UK Preconception Partnership

UK Preconception Early-and Mid-Career Researchers (EMCR) Network


The UK Preconception Early-and Mid-Career Researchers (EMCR) Network was established in October 2021. The Network brings together UK-based postgraduate students, Early- and Mid-Career Researchers, Clinicians and Policy Makers, and Mentors.

We are supporting the next generation of leaders in preconception health and care by

  • creating opportunities to form multi-disciplinary collaborations,
  • supporting career development,
  • building capacity and generating impact in the pre-and interconception health and care field.

The Network is part of a wider network of Health in Preconception, Pregnancy and Postpartum Early- and Midcareer Researcher Collectives (HiPPP EMR-C) to support opportunities for international engagement and collaboration.

Read more about our Network in the Terms of Reference

Join our next event

UK Preconception EMCR Network 2023 Conference

Members of the Network are organising their inaugural conference on preconception health and care.

This 1-day hybrid conference will be held on Monday 16th October 2023, from 11am - 4:30pm at The University of Birmingham and on Zoom.

The conference will showcase research conducted in the pre- and interconception health and care field with a Keynote speaker, an EMCR presentation session, a quick-fire panel session on “implementation and adaption of preconception health” and an interactive workshop discussing “inequalities in preconception health and care”.

More details here

Mentoring and Peer-Support Scheme

Based on member feedback and input, we have developed a mentoring and peer-support scheme. Our members can sign up to be matched with a mentor (more senior expert in preconception health and care) and/or peer-supporter (a member with similar level of experience) to promote professional and personal development goals.

If you are interested in supporting our members as a mentor, please complete this Form.

If you are a member of our EMCR Network and would like to find a mentor or peer-supporter, please complete this Form.

What will happen after you register

Leadership Team

Chair: Dr Danielle Schoenaker, University of Southampton

Co-Chair: Dr Laura McGowan, Queen’s University Belfast

Secretary: Ms Emma Cassinelli, Queen’s University Belfast

Mentoring and Peer Support Scheme Officer: Dr Beyza Ustun, Wageningen University

Mentoring and Peer Support Scheme Officer: Dr Dunla Gallagher, Queen’s University Belfast

Event organising: Dr Stephanie Hanley, University of Birmingham

Event organising: Ms Catherine Stewart, University College London

Lead mentor: Professor Judith Stephenson, University College London

Join the network

To join the UK Preconception EMCR Network as a member, please complete the Registration Form.

Contact us

For more information, please contact us at preconception.emcrnetwork@gmail.com.