ELRIG defines ECPs as individuals that are either:

• Currently in full (or most)-time study for a formal academic qualification (e.g. degree, PhD), or
• Less than 5 years from the commencement of their first postdoctoral position
• Less than 5 years from the commencement of their first industrial position

ECPs can be in academia, industry, non-for profits and any other organisation that participates in the early drug discovery network, and may be based either in the UK or internationally. Career breaks will be recognised, as will individuals whose career has spanned a break due to caring responsibilities or personal circumstances e.g. a period of parental/adoption leave, family commitments, illness, or other exceptional circumstances.