The Emerging Voices Network (EVN) is a digital, global network of high-potential, early career researchers on nuclear weapons and nuclear policy issues. Today’s early career researchers on nuclear issues are increasingly geographically dispersed and alarmingly disconnected from each other, particularly in terms of engagement between different regions. As yet, there is no effective, networked method for enabling sustained dialogue and facilitating collaborative problem-solving between these young people. The EVN exists to fill this gap, and since 2020 has been continuing to work to do so as a 160-member strong network, through events, publications, networking and targeted outreach. 

For our pilot cycle, Founding Members of the Network were invited to form working groups, and together, they produced the Network’s flagship policy outputs, centred around the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty conference. Working group topics for the pilot cycle were chosen by our members – reemphasising that the EVN is a members-first network. The EVN continues to review our membership and opens up for applications and nominations a few times a year. The Network is also designed to be reflexive and dynamic rather than static in nature – the design of the working groups, for instance, changes with what our membership perceive to be the most pressing issues for a given period. Furthermore, the Network aims to continuously diversify as it grows, with equity, inclusivity and accessibility being core tenets for the Network, reflected in our targeted outreach efforts in regions such as the Asia-Pacific. Gender parity is not the only marker of true inclusivity, but women and gender minorities make up more than 60% of the Network. 

Network Members will either be between the ages of 18 and 35, or been working in the nuclear field for less than 7 years. They will be able to demonstrate formal study or interest in nuclear issues, and will attend in their personal capacity. 

We seek to ensure that the EVN remains an equitable, accessible, and inclusive space. To do this, the Emerging Voices Network Code of Conduct has been developed by the EVN Board on behalf of membership which sets out the standards of behaviour that are expected of all members. We hope that it will serve as a useful resource to ensure a culture of safety, respect, and professionalism for all.