Early Career Researcher workshop – in person only, on Sunday 5th July 2026
A workshop specifically for AMS and ABS members who are post-graduate students and early career researchers (ECRs) will be held on Sunday 5th July at Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary, 15 km north of the centre of Canberra. The Sanctuary is ‘Australia’s largest single Box-gum Grassy-woodland area managed for conservation. It is the only woodland of this type free from the impacts of foxes, rabbits, goats, deer and hares, helping our native wildlife to flourish.’ https://www.mulligansflat.org.au/
This is a free event for post-graduate students and ECRs, however if you are planning to attend, please indicate this on your registration form to help with the organisation, as the maximum capacity is 60 people. Details on travel options will be provided later.
The program is still being finalised, however the tentative times are starting at 11 am and finishing at 4 pm.
The following sessions are planned, with more sessions potentially added later.
- "Going Batty? A practical mental health and wellbeing workshop for students and early career researchers
Facilitated by ECRs Julie Broken Brow and Nicola Hanrahan
Conferences are an important part of research training and career development. They provide opportunities to present work, learn new methods, build collaborations, and connect with peers. However, they can also bring added pressure, including stress, isolation, imposter syndrome, uncertainty about career pathways, and difficulty maintaining healthy boundaries while managing study or work demands.
This workshop is designed for students and early career researchers (ECRs), working on both flying and non-flying mammals, and focuses on practical, evidence-informed strategies to support wellbeing in academic and research environments. Topics will include common challenges researchers face, recognising signs of stress and burnout, building sustainable work habits, strengthening support networks, and identifying useful support resources.
The session will include a short presentation followed by small-group breakout discussions using hypothetical scenarios and guided prompts. Participants will be invited to share experiences and strategies (at their comfort level), learn from peers, and build connections that can continue beyond the workshop and conference.
Attendees will also be invited to join a private peer-support community, The Roost, where participants can continue conversations, share resources, and support one another after the conference. - Careers panel and Q&A
Hear from experts in the field across university, government, and NGOs. Learn about diverse roles, career pathways, what it's like working in the sector, and have the opportunity to network with panelists and fellow ECRs. - A walk and talk on Mulligans Flat