The Young Researchers Network (YRN) is an initiative within the ENT1DEP project that brings together early career researchers from across the consortium, including PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and junior scientists.
The network was established to strengthen collaboration across work packages and to provide a dedicated platform where young researchers can present their ongoing research work, exchange knowledge, and receive constructive feedback from peers and senior scientists. By enabling direct interaction across disciplines and institutions, the YRN contributes to both scientific progress and professional development within the project.
The YRN is centred around regular online science meetings, where early career researchers present their ongoing research in an open and supportive environment.
These sessions typically consist of a short presentation followed by an extended discussion, allowing participants to share research progress and challenges, explore methodologies and approaches, receive feedback from peers and experienced researchers, and engage in interdisciplinary dialogue. This format encourages active participation and helps build connections across the consortium.
From first meetings to ongoing exchange
Following the kick-off in December 2025, the first YRN science meetings took place in early 2026 and quickly established an open, constructive and collaborative atmosphere.
To date, presentations have been delivered by Cécile Xu (INSERM) and Nanna Kangasmäki (Tampere University), covering research topics aligned with ENT1DEP, including early life immunity and maternal antibody-mediated protection in infections and type 1 diabetes. These sessions brought together early career researchers from multiple partner institutions and encouraged active discussion, peer feedback, and interdisciplinary exchange.
Although still in its early stages, the Young Researchers Network is already developing into an important part of the ENT1DEP ecosystem. It supports not only scientific exchange, but also the formation of a connected early career community across institutions. The next meeting will take place on 15 April 2026, with a presentation by Sophia Katarina Forsskåhl (University of Helsinki).
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