Welcome to the Early Career Scientists

Welcome to ESWI's Early Career Scientists' Network

ECAS

The ESWI Early Career Scientists (ECaS) Community was launched during the 9th ESWI Conference in Valencia, bringing a structural platform and identity to ESWI’s past and current efforts to support the work of early career scientists. The ECaS aims to unite early career scientists in the field of acute respiratory viruses and stakeholder organisations to create a platform where early career scientists can share their work with the broader acute respiratory virus community.

In the past, ESWI has always supported early career scientists by organising training in influenza laboratory work and sponsoring the 7 Orthomyxovirus Research Conferences, specifically designed for early career scientists. ESWI honours early career scientists with three awards, a travel fund enabling their active participation at ESWI events, and a dedicated podcast series.

Early Career Scientists Ambassador

In 2023 Carolien van de Sandt won the Claude Hannoun prize for Best Body of Work. As from 2025 Carolien is the ambassador for the Early Career Scientists (ECaS) network.

 

If you have any questions about ESWI's support to early career scientists please contact [email protected].

Call for Applications

ESWI Respiratory Virus Summit 2026: Managing acute respiratory virus infections: Where do we go? 

The European Scientific Working Group on Influenza (ESWI) is excited to host the Respiratory Virus Summit on 11 June 2026. This year’s summit centers on the future of respiratory virus vaccines and will be held as a hybrid event, live in Brussels and streamed online.

Are you an early career scientist and interested in joining this high-level event? This is a chance for you to receive one of ten available invitations. A select few from this group will also be invited to showcase their research during an engaging Science Slam. 

What’s Included? 

ESWI is committed to supporting the next generation of researchers. Awarded attendees will receive: 

  • Travel: Round-trip economy flight from your home city to Brussels. 
  • Lodging: Up to three nights of accommodation near the summit venue. 
  • Note: Personal expenses beyond travel and lodging are the responsibility of the attendee. 

Are You Eligible? 

To be considered for this opportunity, applicants must meet the following criteria: 

  • Early Career Status: You must have held your PhD for no more than 7 years at the time of application. (We welcome special considerations for career breaks, such as maternity or paternity leave). 
  • Travel Documents: You must hold a valid passport (valid for at least 6 months after your return date). 

How to Apply 

Ready to take the stage in Brussels? Submit your completed application form to [email protected] no later than April 17th, 2026.

Download the application form here

ECaS Related content

News
Policy & Recommendations
Health Union Fellowship Opening Ceremony
The HUF is a capacity-building programme designed for health policy professionals from across Europe to learn about EU health policy, exchange experiences, strengthen cooperation, and build a strong, lasting network.
Article
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10th ESWI Influenza Conference 2025
Beyond Your PhD: ECaS Panel Inspires PhDs on Future Career Opportunities
What happens after the PhD defence? For many early career researchers, that question marks the beginning of a new kind of uncertainty.
Article
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10th ESWI Influenza Conference 2025
ECaS Workshop Sharpens Communication Skills in Valencia
The European Scientific Working Group on Influenza (ESWI) opened its 10th Influenza Conference with a lively and inspiring start! Among the great sessions of the day, the Workshop on Communicating Science was held for Early Career Scientists (ECaS).
Podcasts
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ESWI Airborne: Life as a scientist
Essential skills and career prospects for early career scientists
Together with Meral Akcay, Lucy Mosscrop and Marco Goeijenbier we’ll delve into their unique journeys, the challenges they face, and the advice they offer to those just starting out in science.
Podcasts
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ESWI Airborne: Life as a scientist
The Nomadic Life of a Scientist
Join in on this enthusiastic and insightful conversation as we delve into the nomadic life of scientists.
Podcasts
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ESWI Airborne: Life as a scientist
Being a scientist, not just a job
Do not miss the opportunity to listen to this enthusiastic and insightful conversation between Debby van Riel, Carolien van de Sandt and Jenna Guthmiller
See more