Chair of BSG-ERA

The British Society of Gerontology’s Emerging Researchers in Ageing (BSG-ERA) group is looking forward to an exciting year ahead. This year at BSG Plymouth ERA is planning a pre-conference seminar on Monday 4th September with Professor Norah Keatingand Professor Frank Whittington. The seminar will consist of a workshop with Norah looking at career pathways in and through academia. This will involve hearing narratives and testimonials from a range of academics at various stages of their careers who will offer invaluable insight and advice on how to deal with the ups and downs of life in academia. Frank Whittington will then share his own unique perspective and experiences as book review editor for The Gerontologist on what editors and publishers look for in publications. Spaces for this seminar are limited so it will be essential to book early. Further information including how to book will be available on the BSG conference website very soon.

During the main conference, ERA will host a ‘living library’ where a panel of experienced and seasoned academics will be available to early career researchers in a ‘speed-dating’ type scenario. Participants will be allowed a brief period of time talking with panel members on a one-to-one basis before having to move on. A number of prominent names have already signed up as panel members and we will be making them known prior to the conference so if you see someone listed you have always wanted to meet, but never had the nerve to introduce yourself previously now is your chance. You won’t have much time so make it count in introducing yourselves and making a good impression!

Another exciting change this year will be that ERA will have a new Chair! Sharon Middling from Keele University is taking over from Christian Beech at BSG Plymouth. Sharon has been working closely with Christian over the past year and will do a fantastic job during her time at the helm. On this note, we will be looking for a Chair-Elect to take over from Sharon so if you think this is something that may interest you then feel free to contact either Christian (c.l.beech@swansea.ac.uk) or Sharon (s.l.middling@ilcs.keele.ac.uk).

We hope to return to normal service in 2012 and offer a separate ERA conference but due to financial pressures on institutions and individuals alike it will take commitment and enthusiasm to make this happen. ERA conferences in the past have always been well received and great successes. If you would like to know more about hosting an ERA event, either a conference or a seminar then again let Sharon or Christian know.