Editorial

When we first began discussing the theme for this Special Issue of Education in the North, we were challenged by the range of ways in which it is possible to conceptualise and define ‘Early Career Research’ with respect to education and educational contexts. In the very broadest sense we were interested in submissions that addressed key issues in supporting the development of early career research with a focus on institutional strategy, policy and practice. Central to this, of course, is the fundamental concern of how to effectively support teachers and academics who are aspiring researchers, and those who are currently emerging as researchers either through postgraduate study or through initial engagement in research within their own disciplinary contexts.