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ECR Net Zero Conference 2026: A Celebration of Collaboration, Energy and Innovation.
11.03.2026
9 – 10 March 2026 – Birmingham Conference and Events Centre (BCEC) (in-person)
This collaborative event brought together Early Career Researchers to share cutting-edge research and build collaborative networks.
The event was sponsored and organised by 16 EPSRC Energy related Research projects including: Supergen Energy Networks Hub, Supergen Bio Energy Hub, SuperAIRE, Supergen Offshore Renewables Hub, ACE Network, EDI+, EDRC, HI-ACT, IDRIC, IGNITE Network+, REEF-UKC, SES Network+, UKERC, UK-HyRES, UKCCSRC and N-ZEEE.
The ECR Net Zero 2026 Conference brought together more than 200 early‑career
researchers for two energising days of networking, learning, and sharing. Supergen Energy Networks Hub were proud to collaborate and organise with the15 EPSRC research projects. The event highlighted the strength of collaboration across the UK’s net‑zero research community, perfectly timed to coincide with International Women’s Day 2026.
The conference opened with a warm welcome from partners across the participating EPSRC‑funded networks, followed by an inspiring keynote from Professor Sara Walker. Delegates enjoyed series of ECR‑led parallel sessions, lively discussions throughout and a networking reception. Further sessions included insights from the International Smart Grid Action Network (ISGAN), followed by a thoughtful Career Pathways Panel chaired by Sam Williamson.
An EDI training session led by Dr Marco Reggiani (University of Strathclyde / IGNITE Network+). provided a clear introduction to equality/equity, diversity and inclusion, exploring why EDI matters for ECRs, how intersecting identities shape research experiences, and the importance of embedding inclusive practice throughout the research lifecycle.
Day 2 brought the highly regarded “Presenting with Confidence” workshop from Duncan Yellowlees, delivered alongside IGNITE Network+. Delegates explored clear communication, audience engagement and the essentials of effective presenting with contributions from EPSRC, the University of Manchester, NESO, and an introduction to the new Greenhouse Gas Removal Future Leaders Network.
The conference concluded with “From Conference to Action”, led by Sam Williamson and Dr Daniel Taylor‑Holland, encouraging delegates to reflect on key learnings and next steps. The event closed by celebrating poster presenters, with 33 posters and 218 votes cast across delegates and judges.
Well done to all the winners, not all were there to receive their prize, but received a huge round of applause.
✨ 1st Prize Judges vote: Ahmad Salam Farooqi, Northumbria University.
Poster Title: Electrochemical CO2 recycling to sustainable aviation fuels (eCOGen)
✨ 2nd Prize Judges vote: Peace John-Banjo, University of Huddersfield.
Poster Title: Green Valorisation of Sea Buckthorn Leaves for Net-Zero Bioeconomy Applications
✨ Delegates prize: Shagbaor Hycent Amool, Heriot-Watt University
Poster Title: Electrochemical Industrial Symbiosis: Turning Carbon and Wastewater into Shared Value.
By the final session, the sense of shared purpose and momentum was unmistakable.
Excellent collaboration and a great experience had by all with connections made.
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