International Women’s Day.

The UN has announced the theme for International Women’s Day (IWD) on 8 March 2024 as ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’.

In the run up to IWD I reflected on IWD 2023 when I was out and about at various events relating to IWD globally and locally. See my photos from 2023.

IWD Global and local events

This year I’m staying close to home. I’d like to say how grateful I am to have daughters, a daughter-in-law, and granddaughters. I am very proud of them all. (I am of course very proud of all the male family members as well and their love and respect for women and girls).

IWD is about the girls ❤️ and girls at heart ❤️.

For IWD 2024 I will be supporting and cheering on other people who are out celebrating and actively participating in many different ways to promote and support women’s causes.

Happy IWD and beyond to everyone out there 🌍.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 04/03/24

Love is in the air.

Here are some moments on film from our visit to the Galápagos Islands 20years ago…

Blue Footed Boobies are also famed for their courtship and dance.

Happy Valentine’s Day on February 14th.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 14/02/24

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[Another meme I prepared using my photos from that adventure]

Know your audience: you may be surprised.

A curious scene I captured on film during our visit to the Galápagos Islands 20years ago…

Galapagos creatures meme

[Another meme I prepared using another one of my photos from that adventure.]

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 05/02/24

A Tree of Life Sciences® 2024 and beyond.

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In  2024 A Tree of Life Sciences® continues with consistency and more surprises to come.

A new year always gives scope for looking ahead whilst remembering the past particularly after 10 years of success. My company mission to inform, improve and inspire has remained a constant. It is clear that my ventures “off-piste” in photography, poetry writing and a range of communications have inspired many others to do the same judging by comments received and similar posts written on LinkedIn and other social media. It is satisfying and they do say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Keep it up .

I am a scientist with a clear purpose. I am an expert in life sciences, clinical and health research with interests and experience in life and sciences more generally.

I think that sometimes you have to look beyond to really see and understand what is in front of you. This could be my mantra 😊😉.

[See previous post on consistency and surprises here.]

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 16/01/24

(😊.‘Not all those who wander are lost’ from a poem by J.R.R. Tolkien.)’

Autumn 2023: Darkness, daylight, and warm wishes.

We don’t have to look far to find Nature. After a long dark night comes the daylight revealing gloriously warm shades of autumn foliage. Here is a collage of moments I captured in snapshots, shared in autumns of recent-past years and present.

Collage of photos of autumn foliage and a sparkle of light

My photos are taken in the garden and close to home up North in the UK.
 
I am holding a sparkler in the garden – on the 1st day of the autumn lockdown in the UK in the 1st year of the pandemic (November 2020). It was an impromptu moment.
 
These days it seems life can be very cruel for many people.

‘Better to light a candle than to curse the darkness’.
 
With warm wishes to all.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 20/11/23

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‘Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.’ ~ Desmond Tutu.

Half-truths in communications.

I thought it timely to pen some thoughts in verse:

THE HALF-TRUTHS ©

In search of truth
Beware half-truths.

The half-truths that lull us into believing
Falsehoods that could be deceiving.
Information accepted fully and in haste.
Can instil trust that is misplaced.

False statements that contain a grain of fact.
Might shape our thoughts and how we act.
They could even aid deception.

Thus, misinformation and disinformation flow.
And seeds of misconception grow.

It’s good to have an open mind.
To listen but also to question
The source of a suggestion.
To seek evidence and review
Being careful not to misconstrue.

In science and in life we must
Beware half-truths and misplaced trust.

©Julie Charlesworth, 2023

Curiosity and an open mind are good but healthy skepticism without cynicism is also good. ‘Keep an open mind but not so open that your brain falls out.’

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 20/10/23

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See also my earlier poem putting simply how misinformation and disinformation are wrong.

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) – a timely reminder.

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I have just seen a new 36-minute documentary-style film ‘Race Against Resistance: The Life And Death Struggle To Save Antibiotics’.

I think the film is worth watching as a timely reminder of the AMR issues we are facing.

What kind of world do we want for future generations?

This film covers some background and history, recent personal stories, and innovative research approaches. It also touches on the potential value of AI in drug development.

ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE (AMR) is a global health issue of the utmost concern.

AMR is something I have written about several times since the summer of 2015 when I posted my first short article on LinkedIn about ‘spreading the word’ and a blog on my company website about ‘Doing the right thing’. I have subsequently reported on interesting research updates from science meetings, and I have also shared communications from other sources such as in this latest post.

Thinking of the world we are giving to our children, grandchildren, and future great-grandchildren.

This is an interesting subject generally and there are messages that need to be communicated widely. It could be a particularly interesting and important research area for life science students and early career researchers. 

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 06/09/23

Thank you to BBC StoryWorks.
Race Against Resistance: The Life And Death Struggle To Save Antibiotics | BBC StoryWorks
September 5th, 2023. (available to view on YouTube).

Midsommer celebrations in Sweden; hope and positivity.

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Fika, flower crowns, festivities, and culture.
 
It is the halfway point in the year and perhaps a time to spread some rays of sunshine from a wonderful European experience. I have just returned from a trip to Sweden. From Stockholm to Dalarna – what a great place to spend the summer solstice and midsummer!

Snapshots of Midsummer trip to Sweden 2023
 
We can share and learn much from different and similar cultures.
 
Life throws all sorts of stuff at us all. It is important to try and keep some hope and positivity even in the most difficult times.
 
The Dala Horse is a symbol of good luck, strength, and courage.
 
I enjoyed the midsommer traditions and festivities that celebrate the arrival of summer including a traditional floral crown.
 
It was my first attempt at making a flower crown and I was happy to wear flowers in my hair for the celebrations.
 
‘Legend has it that flowers and herbs picked on the summer solstice have magical properties.’
 
The Maypole, or Midsummer Pole (Midsommarstågen) – a local centre of the day’s festivities with dancing and songs around the Maypole. Many people participated (I joined in a little too).
 
Midsommer is a time for family and friends.
Fika, flower crowns, festivities, good food, and culture.
 
Sweden has much to offer.
 
(And of course, some superb science too!)

Fika is a concept, a state of mind, an attitude, and an important part of Swedish culture. It’s about making time for friends and colleagues to share a cup of coffee (or tea) and a little something to eat. Many people think we should make time for ‘fika’ every day.

To finding hope and positivity even in the most difficult times.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 27/06/23

 
 

May Focus

What a great time to be involved in life sciences, research and communications! Equally, these days I am actively listening and contributing more widely.

It is consistent with my purpose and may bring a few surprises, and some smiles from time to time.

Focus on Purpose.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 01/05/23

(😊.‘Not all those who wander are lost’ from a poem by J.R.R. Tolkien.)

Reconnecting with the PSA.

Why was the Professional Speaking Association (PSA) Spring Conference something worth coming back for?

PSA Summit April 2023

My main purpose was to reconnect in person with many speakers and friends who I have known for years but rarely see these days (since C19). Many attendees from several regions would be in one place on the same day. With people and subjects heartfelt and a location close to my heart and near home – this time it was central Manchester for the Spring Conference. What’s not to like 👍.

It did not disappoint. Indeed, it surpassed my expectations on many levels!

The coverage of interesting serious subjects, emotional stories; diverse perspectives and different opinions are always a refreshing change. Tips were shared. Some good people came together with a common interest – SPEAKING. As a group or individually speakers are openly or quietly supporting each other.

I think professional speakers with this role as a main source of income were particularly impacted by the covid restrictions; many adapted but it was (and still is) a challenging time.

I am glad I attended this event in person. There were many familiar faces and several people who I know and like. I was astounded by how many people still recognised and remembered me (I have been quiet for a while in this area).

Great speakers, table talks with experts and a fantastic uplifting vibe. Lots of new faces, networking, and new connections to be made. Serious discussions. Nonetheless, so much fun and laughter too.

Travelling in and out of Manchester by train again – credit where credit is due this was another positive train experience for me.

As always there was lots to learn and to open the mind. I am sure there will be many posts about this day. A well-spent Saturday!

For now, just to say thank you to the PSA for a great event and to wish everyone all the best. There will of course be follow-ups as well 😊.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 24/04/23