Join the IAQM Early Careers Network Subcommittee

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We are inviting applications from IAQM Associate or Full members in the first 10 years of their careers in an air quality-related discipline to join the IAQM Early Careers Network (ECN) subcommittee. The ECN was established in 2017 to provide IAQM early career professionals with a platform to develop skills, network with fellow professionals and gain valuable CPD, and has gone from strength to strength since.

There are three positions to fill. Subcommittee members are encouraged to take a lead on one of the following priority areas, but are expected to contribute ideas to all workstreams:

Member engagement: collecting feedback from members to improve the ECN's offering
Content and topics: producing the quarterly newsletter, and identifying topics of interest to the ECN
Events: planning of events, speakers and venues

If you are particularly interested or experienced in one or more of these areas, please let us know in your application. However, an overall enthusiasm for the ECN's work is the most important requirement, as the responsibilities you will take on will be decided with successful applicants based on the makeup of the Subcommittee as a whole. This process happens annually to ensure all members are able to develop. All positions are an excellent opportunity to be an influential voice in shaping the development and future of the ECN and gaining valuable experience of holding a position on a committee.

Who can apply?

Any professional Associate or Full IAQM member in the early stages of their air quality career (first 10 years) can apply. If you are not yet an IAQM member but would like to apply, please get in touch with Amy at communities@the-ies.org as soon as possible.

The IAQM is committed to fostering an inclusive culture which reflects the diversity that exists within society, enabling us to deliver outputs that reflect the diverse needs of our members. In recruiting for these roles, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring in terms of your ethnicity, age, sex, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, educational background, national origin, religion and beliefs. If there are any adjustments we can make to make the recruitment process more accessible to you, please reach out to Amy at communities@the-ies.org to discuss. This might include the format in which you submit your application, how you receive any relevant documents or communications, or something else that might support you to make your strongest application.

What’s involved?

The subcommittee meets every month for a 45-minute meeting held remotely. In between meetings there will be the requirement to work on actions assigned to you.

The duration of a full term for subcommittee members is 2 years, with a check-in point after 1 year. We ask for a minimum of one year commitment from new subcommittee members, where you will be expected to join events/meetings virtually based on UK timings. There are occasional in-person events which you will be encouraged to attend where possible.

How to apply

If you wish to apply for one of these roles, please provide a 250 word expression of interest summarising your motivation and relevant expertise to Amy at communities@the-ies.org.

The closing date for applications is midnight on 1st November 2026.

Once the deadline has passed, applications will be scored by the subcommittee Chair and Vice Chair. Successful applicants will be contacted as soon as possible after the deadline. There will be a period of overlap with outgoing subcommittee members until the end of 2026, and new member terms will officially begin in January 2027.

If you have any questions about the application process, would like to have an informal conversation about the roles, or you anticipate needing any type of assistance to apply for this role, please email Amy on communities@the-ies.org. Alternatively, you can call the IES office on +44 (0)20 3862 7484. We are keen to receive applications from a diverse pool of candidates and will endeavour to make the process accessible to all.

Benefits of joining the subcommittee

Work with other early career professionals in air quality
Gain leadership skills and contribute to your own career development
Opportunity to help shape the activities of the IAQM ECN
Rewarding experience to play a key role in a Network that supports the professional development of fellow early careers professionals
Deepen your connection with the IAQM and support us as a volunteer

What have the Subcommittee worked on this year?

Every year is different in the ECN, as we endeavour to respond to the interests and needs of our members. However, the below should give you a flavour of what you might expect to get involved with:

Site visit to a gasworks redevelopment in Fulham: read more in this reflective blog produced by two ECN members
Involvement in National Careers Week webinar on careers in air quality
Quarterly newsletters: catch up on the most recent edition here (pdf)
Development and judging of the new Helen ApSimon Award, along with supporting the continuation of the Ian McCrae Award
In-person events including 'Let’s clear the air: Going above and beyond for air quality improvements' and dedicated networking events in Leeds and London
Ensuring the ECN voice is included in the development and planning of wider IAQM events such as Routes to Clean Air
Contributing to an IAQM Committee strategy day
Hosting a 'Day in the Life' panel discussion to promote air quality careers

More ways to get involved

Join the IAQM ECN and attend our virtual and in-person events. If you're already an IAQM member aged under 31 you'll be added automatically. If you're over 31 but still within the first 10 years of your air quality career please get in touch with communities@the-ies.org to be added.
Connect with other ECN members in our dedicated LinkedIn group
You can also catch up on previous webinars and workshops run for the IAQM ECN on our dedicated YouTube playlist