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.😊.

I was there too. It felt like the right place to be in that moment. I saw the actual partial eclipse in real time using the appropriate glasses at Jodrell Bank. I’m so glad I decided to come along with a friend and be at this very special place to witness such a special astronomical phenomenon. 🌞🌒😊

There are of course much better photos and reports circulating. Just doing my bit and sharing my own experience (12th August 2026).
 
Shout out to Jodrell Bank.
 
Thank you to all the friendly and helpful staff and volunteers.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 12/08/2026

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World famous. Iconic place.

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Postscript:
Jodrell Bank has an excellent reputation! Sadly, it is facing an uncertain future. People are speaking out and campaigns have been started because the future of Jodrell Bank may be limited and at risk from lack of funding. What a missed opportunity that would be! Reputation is a valuable intangible asset. Here’s to more great science and hope for a glowing future 😊 🌞🤩.
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We could just watch that space (pardon the pun 😉🔭🛰️). For those interested in contributing with a donation or doing something more then the information below may be useful:

Jodrell Bank Visitor Centre & Observatory Address
Location: Bomish Lane, Lower Withington, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK11 9DW

Academic/Astrophysics Office Address
Location: Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics, Alan Turing Building, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9P

For further information: check the Jodrell Bank website and the Manchester University website.

YORKSHIRE DAY 1st August, 2026. I couldn’t let today pass without a cheer to the great county of Yorkshire, including its scientists, artists, authors, poets, and generally straight-talking Yorkshire folk in all walks of life!
My message today is the same as last year and indeed ‘I am proud of my very smart Yorkshire working class roots.’

Manchester made me, l’d have to say.
But I was once a Yorkshire lass.
Born and bred there some time past.
Thankful to have some Northern grit.
And what the world needs now is some Northern wit!

My post last year had a rhubarb theme: Yorkshire Day 2025. Proud of my roots.
It’s not all about rhubarb of course although it never disappoints with at least 2 ‘crops’ in the garden this year!

To Northern grit and Northern wit!

My goodness we all need a good dose of resilience, determination, and humour these days.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 1/08/2026

Whilst very much looking to the future it’s 10 years to the date and I couldn’t let this pass without a mention for Manchester and science. Manchester was the first UK city to be named European City of Science in 2016. From July 23–27, 2016 Manchester hosted the EuroScience Open Forum (ESOF).

There were ESOFs (EuroScience Open Forums) before that but Manchester, you were my first! I made an impromptu decision to attend as it was being held just ‘down the road’. I am so glad I went.

WHAT AN INSPIRATION IT WAS!

I was hooked from the start, and I went on to participate in press conference discussions and generally as a scientist and a science communicator in every ESOF thereafter (in person whenever possible or otherwise on-line). They were Europe’s largest interdisciplinary science meetings, covering science, society, business and careers.

So, A HUGE THANK YOU to ESOF, Manchester, the University of Manchester, and all those involved in the Manchester event. A special thanks to Andy Parkinson for making me feel so welcome in the Press Office.

Scientists, policymakers, and innovators were brought together to discuss latest developments and the future, with significant global discussions. On this occasion the recent UK referendum (June 23rd, 2016) to leave the EU and the potential impact of ‘Brexit’ felt raw and uncertain. Scientists were determined and passionate about continuing the ethos of collaborations and openness in science.

Like many others my curiosity about areas outside my specialities was sparked. A thirst for learning from other disciplines proved to be enlightening and I resolved to share the learning more widely in communications.

I was interested in supporting and inspiring students and young researchers in their career choices. I was already a Gold Mentor for undergraduates. An impromptu drop-in to a session on postgraduate careers was an eye opener when I discovered the many issues facing PhD students at that time. Before this I was viewing the PhD experience from my own very positive experience and probably through ‘rose-tinted glasses’. My focus on support changed to include and focus on the PhDs and early career researchers.

So, as the global spotlight points to Manchester in 2026 this is a brief reflection of a time ten years ago. There was so much about Manchester and science before then and so much since then.
The future bodes well!

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 23/07/2026

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Post script:
ESOF 2016 previous post in 2016 click here: ESOF comes to Manchester!
I have written numerous reports from ESOF 2018, 2020 and 2022
[Unfortunately beyond 2024 ESOF was unable to secure the necessary funding for future conferences]

A few photos from 2016:

A memento I recently discovered when tidying out some drawers:

Dix ans après l’attentat. Le 14 julliet 2016. We were on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, France just meters in front of the direct impact and a moment away during this atrocity. At the time it was a surreal experience, time slowed like in a film. People running past us. How you and others react in a crisis is a learning experience. A few hours later we realised the enormity of what had just happened.

Le 14 julliet 2016, 86 personnes sont mortes et plut de 450 autres ont été blessées.

My thoughts are with the victims, their families and all those affected directly or indirectly.

It’s not something I talk about often but having just returned from Nice and this being the 10th anniversary it seemed poignant to share this sentiment.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 08/07/2026

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[Post script We have a more personal experience of what happened next in those moments and the next hour or so and how we reacted. Perhaps to be told in different ways in different circumstances. For now this is enough to share.]

Treasure special moments in life. Look what I found when clearing out some old cupboards! A pair of graduation celebration glasses from 50 years ago!
Many years later in a house clearance (after both my parents had died) it was an emotional moment for me to discover that they had kept these mementos.

Cherish these moments. We often don’t appreciate how special they are until they become memories.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 22/06/2026

Further comment:
Universities are sometimes a conduit for social mobility. A half-century later they can be this and so much more…

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

A quirky break from the serious stuff.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 01/06/2026

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’ve been away and you return home to discover your own garden displaying a glorious gallery of new growth. For a few minutes this week in early May I couldn’t resist taking these snapshots to capture and share a sudden feeling of optimism.

(Thanks and credit to my husband for his hard work in the garden over the years. Much appreciated.)

Enjoy the sentiment and photos or look for a deeper message. Just feel it!

When looking towards the stars don’t forget the flowers at your feet.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 07/05/2026

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“Stretching his hand up to reach the stars, too often man forgets the flowers at his feet” a quote generally attributed to the English philosopher and social reformer Jeremy Bentham.