I was delighted to have been invited to the ‘Celebrating Inspiring Women at Manchester’ event on International Women’s Day, 8th March 2018.

Celebrating Inspiring Women at Manchester

This year the discussions focussed on the media industry and the ways it shapes how we talk about women. The expert panel discussion stimulated an insightful and thought-provoking evening with some timely and pertinent questions together with an atmosphere of openness and sharing of experiences. It was also a great opportunity for meeting new friends, colleagues and current students to reflect on progress made and new challenges. Thank you to all the organisers for making this such an interesting and enjoyable event.

More about this event and other perspectives on International Women’s Day to be found here.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth

2018 heralds our new theme….

… in Life Sciences, Clinical and Health Research and Initiatives

We are increasing our involvement in international high-value collaborative projects, through consultancy and communication work, whilst continuing to support initiatives and causes that are heartfelt.

Here’s to great co-operation, collaboration and communication in 2018!

What a great choice of Lecture to start the EMWA conference in Cascais, Portugal!

On November 2nd, 2017 – 133 medical writers and aspiring medical writers gathered to hear an excellent lecture on the use of viruses against antibiotic resistant bacteria.

Fascinating science. The potential use of bacteriophages is an important and timely topic in view of the threat of antibiotic resistance to public health. New approaches present challenges to regulatory frameworks to ensure patient benefits. This brings challenges for medical writers who have an important role in helping new approaches get critically evaluated and available fast.

On a general note, the atmosphere at the conference was stimulating and friendly – with a diverse range of attendees (214) from Europe and beyond – from newcomers to some very experienced professionals all there to learn and continue learning together, and share experience. Whilst there is so much information available elsewhere nowadays – these face-to-face interactions definitely have a very valuable place as well.

It was great to be catching up with colleagues and friends; also meeting new people with much to offer. Of course, there is the bonus of engaging in enjoyable and stimulating impromptu debates at breakfast and coffee times!

by Dr Julie Charlesworth

(previous post on ABR)

The draw of Leeds (my roots; where I was born and bred) was strong and coupled with a curiosity to see what other Northern women are up to – I found myself on the M62 driving over the Pennines and heading to the first live event of the Northern Power Women (NPW).

In the past I have tended to avoid all-women events but I’m getting to really like them – and they’re not all women either. Well, there you go, never assume – keep an open mind.
Result: Meeting some great people and enjoying the energising experiences.

Some 200 participants gathered in the recently converted Salem Chapel conference venue in the centre of Leeds. The chapel’s new auditorium, combining character and technology, provided a unique setting for story-telling, performances and discussions.

The event comprised a series of quick-fire talks – aspirational yet also to the point. Voices were rich in diversity: from the louder, passionate to the quietly emotive. There were moments to meet and mingle round the stalls in the exhibition hall. The day ended on an uplifting musical note with a duo from the Royal Northern College of Music.

And, of course, weaving throughout the event was a bit of wit and Yorkshire Grit.

Proud of my Yorkshire roots and mindful that I have a good dose of Yorkshire Grit engrained in me – on reflection, it comes in handy in life!

The NPWLive event was inspiring and worthwhile. Like the best of events, it’s not over when it’s over – thought-provoking stories can leave lasting powerful memories.

There were also, of course, the additional benefits of – great value for money; the general friendliness of ‘Yorkshire folk’ you meet including the parking attendants ‘Ello Luv’. Moreover, I didn’t get lost on the inner city roads this time – I only had to ask the way once 😉.

Final thoughts – the power of story-telling and that resilience and a sense of humour can get you through the ‘knocks’ in life to bounce back, speak out, make things happen and inspire others. Think big!

by Dr Julie Charlesworth

Further information and links

Yorkshire Grit: Yorkshire people are often noted for their grit, determination and natural resilience; as well as their warmth and friendliness.

For more about the Northern Power House, click here

For more about Northern Power Women and the event in Leeds, click here

With Dr Joanna Denbigh‏ and panelist Dr Pat Troop CBE

I was thrilled to have been invited to the ‘Celebrating Inspiring Women at Manchester’ event on International Women’s Day, 8th March 2017. The informal discussions touched on some interesting questions in Life Sciences, public health and communications. It was also a great opportunity to meet and mingle with women (and men) to reflect on progress made and the challenges ahead for everyone!

More about this and other interesting perspectives to be found here…

Dr Julie Charlesworth

Dr Julie Charlesworth at MedComms Networking Meeting

In an effort to save my laptop (which was successful) I fell awkwardly and ended up with a broken fibula – on reflection not worth the pain. Anyway, I still managed to get to a MedComms Networking event a few days later. Publishing, Medical Writing and Authorship’ Dec 8th – a very worthwhile meeting for keeping up to date and sharing latest thoughts on transparency. As always it was a great opportunity to catch up with friends and colleagues. Not quite the ‘designer boot’ I was wanting from Santa Ho Ho Ho

EMWA Freelance Advocate, Dr Julie Charlesworth, introduces Marco Torregrossa, Secretary General at the European Forum of Independent Professionals, to Abraham Shevack, Vice President of EMWA (European Medical Writers Association)

Dr Julie Charlesworth introducing Marco Torregrossa, Secretary General at the European Forum of Independents Professionals, to the Freelance Business Forum

Just to share, in the moment, the exhilarating experience of the freelance (FL) sessions. More information and photos to come.
Meanwhile…

As the EMWA Freelance Advocate I was the driving force behind the introduction of a new initiative for freelancers (FLs): an interactive IT, social media and productivity tools session – Show IT, Share IT, Rise and Shine. Thank you to the Table Leaders and all participants in this trial run. A great success!

When our Freelancers have good ideas, as their Freelance Advocate, I make it happen for them.

An extended Freelance Business Forum (FBF) took place in the evening.
I presented updates on the evolution of the FBF and related activities. FBF initiatives are really taking off! We have been busy – great progress in many different areas.

I was delighted that Marco Torregrossa, Secretary General at the European Forum for Independent Professionals, accepted my invitation to be our FBF guest speaker. Marco gave an inspiring and informative presentation. A lively question period ensued. Marco stayed on for our Table discussions to learn more about freelancing in our profession, enabling him to take into account the challenges that our FLs encounter, when he contributes to policy development at the European level.

The Table discussion period – goes from strength to strength. Thank you to Table Leaders. This session works so well – discussion of hot topics and frank, open and productive exchanges between FLs. It was a stimulating and friendly networking environment.

Special thanks to the conference organising teams and AV support.

Next EMWA conference – Birmingham, May 2017