Connect, Learn, and Lead
Early Career Preventionist Network
ECPN connects students and early-career professionals with opportunities for networking, professional development, leadership, and service within the prevention research community.
Who Can Participate?
ECPN is open to individuals interested in prevention research who are within 10 years of completing their final degree.
ECPN participants may include:
- Undergraduate and graduate students
- Postdoctoral researchers and fellows
- Newly hired faculty members, practitioners, and other professionals
SPR membership is not required to participate in ECPN. However, SPR members receive additional benefits, including access to travel awards, discounted registration rates, and other professional opportunities.
ECPN at the SPR Annual Meeting
Sessions and Activities
ECPN leads sessions and activities that are open to annual meeting attendees. Activities may include:
- ECPN luncheon
- Roundtable and discussion sessions
- Fun Walk/Run
ECPN Opportunities
ECPN also organizes activities and opportunities specifically for students and early-career preventionists, including:
- Student Poster Contest
- SPR Cup Competition, co-sponsored by ECPN
- ECPN Social Hour
Activities and schedules may vary each year. Please consult the current annual meeting program for confirmed details.
What Can You Gain from ECPN?
Build Your Network
- Connect with early-career professionals from a variety of disciplines
- Learn about prevention research projects
- Exchange research ideas
- Meet potential collaborators
Develop Your Career
- Gain experience through professional service
- Participate in SPR committees and task forces
- Serve as an abstract reviewer for the annual meeting
- Act as an ECPN liaison to other SPR groups
How Can You Get Involved?
There are many ways to become involved with ECPN throughout the year and during the SPR Annual Meeting:
- Visit the ECPN table near the annual meeting registration area
- Introduce yourself to an ECPN Steering Committee member
- Attend the ECPN Social Hour and other ECPN-sponsored activities
- Join the ECPN listserv for year-round communication
- Volunteer for an ECPN committee or activity, such as the Steering Committee, Poster Contest, Awards, Webpage, Scavenger Hunt, Evaluation, or Annual Meeting Program
The ECPN Chair typically sends an email each August with information about committee and volunteer opportunities. To express your interest, contact ecpnchair@preventionresearch.org.
Stay Connected with ECPN
Join the ECPN listserv to receive announcements, professional opportunities, annual meeting updates, and information about ways to become involved.