A thank you message can be a tonic in tough times.

Here is the message I received at the end of last week from SPRINGER NATURE:
‘Thank you for your dedication to peer review. Reviewing papers takes time and dedication. We appreciate your part in the publication process. Without the work of experts like you, we would not be able to help advance research each day’

I am feeling very humbled to receive this message.

It is important that we continue to have a global outlook in research and publishing.

I very much appreciate this message, particularly at the moment.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 27/9/21

Nurturing. Spring, Summer, and now, through to Autumn. ‘Keep feeding and watering, and they flower ‘til the first frost.’ There’s a lot to be said for clarity and freshness in communications too.

When communicating, sometimes less is more and can be a refreshing change.

(A close-up snap I took of some begonias in a pot in the garden.)

Take care.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 16/9/21

How can we address the current pandemic and those that might occur in the future?

We have many different tools.

Vaccination is one of the essential tools with health policies based on scientific data and the involvement of citizens also being key. There has been much progress and learning in a range of different fields. All this bodes well for the future if we support and use it wisely.

Vaccines are key tools but not the only 🧰 tools.

Challenges of COVID have shown us the power of collaboration.

We have got such a lot to learn from all this.

Involvement and experience in international collaborative projects is in keeping with my personal values, and those of A Tree of Life Sciences® in “transcending borders and boundaries” in high value projects.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 25/8/21

Whilst venturing to the stars, remember to nurture your garden at home. *

I couldn’t resist taking this photo – to remember the joyful colour, shape, and form in the garden at home.

(I am not the gardening expert in our house – gardening is Hubby’s passion and hard work. I appreciate his effort and results though ❤️)

*Words inspired by my logo, my garden, and a quote by Jeremy Bentham.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 20/8/21

When I set up A Tree of Life Sciences Ltd some years ago, I created the name and designed the logo, myself. On reflection, I made the right decision particularly in view of the huge interest in life sciences and the research and endeavours that are being undertaken.

(I am very proud of the name and the logo which are registered trademarks.)

Life sciences remain important now and for the future!

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 11/8/21

Further information:
A Tree of Life Sciences® – the story

The Logo

You can get your ducks in a row or simply swan around a bit. For me, one of the highlights has been family time together with the grownup ‘kids’ and feeding the ducks with young grandchildren!

Whether planning and organising schedules or deciding to go off to have fun and forget work and responsibilities, let’s also savour simple special times with our loved ones.

Have fun over the holidays.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 14/8/21

(I took the snapshot by a local lake)

For many people this is a month for vacations or at least a time for some summer breaks from work, school, or studies. I am very much hoping that people are able where possible to reunite with family and loved ones whom they have missed over the months or even years. The pandemic is far from over, but the development and roll-out of several different vaccines is enabling possibilities to reconnect in person; proceeding with cautious optimism is probably the best approach. Scientific research and various collaborations have enabled enormous strides to be made. There is much to celebrate and still much more to be done to rise to current and future challenges.

To summer fun, sunshine, and plenty of fresh air.
Take care.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 2/8/21

It is actually a very good time for science! I am grateful to have been able to contribute over the years particularly in life sciences, clinical and health sciences; and to be part of the research communities. It is exciting work – there is much to be done and much to communicate.

I am also enjoying other interests including poetry – and being able to experiment there too!

I am grateful to my colleagues and friends in a range of disciplines and diverse areas. ‘Thank you’ to them for ‘keeping me on my toes’. I love exploring different perspectives and being able to appreciate contributions of others and to be able to contribute from a different and general viewpoint.

I love communication. I love poetry. It’s great to be able to experiment and hear of it being enjoyed by others too.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 1/7/21

Half-term holidays with walks and wildflowers.

The centre picture brings 3 questions to mind 😊💭😉

Do you like butter?

What time is it?

They love me; they love me not?

Buttercups, dandelions, and daisies don’t have the true answers – but folklore and fun are fine in the context of activities for children and grown-ups alike.

The answers are not evidence-based of course, and thankfully no-one is presuming that they are true.

Communications that are creative but not misleading, which indicate whether a communication is evidence-based or not, are preferable. On a serious note, evidence-based serious science reporting is essential and important, especially for decision making.

Enjoy the rest of the half-term holiday. Here’s to the wildflowers and free-spirited individuals.
Take care. Have fun.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 2/6/21

[Photos: I took them this week on a walk close to home up North in England. What can you see? Buttercups, Daisies, Dandelions, Poppies, Nettles, Columbines, and Forget-me-nots]

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