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Early Career Researcher Awards (ECRA)

​Supporting academics and strengthening the research community

The Early Career Researcher Awards (ECRA) celebrate and recognize outstanding early career researchers who are driving innovation and advancing knowledge across their respective fields. The awards aim to highlight emerging talent, encourage research excellence, and provide a platform for early career researchers to showcase the impact and significance of their work.


Organized by MDPI Singapore in collaboration with leading academic institutions and research partners, ECRA seeks to support the next generation of researchers by recognizing promising contributions to science, engineering, medicine, social sciences, and other scholarly disciplines.


Through this initiative, participants will have the opportunity to gain recognition from an independent panel of academic experts, expand their professional networks, and share their research with a broader academic community.

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To ensure that submissions reflect high-quality research and strong academic potential, all applications must be endorsed by the applicant’s supervisor through a formal recommendation.

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Award

3 winners per category (Predoctoral Award & Postdoctoral Award)

 

Each winner receives:

  1. $500 cash prize

  2. APC voucher that can be utilised by their lab

  3. Trophy

  4. Digital Certificate

 

In total MDPI sponsors $3,000 in cash prizes, 6 APC vouchers, trophies, and digital certificate to award winners.

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Deadline: 13th November 2026

Introducing ECRA

How to Apply

Eligibility

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Applicants must:

 

  • Be an early career researcher affiliated with a recognized higher education institution or research organization.

  • Meet the eligibility requirements specified for the award category.

  • Submit original research work that complies with the submission guidelines.

  • ​Obtain a recommendation from their current supervisor or principal investigator.

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​Submission Requirements

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​Applicants are required to submit:

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  • ​A completed participation form.

  • ​A research abstract of up to 500 words.

  • ​A supervisor recommendation letter or endorsement form.

  • ​Any additional supporting documents specified in the application guidelines.

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Submission Process

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  1. Complete the online participation form.

  2. Prepare a research abstract (maximum 500 words) summarizing the objectives, methodology, key findings, and significance of the research.

  3. Obtain a recommendation from your supervisor confirming the quality of the research and your suitability for the award.

  4. Upload all required supporting documents

  5. Submit the application before the stated deadline.

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Evaluation

 

Applications will be reviewed by an independent panel of experts based on criteria including:

 

  • Originality and innovation

  • Research quality and rigor

  • Significance and potential impact

  • Clarity of presentation

  • Relevance to the award category

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Award Announcement

 

Shortlisted applicants may be invited to participate in further evaluation activities, where applicable. Winners will be announced during the award ceremony and featured on the official ECRA website and promotional channels.

 

We encourage all eligible early career researchers to take this opportunity to share their work, gain recognition, and contribute to the advancement of research and innovation.

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