Networking & Knowledge-Sharing for Early Career Neuroscientists
If you’re in the early stages of your neuroscience career, an upcoming event in Bristol, UK, could be the perfect opportunity for you to network and exchange ideas with others.
The GW4 Early Career Neuroscientists' Day takes place on 23rd October 2024 and is organised by, and for, Early Career Researchers working in any aspect of neuroscience. The event will include oral and poster presentations, guest speakers, and lots of great opportunities for exploring career options as well as networking and collaborating with others.
We spoke to Freya Shepherd, a PhD candidate at Cardiff University who is a member of the 16-strong organising committee made up of staff and students from the GW4 universities in Cardiff, Bath, Bristol and Exeter. She told us more about what to expect as an attendee, and why conferences like these are so valuable for early career researchers.
Hi Freya, can you tell us a little about your background as a scientist?
Freya: I completed a BSc and MSc at Cardiff Met in Biomedical Science and decided to get a job in the government as a patent analyst but soon realised that that wasn’t anywhere near enough science for me. I then rejoined academia as a research assistant which gave me the skills and knowledge I needed to pursue a PhD, so I am currently in the final 9 months of a neuro-immunology PhD at Cardiff University, funded by GW4. I am investigating the links between regulatory T cell depletion and neuro neuropsychiatric conditions.
What are the aims of the GW4 Early Career Neuroscientists’ Day 2024?
Freya: The event provides a space for young and early career researchers to share their work and ideas. Sometimes going to a big national conference can be highly intimidating and just not achievable for some, which is where this event steps in! We aim to expose attendees to a broad range of neuroscience research, share ideas about different career pathways, encourage and facilitate networking opportunities and collaborations and allow them to practice presentation techniques in a smaller, friendly environment.
What is your role with the organising committee, and why did you want to get involved?
Freya: My role is organising and getting people talking about the event at Cardiff. I am very keen on science communication – sharing with people, scientists or not, all the work that we do, however small. An event like this is an outstanding opportunity to speak to scientists at a similar stage, and to share ideas and experiences.
What is the GW4 Alliance?
Freya: GW4 is the Great western 4 – so that is Cardiff, Bath, Bristol and Exeter universities – a collaboration of all of these universities together. Bringing all of these big universities together supports collaboration and knowledge transfer.
How long has the event been running?
Freya: The biennial event hasn’t run for a few years due to COVID and such, but we hope that it will become a constant after this year!
What will the event offer for in-person attendees?
Freya: We have a jam-packed schedule of short talks and posters (with prizes!) for presenters on a range of neuroscience topics. There will also be talks from the Head of the British Neuroscience Association and career talks. A number of commercial exhibitors will also be available throughout the day to discuss your research requirements.
When and where is the event taking place this year?
Freya: The GW4 Early Career Neuroscientists Day is taking place on 23rd October 2024, in the Wills Memorial Building, University of Bristol.
Why are events like this so important for early career neuroscientists?
Freya: They offer a valuable opportunity to present your work in a welcoming environment, and this may be the first chance some students have had to give a talk and to share their work with a crowd! And it’s a great chance to meet like-minded people who are at your stage in career and above.
Which of the guest speakers are you most excited about seeing?
Freya: I am most looking forward to Professor Michael Owen’s talk. Having read a lot of his work, I’m excited to see him present.
What networking or career advice opportunities will be available for attendees?
Freya: There is no better way to network than chatting to someone about your poster, and this is the ideal opportunity to meet others both inside and outside your field. There is also a wine reception after the event which will also be a great opportunity to meet new people.
How can our readers find out more about the event?
Freya: Please visit our website at GW4 Early Career Neuroscientists’ Day 2024 to learn more about it and submit an abstract if you have some work you would like to share.
Find out more about the GW4 Alliance:
- LinkedIn: GW4 Alliance
- X (Twitter): @GW4Alliance
- Instagram: @gw4alliance
Connect with Freya:
- LinkedIn: Freya Shepherd
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