I was delighted to accept an invitation from the Chancellor and the Vice Chancellor of Manchester University to attend the Foundation Day Celebrations 2022. It was a particularly special occasion because the ceremony included the installation of the new Chancellor, Nazir Afzal OBE.

The Chancellor is the University’s ceremonial head and also one of its most prominent ambassadors.

Foundation Day 2022 was an uplifting experience. Notably, it was a time to reflect on the achievements of students in these difficult times and to hear about the aspirations of the university for the future.

Nazir Afzal delivered powerful words in his speech. It is a time to look forward and I wish him a successful and enjoyable 7 years in the role.

Thank you to Manchester University.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 12/10/22

ESOF2016 was the start for me 💡. There were ESOFs (EuroScience Open Forums) before that but Manchester was my first! What an eye opener it was. I was inspired to write a poem ‘Science transcends boundaries’. I had discovered a whole new world of science and thinking. I felt honoured to have been invited to the ESOF2016 Press Office to participate in discussions.

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).

ESOFs cover core areas of science, society, business and careers. Reflecting on the mottos and themes of each event it is not surprising that I, along with many others, have been captivated and inspired.

Manchester 2016: (On-site)
The Motto ‘Science as Revolution’ was an invitation for breakthrough ideas to continue scientific revolutions and encourage focus on past, present and future path-breaking science.

Toulouse 2018: (On-site)
‘Sharing science towards new horizons’ was a theme strongly committed to international openness, dedicated to science and innovation. There were also high-level multidisciplinary exchanges around the big scientific and social issues at stake for the future.

Trieste 2020: (Hybrid. On-site and on-line)
‘Open Knowledge. Fair Future’ and ‘Freedom for Science. Science for Freedom’ .
The spirit of openness and inclusiveness was expressed in the motto. Freedom for Science referred to the ‘open-ended and unresolved questions that science is facing, with method and curiosity, without restrictions of credo or prejudices’. Science for Freedom refers to ‘the inclusiveness of science and its language, which goes beyond borders and conflicts and brings together people of any colour and gender’.

Leiden 2022: (Hybrid. On-site 2 locations and on-line).
The latest enticing overarching theme was ‘Crossing Borders, Engaged Science, Resilient Societies’, also with the forum’s objective of ‘connecting curious minds’. The ESOF2022 theme stems from ‘a need to continue to break down geographical borders in order to share knowledge and collectively solve the complex, intertwined, and universal challenges that all societies encounter’.

Going forward there is a ‘necessity for scientific disciplines from the humanities, the social sciences, the natural, medical and physical sciences, and also people from all walks of life such as scientists, policy makers, the media, and the general public to unite, collaborate, and innovate.’ ‘Only by sharing a single vision for a sustainable future for people, society, and the environment can we overcome our current challenges.’ I share these sentiments.

I have reported previously on the above ESOF events (see notes below). I also have still more to say about the latest ESOF2022.

I am grateful to have been able to learn so much and meet such interesting people over the years. This has enabled me to continue to develop as a scientist and become a better communicator so that I can contribute more effectively to the life sciences field and beyond.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 4/10/22

[Note: Manchester, Toulouse, Trieste, Leiden. For some of my posts and reports on these events searching ESOF on on this site using a laptop/PC will bring up a number of previous posts. Otherwise you can scroll through the ‘Got 2 Minutes?’ section of blogs.]

Very best wishes to all those embarking on studies and research careers, particularly in life sciences and of course generally as well. How the world and humankind need you! How we should all be encouraging and supporting the younger research generation. For all those students and researchers driven by a passion for their subject it should be a time to really enjoy studying and research for the sake of research; a time to explore interests and have a great life and social life too. It’s not the easiest of times and research can be very frustrating with many ups and downs. It was ever thus. It is however an adventure with opportunities to grasp, whilst keeping a sense of perspective and having fun! Many of us are willing you on to a great future!

Looking forward…

The skills learnt will be transferable for many different career options. Early career researchers have much to contribute, and they deserve to be challenged, encouraged, and supported in their research careers. They also have so much potential in many walks of life and different spheres.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 27/9/22

Summer holidays are coming to a close for many people. On reflection I’ve had mainly a fun and productive summer, but I am conscious that it has not always been so for many people including myself, particularly recently. Looking back to a previous holiday earlier this year I share some photos I took capturing some different moods and moments over a period of a few weeks in the same place on a different holiday. We shouldn’t take things too much for granted in life or how other people are feeling.

Here is another photo I took from my garden on return from my holiday back to the UK last weekend.

(Photo capturing a moment on the evening of 18/9/22).

Behind many a photo lies an interesting story to tell…

To hope and optimism.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 23/9/22

It is a period of time for thoughtful reflection.

It has been an emotional time in the UK and worldwide, with many different feelings and perspectives.

This week as the world bid farewell to Queen Elizabeth ll the ceremony was impressive in its scale, impact, and organisation. Whether it was to everyone’s taste or not, for a great many people it provided a focus – a coming together, and time to pause and reflect on many things.

Let’s hope this is an impetus to build on the ways we are similar, because despite our many differing views, there are some values and dreams that most people hold dear and aspire to for future generations and for the future of humankind.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 21/9/22

(Note: original source of quote is unknown)

I have very occasionally had the most vivid dreams about each of my parents which brought me great comfort. My mum died 10 years ago this May and my dad died 27 years ago this September. I recently wrote this poem to capture some intense feelings of loss and comfort. I thought it might be timely to share my poem with you as many people will be missing loved ones.

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

Losing one parent was hard. With the second parent also gone I felt a profound sadness and a surreal sense of emptiness. However, their most precious legacy is their values, and the stories that continue to be passed on. In this way, I still feel the closeness and love of my parents.

I wrote this poem in memory of my parents and thinking of all those in mourning or missing loved ones.

Thinking of families and individuals who have lost loved ones or are reminded of the loss of loved ones, particularly this week and during difficult times.

It is also a period of time for thoughtful reflection.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 10/9/22

First-author publication in Nature on my own cancer research and DNA repair work! I still regard this as a career and life highlight. Published as a PhD student! The joy of science discovery and success in my early to mid 20’s (after an earlier blip at 18y).

[It was a key paper in the field – published in 1979 during my PhD research years and in my maiden name Buckley; my subsequent publications are in my current name Charlesworth.]

I am grateful to those at Manchester University who gave me a chance at 18 years old. Over the next three years I earned my degree in biochemistry. Thereafter, I went on to achieve a PhD and research success in my early 20’s at the Paterson Institute and the Christie Hospital, Manchester, UK.

Significance of research findings. As far as we were aware this was the first published evidence of such inducible DNA repair. In this case ‘Pretreatment with acetylaminofluorine enhances the repair of O6-methyl guanine in DNA.’ Other researchers subsequently published similar findings in other systems. My findings were found to be reproducible and the basis of further research by many others in the field.

It is noteworthy that these research results were the opposite of my initial PhD hypothesis and expected findings. However, the results turned out to be so much more interesting!

I was not particularly skilled in lab technique. I wasn’t the best PhD student.

My success was largely down to dollop of luck and sheer tenacity!

I am particularly grateful to my supportive supervisor Dr Peter O’Connor (‘PJ’) and helpful technicians at the Paterson Institute, Christie Hospital. Fellow PhD students, Post docs, and a lively and diverse scientific community made this an unforgettable experience intellectually and socially!

There would be many ups and downs to follow.

Little did I know how many different opportunities would unfold over the years.

I could not have predicted that writing, medical communications and science communications would feature strongly later in my career. Although at the time I really enjoyed researching and writing the introduction to my PhD thesis. There would be many twists and turns to come – life happens.

My interest in cancer research and my fascination in DNA continues. It seems DNA is ‘in my DNA’😉🧬😊.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 25/8/22

It happened to me at 18y old. Thinking of those students who might miss their predicted grades for this year’s A levels etc. It has happened and will happen to many others too and they went on or will go on nevertheless to achieve high academic achievements, other successes, and happiness.

Congratulations to those who are delighted with their results today – celebrate and be proud. To those who are disappointed – be aware that most successful people have a blip or a few blips along the way. Don’t panic – you’ll learn a lot from this. Have the tenacity to try and get what you want most at the moment, and have a plan B. Sometimes a different choice proves to be even better in hindsight. It will seem like a momentous day for many teenagers and parents. Take care, see the broader perspective, and keep positive. There will be many opportunities ahead!

I am thankful to Manchester University for taking a chance on me many years ago. It turned out to be the best choice for me!

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 18/8/22

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

Happy Yorkshire Day!
Manchester made me, I’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!

🎉Thinking of Yorkshire folk and those with Yorkshire connections🎉

Today, I am pausing to think of my Yorkshire roots.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 1/8/22

(On the subject of Yorkshire roots, I should add that the Yorkshire rhubarb in my garden continues to thrive in 2022! See previous post on home comforts and humour in tough times.)