Sailing into the Unknown: Building Bridges and Forging Collaborations

The Young Investigators' Meeting constitutes a session within the Nordic EMBL Partnership Meeting which aims to enhance the interpersonal skills of junior scientists through soft skills training and career development sessions. This time, the programme includes sessions on Creativity, Science Communication and a panel discussion with alumni on Career Development.
Venue

Dipoli Conference Center, Otakaari 24, Espoo

Room Metso

 

Programme

Monday, 11 September 2023

11.30 - 12.15 Registration

12.15 - 13.45 Meet and Mingle with Colleagues Over Lunch 

Join us for a networking lunch where you can connect with colleagues from the Nordic EMBL nodes. Upon registration, you will be assigned a table where you can enjoy a delicious meal while meeting and mingling with fellow researchers from your institute. Don't miss out on this chance to engage with peers from different disciplines and learn about their research projects and experiences.  

 

Session I: The Creativity Kit in Your Life as a Researcher

Trainer: Oana Velcu

    13.45 - 14.45 Creativity training (part 1)

    14.45 - 15.00 Coffee break

    15.00 - 16.00 Creativity training (part 2)

How does personal creativity affect your experience as a researcher? 

Your creativity is a versatile personal resource. Being in touch with the relevant aspects of your personal creativity can help you find suitable research ideas, be mindful of the idiosyncrasies of your creative process, overcome any execution obstacles and feel good in your skin conducting research. In this workshop, we’ll look into how you can become more deliberate about how you use your creativity in research by covering the following three topics:

  • Gain clarity on your creative identity.
  • Mindfulness of your creative strengths and weaknesses.
  • Make room for experimenting with new habits.

 

16.00 - Travel to the evening activity (HSS, Liuskasaari)

17.00 - 21.00 Set Sail: Team Building on the High Seas 

This sailing experience will not only teach you the basics of sailing but will emphasize the importance of effective communication and teamwork among your fellow conference participants as you navigate the open waters together. 

For those who prefer to stay ashore, we have a variety of enjoyable activities to keep you engaged. Relax and unwind in our inviting outdoor space or find comfort indoors. When hunger strikes, feel free to use the gas grill to prepare your own meal, or choose from two restaurants available on the island to suit your budget. As we finalize the details, stay tuned for additional activities ensuring a memorable island adventure. 

 

Tuesday, 12 September 2023

Session II: Smooth Sailing: Strategies for Effective Science Communication

Trainer: Lea Urpa

Join us for a hands-on workshop led by communication expert Lea Urpa, where you will learn valuable strategies for effective science communication. In this workshop, you will learn how to identify your communication goals and tailor your message to your audience. 

Through interactive exercises, you will gain practical knowledge on how to structure your presentation and simplify complex concepts by avoiding jargon and utilizing analogies and visual aids. You will also receive guidance on how to use body language to support your ideas and deliver a compelling presentation with clean and effective slides. 

9.30 - 10.30 Public speaking training (part 1)

10.30 - 10.45 Unwind with a Cup of Coffee

10.45 - 11.45 Public speaking training (part 2)

 

Session III: Getting together; creating your own community

11.45 - 12.30 How to build a successful student organization 

Join this informative and engaging session where you will learn how to effectively gather like-minded young investigators and cultivate a thriving community with a shared purpose. This session will provide valuable insights on establishing and maintaining an active community of students, as exemplified by the success stories of "The Science Basement" and a single cell sequencing club that started out of FIMM. 

Through interactive discussions with individuals who have spearheaded the formation of these student groups, participants will gain practical knowledge on how to create and sustain a dynamic community of researchers beyond their institution. 

 

12.30-13.30  Building Lasting Connections Over Lunch 

Session IV: Charting a Course for Success in Science 

This event is specifically designed to help young investigators navigate the often-complex world of scientific careers, providing them with valuable insights from accomplished professionals who have successfully followed various paths within academia and beyond. 

Our esteemed speakers are alumni from our institute and other Nordic EMBL institutes, who have chosen diverse career paths, including staying in academia and progressing within, moving into industry, or exploring other unique opportunities. Each speaker will share their personal career journey, offering reflections and advice based on their experiences. The session will culminate in a panel discussion, where speakers will discuss the pros and cons of careers in academia and industry, giving attendees a comprehensive understanding of the many opportunities available to them. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from those who have been in your shoes and chart your own course for success in science! 

13.30 - 14.15 Alumni career talks part 1

14.15 - 15.00 Alumni career talks part 2

15.00 - 15.15 Science and Sips: A Coffee Break for Networking 

15.15 - 16.00 Alumni career panel discussion