The Early Career Researcher Club (ECRC) held the first event of the 2026 Event Series including speakers’ events, workshops and social activities that strengthen our community. On Wednesday 11 February, early career researchers gathered in the social space of the Sir Alexander Fleming Building to explore their m/cocktail tastes. ECRC’s distinct cocktail experts – Emily Ford and Kate Slade – presented exquisite recipes (Margarita, El Diablo and Piña Colada) with a touch of self-interpretation. More than 30 people enjoyed mixing their drinks, without any spilling accidents in most cases…
The ECRC was established to provide an open, welcoming, inclusive, and diverse space for early-career researchers and people interested in networking within the Department of Infectious Disease and beyond. Through regular events, the ECRC builds a platform for students, technicians, postdocs, and fellows to exchange ideas and shape a vision of future career opportunities. Early career researchers may guide these events as they wish by suggesting personalities that may give an overview of particular topics, such as science or career-related topics, and general activities that enable exchange and networking. The event was accompanied by an introduction of the ECRC Committee to their work, the people involved so far and the kinds of events that will be organized this year.
The ECRC is generously supported by the Department of Infectious Disease, a Clinical Academic Training Office (CATO) Connect Grant and FIDABIO. Events organized by the ECRC would not be possible without their financial support, which the ECRC genuinely appreciates.
Further, the ECRC acknowledges the hard work of the Committee Members – Alex McCarthy, Goedele Maertens, Christine Hilcenko (Chair, Secretary and Poster Design Lead), Carlota Miranda-Solé (Speakers Lead), Stephanie Ascough (Treasurer), Sebald Verkuijl (Website Lead), Joelle Mettier (Relationships Lead), Jayanti Singh (Social Media & Marketing Lead) and Jorin Riexinger (Fundraising Lead).
Voices about the event:
Carlota Miranda-Sole
Carlota, if you were to be stranded on a lonely island with all ingredients for a single type of drink – what would that drink be, please?
It would definitely be an Espresso Martini! It’s the perfect Cocktail. You get the rich coffee flavour (which I absolutely love), the sweet, smooth touch of Kahlúa, and vodka to give it that extra kick.
Gabriel Ferrante
Gabriel, would you mind sharing aspects about your m/cocktail taste that surprised you, please?
The strength of the tequila and the pleasant tanginess of the lime juice with the Cointreau was lovely.
Jayanti Singh
Jayanti, would you mind sharing any aspects of today’s event that you enjoyed the most, please?
I really enjoyed how engaging and informative the event was, especially in such a short amount of time. At the same time, with pizza slices and cocktail sips, the energy in the room was unmatched. It was the perfect balance of informative and enjoyable.
Critically, the ECRC is continuously looking for your suggestions. If you have ideas for speakers, workshops or other activities, please feel free to get in touch with Carlota via email: c.miranda-sole@imperial.ac.uk.
Further, please do not hesitate to reach out if you are interested in contributing towards the ECRC’s mission of maintaining a thriving research environment yourself (j.riexinger@imperial.ac.uk). You may contribute by joining a specific sub-committee of the ECRC (i.e. Speakers), by joining our committee meetings, by helping at distinct events, by sharing your thoughts and ideas, and of course by being part of our events.
Stay tuned for exciting speakers, workshops and activities already in the making. So, feel free to share your contact details with us via email (s.verkuijl@imperial.ac.uk), so we can let you know as soon as our next events come up. We cannot wait to welcome you at the Early Career Researcher Club!
