Parental joy! I find it uplifting to see the recent posts of pride from many mums and dads – the love is palpable. Graduations, weddings, and birthdays. Simply and very importantly family holiday time. These aspects of life, work, and play – create memories, and perspectives of parental joy whether from our own parents or for our offspring.

I am grateful to have had all these occasions to celebrate over the years being a mum of 3 grown up ‘kids’. Proud of all their high academic, professional and career achievements of course. Happy to see them finding love and over recent years their weddings. Most of all I am proud that they have grown up to be lovely human beings with good values. Some of those values I recognise, and I hope I have passed on from my own parents. Do not underestimate the intelligence and values of the smart working class. I think it is important to remember your roots, pass on the stories, the values, and the love.

None of this is taken for granted because there are many ups and downs for everyone. My parents were proud of me too. I feel thankful and full of gratitude to be a proud mum of 3 and a very happy grandma of wonderful grandchildren.

Thinking of parental joy whether as parents ourselves or as sons and daughters of parents (current or passed).

Enjoy the celebrations, and memories with family (whatever that means to you, and whoever and however you want to celebrate).

Remember your roots and values.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 11/8/22

It was an excellent event! I am grateful and feel privileged to have had media accreditation and the freedom to dip in and out with access to everything. As a science communicator, I am of course emerging from this stimulating experience with stories to tell.

For now, please note the EuorScience Open Forum is renowned for:

• Being ‘the largest biennial interdisciplinary meeting on science and innovation in Europe, for and with society.’
• Bringing together stakeholders involved in European science: scientists, business executives and policy-makers.
• Connecting curious minds across Europe and beyond (from 87 different countries on this occasion).

The meeting has evolved, and it has to an extent been a leader in adapting to a hybrid format to meet recent needs and preferences for in-person or virtual options for large international events.

I was very pleased to be a participant again this year. I was also quietly listening in earnest when just as I thought no-one had particularly noticed me, there was a mention of my name – very welcoming 😊. And again, when I thought no-one particularly knew, there was another mention of me attending on-line from Manchester with a comment of ‘great city’ – very true!! Although strictly speaking I was in Cheshire (and a bit further out from South Manchester) mainly with my virtual and online presence.

I have participated in the press offices previously and as an accredited media/science communicator for every ESOF conference onsite and online from Manchester 2016, Toulouse 2018, Trieste 2020 and now Leiden 2022.

For a variety of reasons, I was not able to attend in person this year and my preference was to participate online and virtually – from my home, and in the moment. It worked very well, and I am grateful to the organisers.

The enticing overarching theme of ESOF2022 is CROSSING BORDERS, ENGAGED SCIENCE, RESILIENT SOCIETIES.

Thank you to ESOF2022!

I will be spreading not only the serious science but also the joy of science.
More to come…

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 21/7/22

To Endurance: ‘the capacity of something to last or to withstand wear and tear.’ Recently we are seeing great examples of people in the news including a high-profile broadcaster and biologist, and a singer- songwriter for whom I have respect. Of course, I am sure we also know many unsung heroes in various professions and more generally. ‘Hats off’, ‘high fives’, and respect to them too!

On a lighter note, thinking about enduring love, and getting a bit ‘lovey dovey’. This photo is of another couple of visitors to my garden this week. Looks like love is not only in the air but also at home and grounded.

“Wood pigeons are the touchy-feely type. Some pairs mate for life but re-enforce their bond by taking it in turns to preen and canoodle with each other, not caring one jot for us embarrassed onlookers.” RSPB.

Take care.

(Puns intended – 😉)

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 24/6/22

I had the opportunity to visit Expo 2020 during my recent visit to Dubai and I am excited to share some of my snapshots and observations. The original start date having been delayed by a year due to the Covid–19 pandemic could now proceed for 6 months from October 2021 to 31 March 2022, providing the world with some much-needed messages of happiness, resilience, hope and positivity.

World Expos occur every 5 years and this is the first ever to be held in the Middle East. Around 192 countries are represented. There are three core themes – namely Sustainability, Mobility and Opportunity. The motto of Expo Dubai is “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”.

Some snapshots and highlights from a day’s visit to the Dubai Expo.

Welcome…

There is fun for all the family and for grown-ups, kids, or grandkids alike. For example: Featured in these snapshots are the enchanting ball pool experience in the Hungary pavilion; the Petit Prince theme in the France pavilion; the popular Water Feature outdoors.

Country Pavilions
Dubai Expo includes pavilions where different countries showcase their achievements in arts, culture, sciences, and business.

An impressive example is the UAE pavilion:

I was particularly drawn to the theme of Open Access to knowledge.

It was interesting to learn more about cutting edge research and innovative approaches in the UAE.

The vision and dreams for a better world were inspirational from a historical perspective and, also continued as a theme for the future.

In summary, of course this short report is just a snippet of what there is to see and experience at the Dubai Expo. Combining a family outing with business and professional curiosity, and with young grandchildren in tow, our small family group made the most of a day visit from 10am to 4pm. We walked 10km! My only regret was I didn’t get to go back, spend more time there and explore more of the many exhibitions and events on offer.

Finally, to close here is a photo at dusk in Dubai.

If you get the chance, I recommend a visit to the Dubai Expo.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 21/02/22

Cancer Research and Communications.

On World Cancer Day – I am looking forward to progress in the field! I have been reflecting from my PhD and post doc days of carcinogenesis and DNA repair research, then to clinical research, drug development, and medical affairs and communication. Cancer research is a fascinating area encompassing basic science and important work in cancer prevention, detection, treatment, and drug development to meet medical needs. There are some fascinating and very worthwhile career opportunities for those starting out and more seasoned researchers.

Like other research areas the challenges of the covid pandemic have impacted on cancer research including funding, and events.

Just now remembering a 2019 pre-covid in-person event in honour of World Cancer Day.

Finally, a ‘high five’ to workers in cancer research globally for their tireless efforts to continue important work in difficult times.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 4/02/22

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

Life throws all sorts of hardships at each and every one of us. These ‘pandemic years’ have been particularly harsh on us all; myself and my family are no exception. There have been some good times too.

Wishing you the resilience to carry you through difficult times, different perspectives to see things in balance, and a positive outlook for the future.

A frosty morning in January and a brighter outlook from home in the UK.

To good times and happy surprises too!

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 17/01/22

What a good time to be involved in research and communications!

Life sciences are contributing to our understanding of the world and providing solutions and hope for the future.

I am grateful for the opportunities which have enabled me to contribute. Thank you to all those who have supported me over the years.

There is much to be done in these areas and great potential for exciting, interesting, and fulfilling work and careers.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 11/01/22

‘It pays to keep an open mind, but not so open your brains fall out’. 😉

(Attributable to various people including serious scientists with a sense of humour)

In matters of science, an open mind with a dollop of healthy skepticism is sensible.

Keep thinking, seek the truth, ask for evidence.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 07/01/22

How about a Quantum Leap in a different field to start 2022?

Quantum Technology: a new technology that will impact society and the future of sciences.

The new year is often a time to reflect as well as to look forward. In my brief report around this time last year, I included some metaphors to help with the understanding of a complex subject.

I think it is good to challenge yourself to explore unfamiliar subjects and you certainly gain respect for other disciplines!

The world needs specialists and generalists and some people can be either or both.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 04/01/22