The Early Researchers Union (ERU) of the European Association of Developmental Psychology (EADP) was established in 2008 in order to increase the opportunity for networking, collaboration, and knowledge exchange of student and early career members of the EADP. The ERU is meant for undergraduate students, graduate/PhD students, postdocs, junior faculty members and/or other researchers within 7 years of obtaining the PhD primarily interested in developmental psychology and/or an area relevant to the study of human development. 

 The mission of the ERU is to:  

1. Develop, coordinate and facilitate learning/training opportunities for early career researchers.

• Develop joint publications and collaborations in a cross-national perspective such as through the writing week
• Propose, facilitate, and/or organize symposia, pre-conference workshops, and networking events for early career researchers at the biennial conference of EADP
• Organize events to broaden knowledge and competence in research and labour market related issues (e.g., workshops, webinars)
• Increase student and early researchers' participation in EADP across Europe (via ERU national representatives)

2. Exchange information and experiences about (PhD/Post-doc) scholarships, programs, and events in different European countries.

• Develop common initiatives, maintain and strengthen relations with young scholars in major organizations in the developmental science and related fields (e.g., SRCD, APA, EARA, SRA, ISSBD, IACCP)
• Provide information regarding external funding possibilities and vacant jobs to the ERU network
• Gain visibility for early career researchers through social media, website, and mailing list
• Upon agreement with EADP, facilitate funding opportunities for student and early researchers (conference fellowships and ERU best poster award)