In response to our open call in April inviting early-career researchers to apply for positions in our Early-Career Advisory Group (ECAG), we are pleased to welcome six new members. They will join their peers in the ECAG to continue the important work of improving research culture and scholarly communication.
Recognising the significance of diversity in scientific investigation, our goal was to recruit individuals from geographically diverse regions. This approach aimed to integrate the perspectives and experiences of early-career researchers from around the world. The six new members* will bring the group to its full complement of thirteen positions.
In accordance with our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, the 209 applications we received were anonymised prior to evaluation by a panel of researchers and eLife staff members against pre-established criteria, requirements and objectives outlined in the open call. Subsequently, a shortlisting stage took place, followed by an election involving voters from our early-career researcher (ECR) communities, encompassing immediate past eLife Ambassadors, Open Science Champions, and members of eLife's ECR reviewer pool. This process resulted in the election of six new members.
We welcome the new members and look forward to working with and learning from their unique experiences, knowledge and aspirations in furthering the important work necessary for improving research culture and scientific publishing.
Meet the new ECAG members:
Anas Bedraoui, PhD student at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Morocco
"The science of today is the technology of tomorrow. Transparency and integrity propel science forward – this is our mission. We aim to amplify eLife's impact globally through rigorous peer review and editorial integrity. The ECAG's initiatives will elevate eLife's vision, empower scientists from middle- and low-income countries, and boost the journal's reputation. I'm glad to join the ECAG!"
Jasmine Connell, postdoc at Queensland University of Technology, Australia
“As an ECAG member, I am committed to advancing open access; promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion; and enhancing the transparency and reproducibility of research. I aim to provide early-career researchers with additional learning opportunities and aim to increase the involvement of early-career researchers in peer review processes, thereby making it more inclusive and reflective of the broader scientific community.”
Khalyd Clay, postdoc at The Scripps Research Institute, United States of America
“I am grateful to be elected to eLife’s Early-Career Advisory Group. As a member, I am excited to think together to build capacity and support researchers who have historically been excluded from the academy. For me, this involves incorporating an anti-/decolonial framework to research practices, policies, and publishing. Finally, I believe diversity is not the end goal.”
Diana López-Ureña, postdoc at the University of Costa Rica, Republic of Costa Rica
"I am excited to join the eLife team and promote a fair and transparent review process, contributing to the scientific community. As an ECAG member, I want to advocate for ECRs from traditionally underrepresented groups that lack support in publishing their high-level science. I look forward to working with a diverse group, learning from other ECRs and eLife editors."
Charlotte Ayima, postdoc at Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services, Cameroon
“As a new member, I am enthusiastic about joining the Early-Career Advisory Group (ECAG), which is a valuable opportunity to contribute in the support and empowerment of early-career professionals. I aspire to promote involvement of early-career researchers in peer review, support underrepresented early-career professionals for inclusion and learning opportunities towards open science. As part of the ECAG, this platform also provides me with the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded individuals, share insights and work towards creating meaningful opportunities for career development, equity, diversity, and inclusion”.
Mohammad Rashidul Hashan, PhD at Central Queensland University, Australia
"Being a citizen from Bangladesh, I have experienced the challenges and systemic marginalisation in the publishing industry along with the substantial lack of potential open access opportunities to hone suitable research skills in academia. I am excited to join the dynamic and collaborative ECAG community to encourage inclusive research culture and scientific transparency within academia and promote wide engagement across LMICs researchers to dispel prevalent inequity."
The six newly appointed members will work with the ECAG to advocate for early-career researchers in efforts to identify and address imbalances in the publication process, promote inclusivity and diversity, and enhance transparency and integrity in scientific research and communication.
The new members will commence their terms on August 1, 2024, for a primary two-year period.
Learn more about the work and achievements of the eLife ECAG:
- Highlights of our work in 2022
- Highlights of our work in 2021
- Learn more about eLife’s work with early-career researchers
* We initially advertised seven vacancies in the ECAG. We are delighted that a current member was able to stay on for another term, reducing the empty seats to six. We apologise for any confusion this might have caused.
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