What is netECR?
netECR is an independent, international network of early and mid- career researchers (ECRs) working in, or contributing to, the field of suicide and self-harm research. The network aims to facilitate horizontal mentorship, discussion, exchange of ideas and collaborations, as well as to promote networking and mutual support for ECRs. It was created in November 2015 by Tiago Zortea (University of Glasgow/University of Oxford) and Emma Nielsen (University of Nottingham) as a monthly online journal club, and expanded in September 2017 with Kirsten Russell (University of Strathclyde) and Donna Littlewood (University of Manchester) to include other activities. In 2022, the leadership team grew with the involvement of active netECR members Susie Bennett (University of Glasgow), Katerina Kavalidou (University College Cork), and Hazel Marzetti (University of Edinburgh). As time went on, Donna, Kirsten, and Emma moved on to new adventures and became part of the netECR College of Past Leaders. Today, netECR brings together more than a hundred members from across all continents, each actively contributing to the growth and sustainability of the network. Together, we are fostering a more collaborative and inclusive approach to suicide research.
Our website provides a platform where ECRs can share blogs and articles on a wide range of topics, including academia, suicide prevention, research methodologies, lived experience, interviews, events, and other areas relevant to suicide and self-harm prevention. Beyond the website, we cultivate an active community through our Discord channel, which serves as our main space for discussion, knowledge exchange, and collaboration. Members can seek advice on research projects, request feedback, explore potential collaborations, and share recommended readings.
netECR also leads several ongoing initiatives designed to strengthen professional connections and foster supportive relationships among ECRs working in the field of suicide and self-harm research worldwide.
Follow us on social media:
Who can join netECR?
netECR membership is free (yay!) and is open to all ECRs engaged in and/or contributing to suicide and self-harm research. To become a netECR member, applicants should be early- or mid-career researchers working in the field of suicide and self-harm (e.g., MSc students, PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, research fellows). In line with the horizontal nature of our community, we do not accept new applications from established researchers (e.g., Lecturers, Readers, Professors). For those interested in supervising or mentoring ECRs, we recommend joining groups dedicated to this purpose within other organisations, such as the International Association for Suicide Prevention (Early Career Group). It is important to note, however, that netECR membership is lifelong. Many of our members joined at the very start of their scientific careers and have since advanced to more established positions. In recognition of their contributions to the community, they are welcome to remain as members should they wish.
If you want to find out more about becoming part of netECR, please email us at internationalnetecr@gmail.com with email subject “Membership”.
Our leadership team
Behind the organisation of this huge project, there is an Leadership Team working hard to provide the best online platform for Early and Mid- Career Researchers in suicide and self-harm. We are:
Dr Tiago C. Zortea is a Clinical Psychologist at the Emergency Department Psychiatric Service (John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford) and honorary research fellow within the Suicidal Behaviour Research Laboratory, University of Glasgow (Scotland). Main interests in suicide-related experiences include: Psychological interventions, emergency services, scientist-practitioner model, attachment, and evidence-based psychotherapies.
Email: tiago.zortea@oxfordhealth.nhs.uk
Bluesky: @tiagozortea.bsky.social
Dr Susie Bennett is a research fellow within the Suicidal Behaviour Research Laboratory, University of Glasgow (Scotland), and research collaborator at MANUP? (UK Charity for male suicide prevention). Main research interests include: male suicide and self-harm, the psychology of boys’ and men’s mental health, qualitative research methods, community and clinical interventions to prevent male suicide.
Email: Susanna.Bennett@glasgow.ac.uk
Instagram: @male_suicide_research
Dr Katerina Kavalidou is a Research Fellow at the National Suicide Research Foundation (Ireland). Katerina’s research focuses on individuals with multiple health conditions (multimorbidity), those who attend emergency departments with thoughts of self-harm and/or suicide, and marginalised communities. She has expertise in suicide and self-harm registries and a particular interest in the lack of disability inclusivity in the dissemination and co-production of suicide-related research.
Email: katerina.kavalidou@ucc.ie
Linkedin: dr-katerina-kavalidou-a5989121
Dr Hazel Marzetti is a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Edinburgh’s School of Health in Social Sciences. She is a suicide researcher with expertise in LGBTQ+ suicide and suicide prevention, as well as critical, creative and qualitative methods.
Email: hazel.marzetti@ed.ac.uk
Instagram: @Rain_Within_The_Rainbow
Former members of the leadership team:
Dr Emma Nielsen is a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Self-Harm Research Group (SHRG), University of Nottingham.
Email: emma.nielsen@nottingham.ac.uk
Dr Kirsten Russell is a Lecturer within the School of Psychological Sciences and Health, University of Strathclyde.
Email: kirsten.russell@strath.ac.uk
Dr Donna Littlewood is a Research Associate in the Division of Psychology & Mental Health, University of Manchester.
Email: donna.littlewood@manchester.ac.uk
Help us to keep netECR’s website
Our beautiful website netecr.org is designed and financially mantained by the netECR Leadership Team. Please consider buying us a wee coffee (£3.00), so you will help us to pay the maintenance fees of the web system! Thanks so much! ❤
Make a one-time donation
Make a monthly donation
Make a yearly donation
Choose how many coffees you would like to buy us!
Or enter a custom amount
Your contribution is hugely appreciated.
Your contribution is appreciated.
Your contribution is appreciated.
DonateDonate monthlyDonate yearlyThank you for reading and supporting this initiative!
netECR Editorial Team
We would like to thank the graphic design company, CONTAINER (Brazil) for the production of our modern and beautiful netECR logo. As a demonstration of their commitment with suicide prevention, CONTAINER voluntarily offered us their services free of charge.
*All images on this website are used with permission under the license of Creative Commons (CCO – Free for personal and commercial use and no attribution required). Mostly of images are retrieved from Unsplash and Pexels.
netecr.org 