disciplines in a relaxed, in-person setting.
Join Kelsey Scarlett, Coordinator of the Network for Early Career Teachers, Academics and Researchers, to practise your skills in introducing yourself. Bring along your notes from sessions 1–3 to receive peer feedback and strengthen your research communication.
REGISTER NOW
October 2025
Annual General Meeting 2025 & Community Lunch
Thursday 20 November 2025
NECTAR is pleased to invite you to our upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM), where we’ll reflect on the past year, share strategic updates, and finalise nominations for our 2026 Co-Chairs.
Following the meeting, in-person attendees are invited to stay for a community lunch — a chance to connect, reflect, and enjoy relaxed conversation with colleagues and peers
Format: Hybrid – attend in person or join us online
REGISTER NOW
September 2025
Nominate for the role of Co-Chair
Self-nominate as a NECTAR Co-Chair to represent Early Career Researchers (ECRs) at ANU and help shape the training and experience of your peers.
To submit your nomination, please complete the form by 10.00 AM on Monday, 27 October. The form takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. You can find a full description of the Co-Chair role and responsibilities in the NECTAR Charter and the role requirements linked in the nomination form.
Contact nectar@anu.edu.au for more information.
NOMINATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED
June 2025
Interview with Nobel Laureate Professor Donna Strickland
Thursday 10 July 2025 11 am - 12:30 pm
Join NECTAR for an exclusive interview with Physics Nobel Laureate Professor Donna Strickland, followed by a light lunch and networking session. This event is focused on Early Career Researchers (ECRs) pursuing successful careers in STEM.
Interview Details
The interview will be led by Dr Laura Dawes, NECTAR Co-Chair and Senior Research Fellow of the Centre for the Public Awareness of Science, in partnership with Prof Rebekah Brown, the ANU Provost. Dr Dawes and Prof Brown will explore Professor Donna Strickland's journey, research, and thoughts on ECRs' and women in research career development and pathways in STEM.
REGISTER NOW
May 2025
NECTAR Harmful Behaviours Workshop
Tuesday 15 July 2025 10 am - 12 pm
Join NECTAR for an important Workshop on Harmful Behaviours in Academic Workplaces.
Following the NECTAR Psychosocial Hazards Workshop in February, we're thrilled to invite you to our next event centred on supporting healthy and safe academic workplaces. This workshop is designed to enhance your understanding and response to harmful behaviours in academic settings.
Presented and facilitated by ANU Respectful Relationships and Inclusive Communities, you’ll gain an understanding of:
Harmful behaviour, its drivers and expressions in academic environments
Providing a trauma-informed, person-centred response to a disclosure of harm
Navigating referral pathways at ANU for both students and staff
Tea, coffee and light refreshments will be provided.
Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your skills and contribute to a safer, more inclusive academic community!
REGISTER NOW
May 2025
NECTAR Promotions Workshop
Friday 13 June 2025 10 am - 11:30 am
Are you thinking about applying for an academic promotion or planning for your future career growth? NECTAR is here to help! With the application deadline at the end of June, now is the perfect time to get the guidance you need.
Our annual promotions application workshop features former promotions panel members who will share their insights on effectively writing a memorable and impactful application.
This event will feature an insightful panel discussion, Q&A and a hands-on workshop designed to provide you with the tools and knowledge to succeed.
Don't miss out on this valuable opportunity! Secure your spot today by registering for the workshop.
REGISTER NOW
January 2025
NECTAR Mentoring Program Mentee applications now open!
Designed to support the diverse career development needs of early-career researchers (ECRs) at the ANU.
Mentees should apply by Monday, 31 March - 11 PM
APPLY NOW
January 2025
Psychosocial Training for Early Career Researchers
Friday 28 February, 10 am - 12 pm
Starting work as an Early Career Researcher (ECR) can be challenging, particularly when it comes to navigating one's rights and responsibilities within the university.
To introduce you to some of these concepts, you are invited to attend this session on understanding psychosocial hazards, safety, and duty of care in the workplace.
You will learn more about what psychosocial safety is and your rights, role and responsibility in facilitating a psychologically safe workplace.
REGISTER NOW
January 2025
NECTAR Mentoring Program Mentor applications now open!
Designed to support the diverse career development needs of early-career researchers (ECRs) at the ANU.
Mentors should apply by Monday, 24 February - 11 PM