Attending the U21 Early Career Researcher (ECR) Workshop 2025 at the University of Nottingham (1-5 Sept 2025) was a truly enriching experience (Delegate Brochure). Bringing together early-career researchers from across the globe, the workshop created a vibrant space for collaboration, exchange, and inspiration.
One of the most powerful aspects was stepping outside my own research comfort zone and being exposed to a wide variety of disciplines. This diversity encouraged me to reflect on the bigger question: What kind of impact do we want to make on society, and how can multidisciplinary research teams work together to address complex, real-world challenges that require long-term, sustainable solutions?
Equally rewarding were the informal moments — conversations over coffee, walks between sessions, and casual chats outside the workshop. These exchanges reminded me how fortunate we are to see the world from perspectives we might never have encountered otherwise.
The workshop was also a space to learn about different facets of “Living Well“, different cultures, broaden my research horizons, and build genuine connections with fellow researchers. Teaming up with new colleagues to tackle challenges was both exciting and inspiring, reinforcing the value of collaboration beyond disciplinary boundaries.
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the incredible organizing team — Connie Wan, Deborah McAllister, Harriet Clark, Tammy Greeno, Jeanette Woolard, and all those working tirelessly behind the scenes. A special thank you also goes to U21 (Universitas 21) and the University of Nottingham for hosting such a transformative event.
Finally, I am deeply thankful to all the new friends, speakers, and panelists who made this experience so memorable; and the School of Computing, National University of Singapore, for enabling this opportunity. Together, we left Nottingham not only with new knowledge, but with a renewed sense of purpose, curiosity, and collaboration.
