Just back from last week’s Freelance Business Forum (FBF) in Munich. Amazed at the fantastic response from everyone.

The FBF took place on May 12th 2016, during the EMWA Spring conference. This was the first time I (or my co-host) had hosted the forum.  I tried out a new format with a very upbeat and forward-looking perspective. The theme was Out On Our Own but Not Alone. Out On Our Own (OOOO) is the name of the freelance section of the EMWA Medical Writing journal and we are the new co-editors of OOOO.

We opened the FBF with a few introductory slides acknowledging those responsible for initiating and developing this forum; then a brief history and some key achievements to date. We quickly shifted to the future: opportunities, initiatives and ideas. There is so much potential!

The forum then moved on to the main focus – a table discussion period led by 6 freelancer (FL) Table Leaders: FL volunteers with a spectrum of experience. This time our Table Leaders were FLs who live in France, Germany, Sweden and the UK. 7 hot topics were proposed to kick-start the discussions – the topics were based on subjects and questions received from our FL community in recent months. It was also an opportunity for FLs to share different dilemmas, tips and solutions.

This was a relatively informal networking session with drinks and ‘nibbles’. The enthusiasm was palpable and the allocated time was only sufficient to touch on some fascinating questions. As this FBF was in Munich we were delighted to have Andreas Lutz from the VGSD as our guest. Not surprisingly, there was an impromptu table discussion (without a table) where Andreas fielded questions from FLs based in Germany. He provided practical advice and he himself gained an understanding of some of the specific needs of FLs working in the field of medical writing.

Time was of the essence. The summing-up led up to some take home messages and a few final remarks. On a lighter fun note everyone was mobilised by a short music video clip. The lively discussions then resumed informally outside the forum for some time afterwards with new friends and contacts keen to continue getting to know each other. Indeed several FLs are making plans to start informal ‘local gatherings’ of freelancers (an initiative promoted at the FBF this time). FLs should know that although they say that sometimes they feel ‘Out On Our Own’ – they are certainly Not Alone!

There was an impressive turn out of over 60 individuals from many different parts of Europe and beyond – FLs and others interested in freelancing who are passionate about their subject and their professions (medical writing and related).

We can all look forward to the next FBF at the EMWA autumn conference in Brussels. We will be catching up with friends and colleagues and I am sure there will also be many new faces. It is an exciting time in the ‘freelance world’ and we would like to build on the momentum achieved in Munich. We have more ideas for Brussels ……

Fuller coverage will follow – this post is just a taster to capture the moment and to take the opportunity to thank all those who participated and contributed to making it such a success.

by Julie Charlesworth

Surprised myself again – by participating for the first time in the annual Institute of Directors North West Women as Leaders conference – the theme ‘Impact and influence’.

The event was described as ‘a superb line-up of some of the region’s top female influential and inspirational Business Women and experts from across the UK to help you shape your leadership skills, communication styles and business impact.’

As I approached the venue an initial thought was “is this really me?” However, I had decided to go along with an open mind and a degree of curiosity. It turned out that….

– it wasn’t all women, both genders featured.
– the speakers were inspiring.
– the participants comprised an interesting and diverse collection from many different ‘walks of life’ and professions.

The venue and organisation were ‘top notch’ and the event supported a worthy charity in Teach First.

As a send off – Uchenna Dance got everyone up dancing and in the mood, urging us to:

Be FIERCE!
Be FABULOUS!
Be FREE!

Well, you live and learn – and indeed just keep on learning…

and that’s important when offering leadership consultancy and support to others.

Looking forward to next year!

by Julie Charlesworth

I was delighted (and surprised) to receive an invitation to attend ‘a special event to celebrate the inspiring women connected to Manchester’. This event was held on International Women’s Day (March 8th 2016) in the Whitworth Hall, The University of Manchester.

You might even find me amongst this set of photos as I feature in several – although by the look of me I clearly wasn’t trying to be caught on camera, but hey ho …..

The event included an inspiring panel-led debate followed by a chance to meet and mingle with interesting women (and men). It was a great opportunity for some ‘time out’ to consider how to ‘change the world’ for the better – not just a better future for women – but also for men, families, kids, society, education! Serious talk but not taking ourselves too seriously on this occasion. Northern women ‘down to earth’ and aiming big!

Click here for more information and a link to live recording of the panel discussion.

It was an enjoyable and though-provoking event – and a theme which A Tree of Life Sciences naturally supports in its aspirations to inform, improve and INSPIRE!

by Julie Charlesworth

February 4th 2016 – An evening reception with lectures at the Manchester Cancer Research Centre (MCRC) was a fitting place for me to be on World Cancer Day. Back to my research roots, memories of exhilarating PhD days and in my mind there was no better place to be at that time. I have a fond notion that the new building is perhaps constructed on the location of the old Christie Hospital Staff Club where I met my husband. Two friends decided we would make a great couple – and somehow it all worked out. Well it is almost Valentine’s Day so I’m allowed a little romantic reverie.

A number of years later and many stories later (but for another time perhaps), and here I am scouring the room for faces from the past, colleagues and current friends. There’s a lot happening in this part of the world with Manchester University, the Christie NHS Foundation Trust and Cancer Research UK independent cancer research charity.

Future cancer research is encompassed in this very new futuristic building and facilities – a superb example in a new era of collaborations in research. This evening befittingly, we are treated to a glimpse of the latest developments and future direction of research in this centre of excellence. The title is ‘Cancer Treatments of Tomorrow: Tailor Made in Manchester’

A short ‘warm-up’ introduction by Dr Nigel Brooks who then stands back for Professor Caroline Dive to present the very latest science and aspirations from her research team. Biomarkers, isolation of single cancerous cells circulating in the bloodstream. Her enthusiasm is contagious (well I caught it as I am sure many others did too).

Professor Andrew Hughes then takes to the helm and just in case anyone wasn’t quite so switched on by the science, the whole audience is energised by participating in a short exercise involving lots of standing up and sitting down – the theme being the implications of research aspirations for outcomes in patients – a feel for where we have been and where we could be heading. His team are conducting clinical trials on new drugs and he presents an overview of their current research.

An important take home message is that different teams are working together to maximise the impact of precision medicine on patients and how these teams plan to expand their work in future.

Discussions are opened to the floor and lively banter ensues – ‘biomarkers’, ‘precision medicine’, ‘early detection’, lots of science and of course some straight-talking non-science practical and ‘political’ points made as well. Well, what would you expect – this is Manchester!

Light refreshments and time for a catch up with former and current colleagues from academia and industry. Then it’s time to leave and somehow on the dark evening drive home from Manchester the mood is lifted by the sense of moving forward, the traffic lights, the flashbacks to an inspirational scientific event and glimmers of hope for the future.

Thank you to the organisers for the opportunity to attend this event – as I said there’s a lot happening in Manchester UK these days!

by Julie Charlesworth

The NCRI Cancer Conference in Liverpool, UK (November 1-4, 2015) provided an opportunity to look at cancer research from all angles.

With Liverpool being a convenient location from my Manchester base, I opted to drive there and back each day. As it turned out, the unexpected foggy weather meant very early starts and long days (better to stay overnight on site next time).

This proved to be a very worthwhile week!

ATMOSPERE
Conferences can be similar in many ways but I find they do have different atmospheres. The NCRI Cancer Conference is a UK-based conference that brings together the entire cancer community. The buzz there was palpable! There were national perspectives – but also international perspectives and participants; less industry (or commercial) and more informal than some events, with lots of energetic researchers very passionate about their subjects. Charities, patient groups, public health, NHS, academia and research institutes were all well-represented.

CONTENT
There was a breadth of cancer research from basic science to public health. Here is a sample of what was offered:

Plenaries – Great speakers with knowledge and experience; straight–talking and also inspiring.
Symposia, parallel sessions, workshops, posters – provided a ‘pick n mix’ of subjects. There was something for everyone; including basic science, clinical research and development, prevention, treatment, and also patient perspectives.
Exhibition – with good opportunities for networking.

Key features:
Lively debates; cutting-edge science; interesting potential breakthroughs in prevention and treatment.

PERSONAL TAKES:
Keeping current and up to date: an integral part of the development of A Tree of Life Sciences, as a growing independent consultancy.

Cancer research: a specialist subject area – I took full advantage of this opportunity to continue to develop knowledge and understanding.

During the conference I was also able to share meeting highlights with colleagues and contacts. I came away with a wealth of material and ideas for future writing, communications and projects. As always these events are great opportunities to make new friends and contacts for future collaborations.

Excellent conference! Great experience!

Further information available here

by Julie Charlesworth

A Tree of Life Sciences® is investing in the future through mentoring and coaching.

We continue to support the Manchester Gold programme (Manchester University undergraduate and postgraduate students).

A Tree of Life Sciences is supporting and inspiring both newcomers and seasoned leaders.

See our Learning services

Manchester Gold mentee “I would say that I have benefitted enormously from having a mentor over the last few months and learnt a lot of skills and a different way of thinking”

I have just returned from the ESC Congress, feeling invigorated. The event took place 29 August to 2 September 2015 in London. The ESC Congress is the world’s largest cardiovascular event. This year there were more than 32,000 participants, including more than 26,000 delegates and 5000 exhibitors.

A lasting impression is just how vast this event was and bearing that in mind, how well organised. The array of interesting topics and learning opportunities was particularly enticing. Day 1 was a very hectic, long day for me as I could not resist trying to engage in as much as possible. With more than three days left I had to be selective about which parts I could actually attend. The Congress App proved to be an excellent planning tool. When I had to miss presentations due to clashes of timing, I could catch up afterwards with slides or videos available on-line.

Interspersed with Congress sessions I had some pre-arranged meetings with clinical research colleagues. I also bumped into some people I had met at previous professional meetings and it was good to catch up over a coffee. In informal chats with some of the ESC organisers I was even able to practice my French (although their English is clearly excellent).

There was a truly international feel to the Congress with delegates from Europe and also all around the world. This year notably there were a significant number of delegates from Japan and South America. There was a definite buzz throughout, which even extended to the Docklands train line packed with enthusiastic Congress attendees – a sense of common purpose, involvement and sharing of knowledge and experience.

The ESC congress was great opportunity to increase my awareness of the latest clinical trials and discoveries in basic science and clinical research. It was also a chance to participate in some education activities and to make new friends and contacts.

by Julie Charlesworth 14/09/2015

Over the summer of 2015, I became increasingly concerned about this important local and global issue.

The danger of antimicrobial resistance is something we have been aware of for years. However, it often takes a specific event or a simple communication to jolt us as individuals to action. For me, it was attending a lecture in June 2015 by Professor Dame Sally Davies the Chief Medical Officer for England.

The messages Sally Davies conveyed kept coming to mind and I did some further research. ‘The Drugs Don’t Work’ is very readable book* that I would recommend to you. To learn more about the issues quickly, you can watch this short video. There are many aspects to antimicrobial resistance and many actions that are needed. One of the key messages is that we need new antibiotics.

These issues can no longer be perceived as a problem ‘for tomorrow’ and I felt compelled to do something now.

I am not a microbiologist myself (although our networks do include specialists in anti-infectives and microbiology). How best could I contribute?

I am viewing this as a ‘doing the right thing’ project. This is what I have done so far:

In August 2015 I published a post on LinkedIn which has been widely viewed. By sharing some very clear and powerful material, I hoped to inform others (including writers) about the subject’s many different aspects. I started discussions in medical communication and medical writing groups. My intention was to increase awareness and stimulate discussion amongst communicators in Life Sciences and health matters. The involvement of professional associations and their networks enables writers to have the necessary support to develop their skills and improve the quality of their communications.

These are just a few small actions, let’s see what happens…

by Julie Charlesworth, August 2015

* ‘The Drugs Don’t Work (Penguin Special): A Global Threat’ by Professor Dame Sally Davies, Dr Jonathan Grant and Professor Mike Catchpole (ISBN: 9780241968888)

…………..

Update to original post:

November 2017
What a great choice of opening lecture at the EMWA Conference. Medical writers and aspiring medical writers gathered to hear an excellent lecture on the use of viruses against antibiotic resistant bacteria.
(see post on ABR 2017)

May 2018
Great to see EMWA introduced a new workshop ‘Bacterial infections and their treatments’ – particularly pertinent to the issue of antibacterial resistance.
Now, approved to be a regular workshop in their Professional Development Programme.

A Tree of Life Sciences Director, Dr Julie Charlesworth was invited to attend the preview of the opening of the new Manchester Cancer Research Centre (MCRC).

The event hosted a group of about 50 ‘supporters’ (including Alumni and donors).

The evening began with an opportunity to mingle and meet supporters, MCRC representatives including members of the strategy and steering boards, and also research workers. The ‘preview’ began with an introduction by Dr Nigel Brooks and presentations by Professor Nic Jones and Professor Sir Salvador Moncada. The presentations were followed by guided tours of the new building and facilities; including talks and demonstrations by current post-doctoral researchers. There was an opportunity to actually participate in some ‘lab work’. The event closed with refreshments and some informal time to catch up with former colleagues and current researchers.

Julie says, “it is an exciting time in cancer research and this initiative is a fantastic example in a new era of collaborations in research”.  “A big thank you to the organisers for an inspirational event and for the opportunity to attend such a special occasion”.

The concept of ‘superior science, education and patient care through collaboration’ (Manchester University, the Christie NHS Foundation Trust and Cancer Research UK independent cancer research charity) is inspiring. ‘Personalised medicine’ at last seems an achievable objective and the science is fascinating.

More to follow ……..

Photograph taken 20th May 2015 by Julie Charlesworth

May 20th 2015 was International Clinical Trials Day and it seemed a very appropriate occasion to be visiting the Groote Schuur Hospital, which is also an internationally renowned research institution.

Groote Schuur is the main academic hospital for the University of Cape Town’s medical school. The hospital attracts visiting medical students, trainee doctors and specialists who go to gain further training and experience in various fields.

The hospital is also famous because it is the institution where the first human heart transplant was performed.