On the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, 11 February, ADInstruments and the Society, hosted a webinar with the theme of ‘Champions in Science: Heritage & Future 150 Years of Discovery and 40 Years of Innovation’. The panel, hosted by Dr Martina Neville, featured four accomplished women physiologists who shared their career journeys and achievements in physiology research and education.
- Professor Francesca Arrigoni, Kingston University
- Professor Yrsa Bergmann Sverrisdóttir, University of Iceland
- Professor Sarah Hall, Cardiff University
- Dr Sophie Joannise, University of Nottingham
The discussion covered key topics including the importance of mentorship, with panellists highlighting influential mentors who shaped their careers and the value of professional networks like the Physiological Society in career development. If you missed it, you can listen here.
A standout moment was when the panellists offered their insights and guidance for emerging researchers.
1.Be passionate
The day you don’t feel passionate about what you’re doing, stop and do something else.
2.Put yourself out there
If there’s a job that you want, if there’s a position that you want, if there’s a professor that you want to work with, send that email, ask for that meeting. What’s the worst that can happen?
3.Build a strong team around you
Science is so much more fun when you’re surrounded by people that enjoy it as much as you do and that have passion for it. Working with good people will strengthen you as a researcher which in turn strengthens the team. There will always be bad days, but it doesn’t mean it’s a bad career. When you’re part of a good team, bad days are so much easier to navigate.
4.Be proactive and seize opportunities
Be confident in your abilities and be willing to take opportunities even if they feel challenging or make you anxious. Saying yes to things like giving talks or joining panels helps you grow, build skills, and expand your network. Also, make an effort to talk to people. While it may feel difficult, learning to channel nervous energy into confidence can help you connect with others and make the most of opportunities.
5.Stay optimistic
Try and have an optimistic attitude because your future is bright.
6.Do everything to the best of your ability
You never know how what you are doing now will suddenly influence your work later.
7.Keep an open mind
Opportunity rarely shows up the way you expect. More often, it’s disguised as something uncomfortable or inconvenient. The regret of not trying will always weigh heavier than the fear of taking a chance. When you do fear something, forcing yourself to do it anyway, being courageous and taking that step even though it’s scary, often opens up a whole new world.