EARLY CAREER RESEARCHER (ECR) SOCIAL PROGRAM
Looking to grow your network, meet like-minded researchers, and connect with leaders across chemistry and industry? The RACI 2026 ECR Social Program has been designed to bring students and early career researchers together through a series of interactive, relaxed, and engaging events throughout the conference week.
From informal coffee catch-ups and structured speed networking, to career conversations with established professionals, skills-focused workshops, and a fun trivia night, these sessions are the perfect opportunity to build connections, share experiences, and expand your professional network in an approachable and supportive environment.
Whether you’re attending your first conference or looking to strengthen your connections within the chemistry community, the ECR events at RACI 2026 are not to be missed.
Attendance numbers are limited for some events, so be sure to register your interest during or add onto your conference registration.
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Speed Networking + ECR Talk
Sunday 5 July | 11:30am – 2:00pm
Plenary Theatre
Kick off your RACI 2026 experience by connecting with fellow students, researchers, and industry professionals in a welcoming and interactive environment.
This session combines an inspiring focused talk from Distinguished Professor Suresh Bhargava, followed by facilitated speed networking and structured conversation prompts to help attendees build meaningful professional connections across academia, research, and industry.
Whether you’re attending your first conference or being an expert in conferences, looking for collaborators, exploring career pathways, or simply hoping to meet new people within the chemistry community, this session is the perfect place to start.
Runsheet
11:30am – 12:30pm
ECR Talk presented by Distinguished Professor Suresh Bhargava
12:30pm – 2:00pm
Structured Speed Networking
Facilitated networking rotations and icebreaker prompts designed to encourage conversation and connection between ECRs, students, and senior professionals.
Light refreshments will be served.
Coffee Roulette
Monday 6 July – Thursday 9 July | 7:15am – 8:30am
Cafés near the Perth Convention Centre
Start your conference day with Coffee Roulette — a relaxed, informal networking opportunity designed to keep conversations going and spark new connections.
By opting in, you’ll be placed in a small group with fellow conference delegates for a free coffee at one of several cute cafés located close to the Perth Convention Centre. Coffee Roulette brings together chemists from different disciplines, career stages, and sectors, making it an ideal way to meet new people, exchange ideas, and grow your network in a low-pressure setting.
Whether you’re continuing a conversation from the previous day or meeting someone entirely new, Coffee Roulette offers a friendly and welcoming way to connect before the conference program begins.
Industry Discussion Panel
Monday 6 July | 3:40pm – 5:00pm
Join a panel of industry professionals as they share honest insights, career reflections, challenges, and advice they wish they knew earlier in their careers.
Career Fair Workshops
Monday 6 July – Thursday 9 July | 4:30pm – 6:00pm
During the Career Fair sessions
Running alongside the Career Fair, these interactive workshops provide a relaxed and supportive environment to build important professional skills relevant to early career researchers.
Workshops will focus on practical topics such as career development, industry engagement, communication, and navigating diverse career pathways. Designed to be informal and interactive, these sessions encourage discussion, questions, and peer learning while complementing the networking opportunities offered during the Career Fair.
ECR Quiz Night
Monday 6 July | 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Take a break from the conference program and join fellow delegates for a relaxed and fun-filled evening at the RACI 2026 ECR Quiz Night.
Designed to encourage networking in a casual setting, this social event is the perfect opportunity to meet new people, reconnect with colleagues, and unwind after a busy conference day. Expect a light-hearted trivia competition, plenty of laughs, and a welcoming atmosphere for students, ECRs, and delegates from across all chemistry disciplines.
Come along with your friends and organise a table ahead of time, or register solo and we’ll help place you in a team on the night — making it easy to meet new people and expand your conference network.
The evening will include:
Trivia-style quiz with team participation
Relaxed networking opportunities
Light refreshments and casual food
A welcoming environment for both students and professionals
Whether you’re competitive or just there for the social side, the ECR Quiz Night is set to be one of the most enjoyable networking events of the conference week.