Science transcends borders and boundaries. Collaboration is important in science. Open access to information is preferable. Truthful communication and transparent reporting are essential.

Integrity is key!

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 20/03/22

For International Women’s Day let’s pause for thought. From a moment of reflection* now it is time for thoughts to the future. What kind of world do we want for future generations?

I am feeling a sense of humility.

In troubling times we can see the worst and the best of humanity.

Having recently welcomed a third grandchild I am reminded of the strength and resilience of women in particular new mothers.

To all the amazing women in many different fields who I feel proud to know. The very visible people and the quieter people all doing their bit in troubling times in a complex world.

Here’s to resilience, hope and positivity.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 08/03/22

(* See the link to my previous IWD blog ‘A moment for reflection’)

It seemed timely for a global outlook, and for me an element of trust in science was needed (particularly for this photo taken recently at Expo Dubai).

I recently embarked on a trip with several purposes. There will be more to come from me about this global event linking innovation, technology, art, and culture.

Meanwhile, I think this quick post is a refreshing change for the start of 2022 after feeling somewhat ‘washed out’.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 18/01/22

This important subject getting is high profile attention this week on a global and national scale.

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a subject I have posted on many times here in recent years from 2015 to date; most recently asking what we can learn from the covid pandemic.  AMR can be regarded as a ‘silent pandemic’.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 17/6/21

Yesterday. All’s well. Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. Proud of everybody’s achievements in making this happen. To all involved – thank you!

I’ve definitely been here before and here I am again back for more.

See also previous post on Dose 1 experience and more information: Covid-19 Vaccination: a personal perspective.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth  6/5/21

EuroScience Open Forum (ESOF), is the largest biennial general science meeting in Europe.

* International * Multidisciplinary * Science & Technology * Society & Policy *

“There was never a question of cancelling this event! It was unthinkable precisely during this crucial period in our history, where the discussion between Science and Society is more important than ever.” Michael Matlosz, president of EuroScience.

Stefano Fantoni, Champion of ESOF2020 remarked, “We must not be afraid of knowledge especially in times of crisis”.

ESOF2020, scheduled for July this year, had to be delayed due to the covid-19 crisis. Trieste, the European City of Science 2020, rose to the challenges and restrictions imposed by the pandemic. ESOF developed and organised ‘an innovative hybrid organisational model’ for the conference with in-person and on-line sessions running for 5 days from September 2nd; thus, enabling maximum participation. ‘Online visitors came from 52 countries across 5 continents.’

Programmes were packed with intellectually stimulating and thought-provoking sessions: excellent keynote talks, a plethora of diverse presentations, and panel sessions. There were even some exhibition stands as well.

Three key themes were SCIENCE, BUSINESS, and CAREERS.

I think the revised timing proved to be even better because covid-19 also needed to be discussed widely, openly and across many disciplines; with national and international perspectives and from many aspects of science and society. Moreover, other than the current pandemic, there is much more going on in the world and in the world of science that needs to be debated and discussed. Science communication is very important as is the subject of communication itself.

ESOF (and everyone involved) – can be proud of providing an important and timely platform for discussion and debate during this ‘crucial period’. Italy and Trieste can also be proud of hosting ESOF2020. The number of expert scientists and eminent authorities who participated is noteworthy and included the Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte.

My final thought:
When something is important enough – you can do it.
Adapt and even experiment.
Take the learning forward

Sometimes, in some ways the result can be something better!

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 12/9/20

[The photos include: the brochure I picked up whilst attending the previous ESOF2018; a photo of the slide of a limited-edition stamp to commemorate the event in Trieste; a photo of a slide shown on the final day of ESOF. Open Knowledge. Fair Future. Like a beacon of light in difficult times.]

Thank you also for granting me Media Accreditation and for the Freedom to dip in and out with access to everything. As a science communicator, I have so many stories to tell from Trieste. It was an exhilarating conference! What an inspiring start to September.

The motto of ESOF2020 Trieste is important and timely.

‘FREEDOM FOR SCIENCE refers to the open-ended and unresolved questions that science is facing, with method and curiosity, without restrictions of credo or prejudices.’

‘SCIENCE FOR FREEDOM, on the other hand, refers to the inclusiveness of science and its language, which goes beyond borders and conflicts and brings together people of any colour and gender.’

I will be spreading not only the serious science but also the joy and hope of science.

Watch this space…

by Dr Julie Charlesworth

It is an interesting time for drug development and clinical trials. The corona virus issues have ignited a groundswell of support. I think we are about to see a surge in reports and results from clinical research, treatment and vaccine development.

We’ll be hearing about efficacy and safety: Questions such as – Does it work? How safe is it? How can production be scaled up to meet needs? What is the risk benefit assessment?

There are laudable collaborative efforts from different disciplines and different sectors nationally and internationally.

There are well-defined processes in place to ensure good practice and regulation. There will be innovative proposals for fast-tracking promising leads. There are likely to be exciting findings and also disappointing findings, and most probably some surprising findings – such is the nature of research and development.

Communication will also be key. Fake news and over-hyped reports are potential concerns. There is a sense of urgency. There also needs to be a degree of patience as well because sound scientific evidence, fact-checking, rigorous testing and methodology are very important.

These are interesting times and there are a plethora of good intentions and talented people working flat-out.

I think we can be realistic and hopeful too!

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 27/4/20

I wish you all a Happy New Year from myself and A Tree of Life Sciences®. Always passionate and serious about Life, Science and of course, Life Sciences! & on occasions, playful and with an extra twinkle ⭐️

A thought for 2020:
“It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness”

Dr Julie Charlesworth

I am proud to be a co-author of a new and key publication in the field of population health intervention research (PHIR). This is the culmination of a challenging and very interesting 2-year project, involving experts from a number of different disciplines and fields.

It is published by Springer Nature in the Open Access journal ‘Trials’. Click here.

“Population health intervention research: what is the place for pilot studies?”
Authors: Lehana Thabane, Linda Cambon, Louise Potvin, Jeanine Pommier, Joëlle Kivits, Laetitia Minary, Kareen Nour, Pierre Blaise, Julie Charlesworth, François Alla and Discussion Panel.

Involvement in this international collaborative project and open access publication is in keeping with my personal values, and those of A Tree of Life Sciences in “transcending borders and boundaries” in high value projects.

More to follow about this PHIR publication and involvement in related work.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth