Wholly Biology, was an event designed, delivered and attended by early career researchers across the North-West of the UK with an interest in ‘omics technologies, modelling and systems biology. It was possible thanks to the promotion and sponsorship of the Genomes to Systems research theme at the Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool and sponsorship of the Biochemical Society, VWR International, Gemini Biosciences and Nanostring technologies.
Delegates from 6 different universities, 2 biotechnology companies and 3 academic institutions attended the meeting. The symposium had five scientific sessions spanning research in topics such as molecular basis of therapeutics, infection, drug safety, physiology and environmental research. The best oral presentation prize went to Chantelle Mason from Liverpool John Moores University for her outstanding work using a modelling approach to improve paracetamol overdose treatment. The prize for the best poster presentation was awarded to James Anderson from the University of Liverpool on his work mining biomarkers by using NMR metabolomics analyses of synovial fluid of equine pathologies. The Symposium also provided plenty of networking opportunities across a range of disciplines, over lunches, coffees and a wine reception.
An overarching aim of this meeting was to promote transferable skills training for early career researchers. Thus we provided two hands-on parallel sessions: “How to Engage with Public Engagement”, presented by Laura Winters, public engagement officer for the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences at the University of Liverpool and “Time & Balance” led by Dr Daniel Holden from D2U coaching. The final session of the event included Dr Jenna Kenyani who presented a very personal piece aiming to raise the awareness of mental health in academia, and Dr Helen Cauldbeck who showed us the many opportunities to keep developing transferable skills that UKRSA presents us.
The event was a great success, in fact, there have already been enquires for a second edition! If you would be interested in getting involved with the organization of this please get in touch with ecslivuni@gmail.com.
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Prior to to the Symposium we invited you to the event:
On behalf of the Genomes to Systems research theme at the Institute of Integrative Biology, it is our pleasure to invite you to the first Early Career Researcher Symposium that will be held at the University of Liverpool on the 4th and 5th of September 2017. We invite you to attend an exciting scientific program comprising six scientific sessions, a poster session, three transferable skills sessions and social activities. Additionally we will also have special features from our guests Liverpool Health Partners.
The symposium has the theme “Wholly biology, the path to elucidating complex systems” and under this banner extends its reach to the experimental biology and clinical community as well as to the systems biology/genome scale modelling community with an interest in using omics technologies to untangle biological complexity. Moreover, the programme features thematic streams ranging from host-microbe interactions to human disease and food security.
Additionally we have planned a selection of workshops and activities including free luncheons and a wine session that will accompany an exciting selection of scientific posters.
Places are limited and we encouraged early registration. Deadline for abstract submission has been extended until the 6th of August 2017!!.
All abstracts will be appraised by an expert panel and selected presenters will be contacted shortly after the abstract submission deadline. Best talks and posters will be awarded exciting prizes.
Keep tuned for more information and follow us on twitter @WhollyBio!
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