Call for Nominations: ECN Coordinators

GLP is currently seeking to nominate two early-career scientists (see criteria below) to coordinate the GLP Early Career Network(ECN), starting in April 2026. The Global Land Programme (GLP) is an interdisciplinary community of science and practice fostering the study of land systems and the co-design of solutions for global sustainability, and is currently a Global Research Network (GRN) of the Future Earth international research platform. Within GLP, the ECN, launched in 2024, seeks to connect emerging researchers and practitioners to the global land system science community and to one another. Open to all GLP members, the ECN offers a pathway for engagement in the programme and aims to build the next generation of leaders in land system science. This initiative was conceived with the intention that it will eventually be led by early career members, creating space for learning, exchange, and new connections through mentorship, events, and collaborative activities, while providing resources and support tailored to early career researchers.

The main tasks of the ECN coordinators are as follows: 

• Develop and support the implementation of the ECN governance structure.
  
  

• Facilitate communication between the ECN and the GLP Scientific Steering Committee.
  
  

• Organize an ECN activity for the next Land System Science Week (June 15-19, 2026).
  
  

• Plan and coordinate an ECN Day at the next Open Science Meeting.
  
  

• Coordinate the organization of ECN webinars and support other activities (e.g. funding calls, workshops, networking events).
  
  

• Foster member engagement and participation across regions.
  
  

• Help plan and curate content for the ECN section of the community platform.
  
  

• Participate occasionally in quarterly telecon meetings of the GLP Scientific Steering Committee.

Term and benefits of the ECN Coordinators

The term for the GLP Early Career Network (ECN) Coordinators is initially 12 months, with the possibility of renewal for an additional 12 months, subject to mutual agreement with the GLP Scientific Steering Committee (SSC) and the International Programme Office (IPO).

ECN Coordinators will work in close collaboration with the GLP SSC and IPO, particularly with those who lead and support ECN activities. This role offers an opportunity for early career scientists to gain experience in international scientific network coordination and community building. ECN Coordinators will also gain insight into how an international research programme such as GLP operates, including interactions with the SSC and the IPO. The position is voluntary. While no direct funding is attached to the role, ECN Coordinators will have opportunities to engage with GLP activities and events and to connect with members of the global land system science community.

Eligibility and nomination process

Candidates should be considered early career researchers or practitioners. As a general guideline, this typically refers to individuals within approximately 10 years of completing their PhD. However, this is intended as a flexible reference rather than a strict requirement. 

To nominate yourself, please send a short statement of interest (max. 1 page), a brief CV (max. 5 pages), and the contact details of two referees to [email protected], [email protected], and [email protected], with the subject line: “GLP ECN Coordinator application.”

The call for nominations will be open from 20 March to 6 April 2026. Selected candidates will be notified in mid-April 2026. Further inquiries can be addressed to the e-mail addresses listed above. To learn more about GLP, including its science plan, activities, SSC and IPO, please visit glp.earth.