About the Early Career Investigators

To connect new researchers in the Quality of Life Group (QLG) with each other and the group, we have formed the Early Career Investigator (ECI) Group. We have built a network that comprises, in 2022, more than 50 researchers establishing their career in quality of life research in one way or the other.

The group gives us an opportunity to get to know each other, learn from each other and be a voice for early researchers in the QLG. Together, we are helping to drive academic, mentorship and funding opportunities to support ECIs and inspire a new generation of quality of life researchers.

We have three funding opportunities specifically open to ECIs:

• We have set up meeting grants, which provide financial support for ECIs visit at the bi-annual QLG Meeting both from in- and outside of the EU.
• There are also funding opportunities for visiting fellowships, which support ECIs in visiting other institutions to conduct projects and gain training.
• Finally we have our largest grants, the ECI fellowships, which are postdoctoral grants for ECIs looking to conduct top-notch research in the area of quality of life and build expertise independently running up to three-year research projects.

We also have a mentorship programme that connects ECIs with senior researchers from the group. This can be an exciting opportunity to connect with an experienced mentor from outside of your own institution and to connect internationally. Get in contact with the ECI group before upcoming meetings to get more information about how to become a mentor or mentee.

The group is open to any early career investigator. The working definition of an ECI is someone who has finished their terminal degree (e.g., MD or PhD) in the last 10 years, but that definition is only relevant to those applying for funding opportunities. There are many different professions in the group and we welcome anyone to join.

If you would like to know more on funding or mentoring opportunities, join our mailing list (email to: chair.eortcqlg@soton.ac.uk) and our two virtual sessions in between the QLG group meetings!

You can also contact the current ECI chair Jens (jens.lehmann@i-med.ac.at) if you have any questions.

We are constantly trying to come up with new ideas to encourage early researchers. We welcome all ideas and all new members to join us!