TRI 2016 POSTER SYMPOSIUM - WRAP UP!

Yesterday, 25 October, the fourth TRI Poster Symposium was held on Level 2 at TRI. Over 100 guests were in attendance with over 80 participants displaying their posters.

This year’s symposium had a strong focus upon translation and saw two new prize categories introduced; science to business and science to everyone. All posters and talks were required to demonstrate how the research either fitted into the T1-T5 translational pathway or related to a translational project. Introducing this element, as well as the two new categories, encouraged participants to think about their work in regards to the bigger, translational picture and also how to communicate to different audiences, not just scientists.

The day started with a welcome address from TRI’s CEO & Director of Research, Professor Carolyn Mountford followed by the oral presentations. The day also included two poster session and a keynote address from Dr Paige Maguire.

Dr. Maguire, who completed her PhD at the University of Queensland and is currently the Deputy Director of e-Grad School Australia. She previously held academic and industry research positions at Harvard University and at a biotechnology company in Silicon Valley, among other roles. Dr Maguire stressed the necessity of acquiring additional skills during and following a PhD to stand out in a competitive job market. She highlighted the lack of academic jobs, and encouraged students to explore positions in industry or in other sectors, such as law or business. She recommended identifying your skills and taking on new opportunities in areas where you identify skills gaps, and stressed the importance of personal branding and networking. Her talk was engaging and well-received by attendees.

It was great to see so many people involved and we look forward to 2017!