Empowering the Next Generation: The Early Career Program

What Does the Program offer?

The Early Career Program (ECP) equips participants with practical career navigation tools, including:

• Career goal-setting and collaboration strategies
• Funding, publishing, and grant-writing basics
• Mentorship and sponsorship dynamics
• Science communication, time/project management, and academic service roles

Delivery includes pre-conference webinars plus an immersive, interactive day of skill building on Monday, November 17, 2025 before the main SC technical program begins. 

HOW CAN YOU BENEFIT?

ECP builds competence and confidence via peer networking and real-world case discussions. And it presents a diverse cohort — representing academia, industry, and national labs across multiple continents, fostering rich discussion and collaboration.

Past participants described ECP as a transformative experience absolutely worth doing!

ECP Workshop Highlights

• Interactive Format: Dynamic sessions and networking breaks connecting participants with peers and mentors
• Focused Topics: Goal planning, funding strategy, communication polish, managing responsibilities and service roles, science promotion, and mentorship best practices
• Travel Grants (NEW THIS YEAR): Up to 10 U.S. and international Early Career participants will be selected to receive a full support package, covering conference registration, international airfare, hotel, and airport parking. Travel awards require a separate application demonstrating financial need, planned engagement, and potential impact.

This is my second time attending SC and my first time participating in the ECP. I truly felt the encouraging power and inclusive vibe of the community. All ECP sessions were thoughtfully designed for junior researchers, addressing the challenges we often face early in our careers. I deeply appreciate the efforts provided by the ECP.

— Hao Wang

The Early Career Program as part of SC24 was nothing short of incredible, especially for a first-time attendee like me. From the insightful pre-conference webinars to the dynamic in-person workshops, every component was thoughtfully designed to inspire and empower participants. It served as a unique platform to gain technical insights, build confidence, and forge meaningful connections with peers and mentors in the field.

— Megha Moncy

I really enjoyed the social, classroom-like setting of the Early Career Program. This was my first time attending SC, and although several of my colleagues were attending as well, we all had different levels of experience and many of them are seasoned SC attendees and presenters. The Early Career Program was a great way to meet some people in my shoes before the main events of SC, and a good way to ease into the conference. I’m definitely more introverted/shy, but I didn’t feel forced to overshare during the program. I was able to make some good connections, and even though it was mainly geared towards looking for your first job, I gained valuable advice on career transitions and advancement from the panelists. However, I’m still waiting on the results from our trivia game!

— Nicolas Venture

This program provides an outstanding experience for first-time SC attendees! The content was highly engaging, and the speakers brought valuable insights. One of the most rewarding aspects was the opportunity to build meaningful new connections, which I anticipate will have a lasting impact.

— Olivera Kotevska

Based on this year’s program, the SC25 Early Career Program will be an invaluable opportunity to build a strong foundation for a career in HPC. It provides a platform to connect with mentors, develop critical skills like proposal writing, and network with peers who share similar ambitions. This program supports early-career researchers in navigating career transitions and fosters collaborations that can lead to impactful contributions in HPC.

— Rabab Alomairy

Applying is simple! Draft a 250-word statement explaining your motivation for participating and apply by August 31. If you’re interested in travel support, submit the separate support application by August 20, noting the earlier deadline!

If selected, register for the SC Technical Program — workshop registration is included in your package. Join us at SC25 and connect with a global cohort shaping the future of HPC.