Blog by Kaoutar Abaakil, Research Postgraduate, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction
The Nutrition Section Away day took place on December 2nd, 2024, bringing together members from various research groups across the Nutrition section with the generous sponsorship of the Early Career Researcher Institute (ECRI). The event aimed to foster networking, knowledge exchange, and collaboration. It was a fantastic event, with a strong turnout of students and researchers eager to connect and share ideas.
The day began with an informal networking lunch, providing a relaxed environment for students, post-doc researchers and principal investigators to engage with one another. This casual setting set the tone for the day, allowing participants to build connections before the formal program began.
The event officially opened with insightful talks from ECRI speakers Dr. Caroline Hargreaves and Dr. Anna Seabourne, offering valuable perspectives on learning about different stages in one’s research journey and strategies for professional development. The speakers also emphasised the importance of networking events like the one we were holding and provided guidance to identify the right contacts for addressing issues we might come across during our time at Imperial. A key focus of the discussions was the role of collaboration, networking, and the support available through ECRI for Master’s, PhD, and Early Career Researchers (ECRs). Through interactive activities, we also had a chance to discuss common challenges and concerns shared between us, reinforcing the sense of community and mutual support within the section. These activities also encouraged open dialogue and highlighted the collaborative spirit among the section.
Next, the event was followed by contributions from Dr. Racheal Barry and Dr. Aygul Dagbasi. Dr. Barry shared insights on her recent successful fellowship application and strategies for career development, while Dr. Dagbasi discussed lessons learned from her work leading the Ageing and Nutrient Sensing (AGENTs) initiative and how it benefited her career.
The day concluded with a talk by Professor Gary Frost, Head of theSection, who highlighted the importance of data integrity. His discussion emphasised the importance of setting best practices in data sharing and management, particularly in fostering transparency and collaboration across research groups. The discussion was also opened to all attendees to brainstorm ideas and share their insights in a cooperative manner.
The Nutrition Section Away Day was not only an opportunity to gain useful tools and knowledge for academic progression but also served as day for us to connect with peers, share ideas and address common challenges. Overall, it was a valuable experience that left participants feeling connected, informed and motivated.
We acknowledge the generous support of the Early Career Researcher Institute (ECRI) through the Postgraduate Community Fund, which made this event possible.
