The annual Sydney Catalyst Postgraduate & Early Career
Research Symposium, held last month, was for the first time hosted
in a hybrid format. Members selected to present had the exclusive
(and rare for 2020!) opportunity to attend in person at Chris
O'Brien Lifehouse with the entire event streamed live via Zoom.
To adhere to social distancing requirements we split this year's
event in two, with a focus on T1T2 research in the morning and T2T3
research in the afternoon. Our T1T2 researchers heard from the
inspirational Associate Professor Thomas Cox who encouraged those
starting out in their research career to explore a variety of
career opportunities. His take home tips were; be passionate, work
smart, take time to contemplate, don't neglect family and friends,
and leave capacity to step up the game if needed.
In the afternoon session, researchers from the other end (T2T3)
of the spectrum were treated to a virtual presentation (technology
for the win!) from Professor Alexandra Barratt. Alex encouraged the
audience to "discover their uniqueness".
Throughout the day 32 Sydney Catalyst postgraduate and early
career members shared with the audience their research from across
the translational spectrum; from bench, to bedside, and beyond.
What a bright future these cancer researchers have!
To conclude each event, Elisabeth Kochman, Chair of Cancer
Voices NSW, gave an inspiring talk about the importance of
involving consumers in research; "nothing about us without us".
Founded in 2000, Cancer Voices NSW's purpose is to represent, and
to act on, the needs and interests of people affected by cancer in
our state and beyond. Visit their website for more
information.
Congratulations to the following award recipients:
• Best Oral Presentation
T1T2:Amelia Parker
• Best Oral Presentation
T2T3:Danielle Gessler
• Best Rapid Fire Presentation
T1T2:Ruth Allen
• Best Rapid Fire Presentation
T2T3:Catherine Seet-Lee
The positive vibe in the room on the day reminded us of the
importance of getting together in person and presenting to a live
audience. We look forward to offering more face-to-face and virtual
events next year.
Thank you to the PG&ECR Working Group and everyone who
attended the event (in person and virtually) for making this day a
huge success!
Don't forget to check out the
virtual posters to see more amazing research our members are
involved in.
The Sydney Catalyst Team
2020 PG&ECR - T1T2 morning event recording
2020 PG&ECR - T2T3 afternoon event recording
