In August 2016 (10 years ago this month) after the EuroScience Open Forum (ESOF) in Manchester I felt inspired to write a poem about the experience.

Looking back and looking to the future, such gatherings can be immensely valuable! For everyone and personally.

A message for early career researchers (and students, seasoned researchers and other professionals) whether in person, virtually or on-line:

BE CURIOUS, GET OUT THERE, TURN UP!

ESOFs were Europe’s largest interdisciplinary science meetings, covering science, society, business and careers.

What started as an impromptu decision to ‘turn up’ simply out of curiosity in Manchester 2016 lead to so much more. I went on to participate in press conference discussions and generally as a scientist and a science communicator at ESOFs for the next 6 years, Manchester, Toulouse, Trieste, and Leiden. In person at events in 2016 and 2018 and on-line for hybrid at events in 2020 and 2022. With media accreditation I was given access to all the sessions with the freedom to dip in and out in real time, participate in debates and discussions, or catch up later. I am forever grateful for the opportunities presented.

It’s not just about what you learn. It’s also about who you meet and making new connections.

Nobody knows everything. Surprisingly, I learned most from the areas where I was not an expert or had relatively little knowledge. There were opportunities to ponder, discuss and debate new concepts such as Open Science and questions such as Who Owns Space.

THESE TYPES OF INTERDISCIPLINARY FORUMS AND CONFERENCES ARE VERY MUCH ABOUT LOOKING TO THE FUTURE.

I benefitted from a ‘heads up’ for things to come which are here now; notably, the subjects of AI and quantum computing. Frontier science can be fascinating. Over the years I shared my learning and reported on a range of subjects including synthetic biology, the James Webb telescope, AI, quantum computing and other hot topics. It’s great to be there and hear experts from other fields at times of major world happenings (e.g. Brexit, the Covid19 pandemic).

I miss the ESOFs. I do hope there are these types of events that can continue to inspire!

From Manchester for the world. Looking back and looking forward to the future.

BE CURIOUS, GET OUT THERE, TURN UP
Turn up, speak out or quietly observe.
😊

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 26/08/2026

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[P.S. A 6-year period well-spent: Building on my own specialisms (in basic research – cancer research and DNA repair; applied research – drug development; clinical research; medical writing and medical affairs) this phase was about broadening my knowledge and experience. (During this period, I also took on work in a new and challenging cross-disciplinary area – population health intervention research PHIR).]

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Further comments:
Missing ESOF and the people I met.
Looking back and looking to the future with stories to tell in different ways.😊.

Looking forward to a summer of science with conferences, meetings, research collaborations, and communications. Proud to support many good people out there doing good work with good intentions.

Still finding time to ‘smell the roses’ at home as well.

I penned this little haiku and I took a snapshot of the ‘Ruby Wedding Roses’ in my garden. The roses were a romantic gift from my husband several years ago. With consistency and surprises they burst into bloom in June each year and last the whole summer.

Feeling summery and a bit sentimental this week.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 08/06/2026

Thoughts for the day. A whimsical rhyme.

Having a head in the clouds isn’t a bad idea in a heatwave 😊 ☁️

More to come…

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 27/05/2026

When you choose to speak out and in hindsight it seems almost prophetic. (Not meant in a religious sense). I had a feeling of foreboding about what might lie ahead unless we wake up to what’s happening.

I wrote this poem towards the end of January 2025 a period in time when to me it felt like the lull before a storm. I posted the poem here at the beginning of February 2025. It was very popular and clearly resonated with many people.

Does poetry work? I find I can think more clearly in rhyme. Poetry comes naturally and once I get in the zone it flows easily. I’ve just written an extra few words to include here. It’s a little Haiku by me:

Poems from my brain
In the zone and full of soul
Glad they’re AI-free

‘Am I Living in a Sci-Fi Film?’. My message today is consistent with the poem. So, as I asked in my Sci-Fi poem in 2025 – was ‘something momentous or calamitous about to happen’?

Can messages in poetry or rhyme be succinct, emotive, and remain effective?

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 2/02/2026

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Previous 2025 blog here Am I living in a Sci-Fi Film?

It can be an emotional time of year. Poetry, light and music can help to lift spirits.

I wrote this haiku to capture my feelings in a moment of peace, reflection, and thought.

Spreading a little comfort and joy, I hope.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 28/12/2025

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[I filmed the video clip at a sound and light festive event in December 2025; Dunham Massey, UK National Trust]

[I think the music is from Enya The Journey of Angels.]

The run up to Christmas begins. Starting with my message in a verse to bring a smile 😊.

I wrote this poem in 2023 and it seems timely to include it here in this 2025 post. I hope you still like it.

‘It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas’ 🎵🎄🎶. And so it begins…

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 1/12/2025

In life generally we should be wary of half-truths. I think this can be especially important in science.

TRUTH. Thinking about truth brings to mind oaths such as ‘I promise to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.’

HOME TRUTHS – ouch! Some people need to hear these (including ourselves sometimes) and can benefit from listening to feedback. Some feedback hits home whereas some can be dismissed for good reason.

HALF-TRUTHS. ‘In science and in life we must beware half-truths and misplaced trust.’ See the poem I wrote in 2023. It seems timely to share it again here.

TRANSPARENCY. One person’s idea of truth is not necessarily another person’s view. I think it’s best to know why something is considered as truth. For example, some factors and questions to consider:
Evidence-based findings.
Reproducibility of results using the same method of research/study.
Faith or a religious belief.
A hunch or a gut feeling
Told something is ‘common sense’ or so it may seem.
An opinion can be based on any of the above.

I’m interested in facts and feelings, seeking truths through science or sometimes through writing poetry.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 03/09/2025

Who would have thought the world could turn out the way it has? On a positive note I was inspired to express some feelings in poetic verse.

AM I LIVING IN A SCI-FI FILM? ©

Am I living in a sci-fi film?
And is it only me
Thinking
‘Can this really be reality?’
Surely this surreality
Is not how it’s meant to be.

We have a right to determine how this story goes…

©Julie Charlesworth, 2025

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 03/02/25

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Here’s the Poem in postcard form:

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Hark – the festive season beckons!! However, not everyone will be feeling fully engaged with the festive spirit of the season. The run-up can be triggering sadness and thoughts of loved ones lost, past and present.

From a personal perspective I know that the loved ones I miss would wish to be fondly remembered and yet would also be willing us to have a fun festive time. However sad I may feel at times I don’t begrudge others having fun and I will also be rising to the spirit of special festive occasions.

People will feel all sorts of emotions for many different reasons, and we should be empathetic and respectful.

This year has dealt such cruel blows to many people. In the weeks ahead – let us be kind to everyone – in business as well as in life generally. You never know what someone is going through or what is happening in their lives. These sentiments are expressed my link to ‘Life’s Cruel Blows”.

As with many other people it is also a time when we miss loved ones, we lost many years ago. In my case my parents:

STAY WITH ME©

In a dream
You are here.
I can see, touch, and sense you.
I know it’s a dream
But just for now
Please stay with me a moment.

Life hurts.
I still miss you.

©Julie Charlesworth, 2022

It is time to have fun and be kind – this year has been particularly harsh.

To smiles, joy, and laughter even in difficult times.
‘Glad tidings of comfort and joy’.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 04/12/24

For a change here is something I have written with a bit of a Sci-Fi theme:

THE HIVE MIND ©

There is a message
From the network
It is time to rope you in.

You are needed for the hive.
Why?
It is how we all survive.
But am I still alive?
Sort of…

All together now-
High five to the hive.

You are now connected to the hybrid Hive Mind.

©Julie Charlesworth, 2024

⛓️‍💥🧠⛓️

Through science fiction and verse we can explore possible futures using our imagination and with the power of the human mind.

Imagine this scenario – a bit quirky but makes you think 😉.

On a more serious note, the message is to be wary of possibilities or paths towards voluntary servitude.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 19/11/24