Early Career Forum

Rooted in values of collaboration, solidarity, and inclusivity, the forum addresses the need for structured peer support, interdisciplinary dialogue, and increased visibility for those in the early stages of their career whose work tackles poverty in its many forms. 

• Foster Cross-Sector Collaboration
  Create opportunities for academics and practitioners to co-learn, share insights, and build meaningful partnerships.

• Support Professional Development
  Offer mentoring, training, and career development opportunities to build confidence and capacity among emerging professionals.

• Enhance Visibility
  Elevate the research, practice, and perspectives of early career professionals through events, publications, and digital platforms.

• Build a Sustainable Peer Network
  Cultivate a supportive and engaged community to reduce isolation, share resources, and foster solidarity across institutions, disciplines, and geographies.

This forum is not only a resource for early career professionals—it’s a space for shaping the future of anti-poverty research and advocacy by empowering the next generation of thought leaders and changemakers.

Freya Cole Norton: Early Career Forum Coordinator 

Freya is a PhD Candidate based at the University of Oxford. Her research interests are focused mainly on social welfare law and policy, administrative law, and local government. She is currently conducting ethnographic research on the localisation of social security benefits to local authorities. Freya is committed to bringing together emerging academics and professionals who are committed to social justice, to share knowledge, build partnerships, and shape the future of anti-poverty work together. 

‘If you would like to be involved in the forum, please email info@pran.org.uk