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Update your browserThe focus of the Australian SHAPE EMCR Network is on sustainable and transparent career structures, gender equity, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, cultural and linguistic diversity, stable funding policies, and career development opportunities. We also aim to raise awareness of issues facing the future of the social sciences, arts and humanities, such as job insecurity and casualisation, diversity, representation and disparities.
The Australian SHAPE Futures EMCR Network is committed to creating a community that is diverse, rich and vibrant. The Network is strengthened by the diversity of its membership. Together, EMCRs within the Network can bring about change through mutual support and collective action. The SHAPE Futures EMCR Network advocates for its community and for positive change within the broader Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences sector.
Why become a member?
Be in the know with SHAPE Futures community updates, newsletters, and calls for expertise – all sent directly to your inbox!
From late 2022 through early 2023, we conducted a survey study to learn about the current experiences and challenges faced by Australians who self-identify as an Early or Mid-Career Researcher (EMCR) who are working in the SHAPE disciplines.
Thank you to those of you who participated. The survey is now closed, and we are busy analysing the data. The results will be released soon, so watch this space! The findings will inform goals, direction and advocacy efforts within the Network into the future.
The SHAPE Futures Network will host and support a range of events across the humanities, arts and social sciences each year. Become a member to receive our regular newsletter to find out details of planned upcoming events.
We encourage our members to help build the Network’s resources so we can provide more for our community. If you have a resource you think should be shared, please email us.
“I am delighted to announce the official launch of the SHAPE Futures Network. We are excited to welcome fellow EMCRs to join the network as members. Together, we aim to provide a voice for EMCRs working in the humanities, arts and social sciences to advocate and empower Australian early and mid-career researchers.”
A/Prof Melissa Day, Former Chairperson of the SHAPE Futures EMCR Network
The University of Queensland“Having a seat at the table when important issues are being discussed about the future of SHAPE disciplines is so important. And, who better to be at the table than EMCRs, who are the future of these disciplines in Australia?”
A/Prof Sarah Midford, Chairperson, SHAPE Futures EMCR Network
La Trobe University
We welcome all early- and mid-career researchers involved in SHAPE disciplines to become a member of the Australian SHAPE EMCR Network. Enjoy a range of benefits including access to member only e-newsletters, invitations, notification of events, and calls for input into our advocacy projects.
In our network, SHAPE stands for Social Sciences, Humanities, and Arts for People and Environment. This is a new framing for our disciplines developed by the British Academy as a more dynamic and outcomes-focused alternative to HASS (Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences). More information about the SHAPE campaign can be found at www.thisisshape.org.uk The executive committee voted and selected this term as we felt this best captured what we aim to represent. Although in some groups the “E” is chosen to represent the Economy, we felt the term Environment better represents the diverse challenges experienced in our sector. We use the term “Environment” in an inclusive sense, including the economic environment, social environment, work environment, home environment, political environment as well as the natural environment which is in need of urgent action to minimise the negative effects of climate catastrophe.
Absolutely! There is no cost to joining the Network.
If you identify as an early- or mid-career researcher in any profession or industry then the Network would welcome you as a member.
Usually, an early career researcher would be within 5 years post-PhD and a mid-career researcher would be withing 15 years post-PhD. These periods can be extended when a researcher has had career interruptions, such as parental leave, time in a non-research position, or has experienced other factors that have disrupted career progression. The Network does not hold members strictly to these definitions and is happy for individuals to decide for themselves whether they are early- or mid-career researchers. This is particularly important for EMCRs who don’t work in the Higher Education sector, who are very welcome members of the Network, but may not have such clear definitions for EMCR status.
The Australian SHAPE EMCR Network recognises Australia’s First Nations Peoples as the Traditional Owners and custodians of this land, and pays respect to Elders past and present. We acknowledge the continued cultural and spiritual connections to Country and community.
