Diverse careers in research: Early career symposium event report

On 17 October, early career members of the Biochemical Society from across the UK and beyond travelled to London to attend the 2024 Early Career Symposium. Held at the beautiful Churchill House, Home of the Royal College of Anaesthetists, attendees were treated to a day of engaging talks, panel sessions and networking opportunities, designed to enhance professional development and explore diverse career paths.

After kicking off with some very welcome coffee and pastries, the Symposium opened with a session focused on Starting Your Own Lab. Across 10-minute talks, three fantastic speakers shared their diverse routes and experiences of starting independent research groups at UK Universities. Between them, Dr Clinton Lau (University of Oxford), Dr Alison Twelvetrees (University of Sheffield) and Dr Colin Hammond (University of Liverpool) explored topics ranging from funding and moving between countries, to finding your research niche. It was refreshing to hear the experts speak so openly about the heartbreak of failed applications and rejections, alongside the challenges of balancing academia with family life. There were plenty of positive highlights too, especially the exciting science and supportive colleagues, which paved the path to independence.

During her talk, Dr Twelvetrees was also able to provide valuable insights into the wider UK landscape for new and potential principal investigators (PIs). Having recently published an eLife article titled Research Culture: A survey of new PIs in the UK, she shared with participants the realities of start-up funding, satisfaction, and routes to independence. The variation in these areas was staggering and served as a welcome reminder to participants not to underestimate themselves or sell themselves short.

Inspired by the talks, participants split into small groups for roundtable discussions with each of the three speakers. This opportunity for deeper exploration allowed attendees to quiz Drs Lau, Twelvetrees and Hammond on specific areas relevant to their own career journeys. Key themes that emerged were the importance of finding support and mentorship from senior colleagues beyond your PhD or postdoctoral supervisor, and practical tips and tricks to make the most of grant budgeting.

As the interactive session drew to a close, attendees and speakers alike continued their fruitful discussions over a delicious lunch. A wealth of information and personal insights ringing in their ears, everyone went away well informed about Starting Your Own Lab and better equipped to take those steps into independence if they so choose.

The Entrepreneurship and Commercialisation session, held immediately after lunch, offered attendees a deep dive into the intricacies of translating scientific innovation into commercial success. Chaired by Dr Daniel Jamieson, CEO and founder of Biorelate, the panel discussion brought together three figures from the entrepreneurial and research commercialisation landscape: Dr Johnathon Curd, co-founder and CEO of PeptiMatrix, a University of Nottingham spin-out; Dr Ewa Nowicka-Ratajczak, Head of Regional Hub and the Innovate UK ICURe programme; Dr George Foot, Co-CEO and Founder of SixFold Bio.

The session began with a structured 35-minute series of questions from Dr Jamieson, centring on entry points into commercialisation and approaches to exploring novel ideas in the biotech sector. Each panellist shared insights from their distinct backgrounds, reflecting a blend of perspectives across academia and research. This variety offered attendees an understanding of how commercialisation pathways can be pursued differently depending on one’s career stage and ambitions. Debate ensued on the nature of utilising a University’s Technology Transfer Office (TTO) for the establishment of a company, with Dr Nowicka-Ratajczak highlighting the importance of liaising with the TTO, unlike Dr Foot, who felt setting up a start-up independently was the best route.

Dr Curd, drawing from his experience with PeptiMatrix, provided an insightful look into the early challenges of spinning out a university-based company. He highlighted the initial steps of identifying viable research for commercialisation and building an interdisciplinary team – a process he emphasised as essential for moving from idea to tangible product. Dr Nowicka-Ratajczak complemented this with her expertise in supporting researchers through the Innovate UK ICURe programme, discussing the role of early validation and market assessment in developing a product that can attract investment. Her perspective provided a broader overview of how public sector support programs can guide researchers and start-ups through the commercialisation process, especially in the initial, high-risk stages.

Dr Foot shared his experiences in seeking investment and strategic growth for SixFold Bio. He emphasised the importance of communication and storytelling skills in fundraising, noting that investors look for innovative ideas, compelling visions and clear communication.

The panel then shifted its focus to funding and investment strategies, a key interest for early-career researchers considering commercialisation. Each panellist offered perspectives on accessing initial funding, with discussions on both public grants and private venture capital. Panelists addressed the challenges of securing financing, and the differences between various funding sources in terms of expectations and pressures.

The final portion of the panel was opened to the audience for a 20-minute Q&A session, where attendees engaged directly with the panellists on topics including balancing research with commercial demands and overcoming the challenges of transitioning from science to business. This interactive segment allowed for dynamic discussion, underscoring the audience’s keen interest in practical advice from experienced entrepreneurs.

Dr Jamieson closed the session with a lighthearted prompt, inviting each panellist to share a humorous story from their entrepreneurial journey. The anecdotes provided a lighter moment, humanising the often daunting journey into commercialisation.

The Entrepreneurship and Commercialisation session provided attendees with a balanced mix of strategic guidance, practical advice and candid insights, inspiring many early-career researchers to consider the entrepreneurial route within the life sciences.

After a short caffeination break, we cracked on with the third and final session of the early career researcher (ECR) Symposium. The purpose of this session was to start looking at the diversity of careers available in life sciences research. To start the session, we heard opening pitches from three speakers, each of whom ‘represented’ a different career path inclusive of academia, industry, and government-based research.

For this session, our speakers were Dr Maria Barreira Gonzalez (Lead Scientist, Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult), Dr Chrysi Sergaki (Group Leader, MHRA) and Prof Sanjib Bhakta (Birkbeck/UCL). In her opening pitch, Dr Gonzalez outlined her experience working at one of several Catapult centres, some of which had a crucial role to play in the UK’s recent fight against the SARS-CoV-19 pandemic. Following this, Dr Sergaki explained what it’s like to work in the principal regulator of medicines in the UK, i.e., the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), an experience which involves working at the interface of academia, industry and government. Finally, we heard from Prof Bhakta who took us on a very welcome tour of his career – principally working in academic settings.

It was a pleasure to hear from several scientists at different stages in their respective careers. Having kicked off the session in this way, participants were split into three roundtables where they had the opportunity to ask questions of the three speakers. Feedback from the roundtables was really positive with participants having the opportunity to discuss routes into government-based research, the differences between academia and industry, and the increasing opportunities to transition between the two. Some participants even discussed avenues for collaboration, and we are pleased to report that contact details were exchanged – good luck on what sounds like an exciting project!

The goal for this session was to demonstrate that there is, in fact, a diverse range of careers available to folks in the life sciences. Our speakers demonstrated this (and some!) by reflecting on their experiences of working in academia, industry and government-facing roles (and, sometimes, several of these within a career). We hope that participants found this tour through some of the less well-trodden paths helpful!

After three engaging sessions, the 2024 Early Career Symposium wrapped up with a drinks reception, enabling attendees to network with each other, the speakers and Biochemical Society staff. As the drinks and conversation flowed, it was clear that this interactive event had been a roaring success, and one that the Biochemical Society will be keen to repeat in years to come. We hope that you’ll be able to join us at future events!