‘Science transcends boundaries’
‘Science as Revolution’ – Hey come on what did you expect – this is Manchester after all!

Just back from ESOF Manchester (EuroScience Open Forum Manchester, July 2016) and I have just spent 4 fascinating days immersing myself in the science; listening, learning and meeting amazing people from all over the world.
I was thrilled to be attending with media accreditation at ESOF 2016.

Speaking to some of the scientists and others involved was an inspiring experience so I want to communicate and share this experience widely. More to come……

Thank you ESOF! Thank you Manchester!

In January 2016 Dr Julie Charlesworth was invited to be Co-Editor of a section of Medical Writing, a high quality journal produced by EMWA the European Medical Writers Association. The section is aimed primarily at freelancers and those interested in freelancing in the field of medical writing. Julie aims to develop this section, encourage new contributors and provide ‘a wide range of serious (and entertaining articles) about business and the practical aspects of freelance working’. The journal is issued 4 times per year.

In the latest edition (June 2016), Julie presents a brief editorial extra providing a glimpse of the future with the new editorial team and her personal views on freelancing as an option that allows personal choice at different stages of life and career. You can read the editorial extra by clicking here.

A Tree of Life Sciences® Director Dr Julie Charlesworth was invited to a MedComms Networking event in Oxford on 1st June 2016.
She presented a summary and her personal reflections from ‘Science and Medical Communications Today’ EMWA’s Fourth Symposium held in Munich on 12th May 2016. Julie also discussed current trends and the future of science and medical communications, the complex interactions and challenges from research to patients, the opportunities for medical writers and life science students; and in her opinion the key role of the medical writer in ensuring communications ‘stay true to the science’.

Just back from last week’s Freelance Business Forum (FBF) in Munich. Amazed at the fantastic response from everyone.

The FBF took place on May 12th 2016, during the EMWA Spring conference. This was the first time I (or my co-host) had hosted the forum.  I tried out a new format with a very upbeat and forward-looking perspective. The theme was Out On Our Own but Not Alone. Out On Our Own (OOOO) is the name of the freelance section of the EMWA Medical Writing journal and we are the new co-editors of OOOO.

We opened the FBF with a few introductory slides acknowledging those responsible for initiating and developing this forum; then a brief history and some key achievements to date. We quickly shifted to the future: opportunities, initiatives and ideas. There is so much potential!

The forum then moved on to the main focus – a table discussion period led by 6 freelancer (FL) Table Leaders: FL volunteers with a spectrum of experience. This time our Table Leaders were FLs who live in France, Germany, Sweden and the UK. 7 hot topics were proposed to kick-start the discussions – the topics were based on subjects and questions received from our FL community in recent months. It was also an opportunity for FLs to share different dilemmas, tips and solutions.

This was a relatively informal networking session with drinks and ‘nibbles’. The enthusiasm was palpable and the allocated time was only sufficient to touch on some fascinating questions. As this FBF was in Munich we were delighted to have Andreas Lutz from the VGSD as our guest. Not surprisingly, there was an impromptu table discussion (without a table) where Andreas fielded questions from FLs based in Germany. He provided practical advice and he himself gained an understanding of some of the specific needs of FLs working in the field of medical writing.

Time was of the essence. The summing-up led up to some take home messages and a few final remarks. On a lighter fun note everyone was mobilised by a short music video clip. The lively discussions then resumed informally outside the forum for some time afterwards with new friends and contacts keen to continue getting to know each other. Indeed several FLs are making plans to start informal ‘local gatherings’ of freelancers (an initiative promoted at the FBF this time). FLs should know that although they say that sometimes they feel ‘Out On Our Own’ – they are certainly Not Alone!

There was an impressive turn out of over 60 individuals from many different parts of Europe and beyond – FLs and others interested in freelancing who are passionate about their subject and their professions (medical writing and related).

We can all look forward to the next FBF at the EMWA autumn conference in Brussels. We will be catching up with friends and colleagues and I am sure there will also be many new faces. It is an exciting time in the ‘freelance world’ and we would like to build on the momentum achieved in Munich. We have more ideas for Brussels ……

Fuller coverage will follow – this post is just a taster to capture the moment and to take the opportunity to thank all those who participated and contributed to making it such a success.

by Julie Charlesworth

Surprised myself again – by participating for the first time in the annual Institute of Directors North West Women as Leaders conference – the theme ‘Impact and influence’.

The event was described as ‘a superb line-up of some of the region’s top female influential and inspirational Business Women and experts from across the UK to help you shape your leadership skills, communication styles and business impact.’

As I approached the venue an initial thought was “is this really me?” However, I had decided to go along with an open mind and a degree of curiosity. It turned out that….

– it wasn’t all women, both genders featured.
– the speakers were inspiring.
– the participants comprised an interesting and diverse collection from many different ‘walks of life’ and professions.

The venue and organisation were ‘top notch’ and the event supported a worthy charity in Teach First.

As a send off – Uchenna Dance got everyone up dancing and in the mood, urging us to:

Be FIERCE!
Be FABULOUS!
Be FREE!

Well, you live and learn – and indeed just keep on learning…

and that’s important when offering leadership consultancy and support to others.

Looking forward to next year!

by Julie Charlesworth

I was delighted (and surprised) to receive an invitation to attend ‘a special event to celebrate the inspiring women connected to Manchester’. This event was held on International Women’s Day (March 8th 2016) in the Whitworth Hall, The University of Manchester.

You might even find me amongst this set of photos as I feature in several – although by the look of me I clearly wasn’t trying to be caught on camera, but hey ho …..

The event included an inspiring panel-led debate followed by a chance to meet and mingle with interesting women (and men). It was a great opportunity for some ‘time out’ to consider how to ‘change the world’ for the better – not just a better future for women – but also for men, families, kids, society, education! Serious talk but not taking ourselves too seriously on this occasion. Northern women ‘down to earth’ and aiming big!

Click here for more information and a link to live recording of the panel discussion.

It was an enjoyable and though-provoking event – and a theme which A Tree of Life Sciences naturally supports in its aspirations to inform, improve and INSPIRE!

by Julie Charlesworth

February 4th 2016 – An evening reception with lectures at the Manchester Cancer Research Centre (MCRC) was a fitting place for me to be on World Cancer Day. Back to my research roots, memories of exhilarating PhD days and in my mind there was no better place to be at that time. I have a fond notion that the new building is perhaps constructed on the location of the old Christie Hospital Staff Club where I met my husband. Two friends decided we would make a great couple – and somehow it all worked out. Well it is almost Valentine’s Day so I’m allowed a little romantic reverie.

A number of years later and many stories later (but for another time perhaps), and here I am scouring the room for faces from the past, colleagues and current friends. There’s a lot happening in this part of the world with Manchester University, the Christie NHS Foundation Trust and Cancer Research UK independent cancer research charity.

Future cancer research is encompassed in this very new futuristic building and facilities – a superb example in a new era of collaborations in research. This evening befittingly, we are treated to a glimpse of the latest developments and future direction of research in this centre of excellence. The title is ‘Cancer Treatments of Tomorrow: Tailor Made in Manchester’

A short ‘warm-up’ introduction by Dr Nigel Brooks who then stands back for Professor Caroline Dive to present the very latest science and aspirations from her research team. Biomarkers, isolation of single cancerous cells circulating in the bloodstream. Her enthusiasm is contagious (well I caught it as I am sure many others did too).

Professor Andrew Hughes then takes to the helm and just in case anyone wasn’t quite so switched on by the science, the whole audience is energised by participating in a short exercise involving lots of standing up and sitting down – the theme being the implications of research aspirations for outcomes in patients – a feel for where we have been and where we could be heading. His team are conducting clinical trials on new drugs and he presents an overview of their current research.

An important take home message is that different teams are working together to maximise the impact of precision medicine on patients and how these teams plan to expand their work in future.

Discussions are opened to the floor and lively banter ensues – ‘biomarkers’, ‘precision medicine’, ‘early detection’, lots of science and of course some straight-talking non-science practical and ‘political’ points made as well. Well, what would you expect – this is Manchester!

Light refreshments and time for a catch up with former and current colleagues from academia and industry. Then it’s time to leave and somehow on the dark evening drive home from Manchester the mood is lifted by the sense of moving forward, the traffic lights, the flashbacks to an inspirational scientific event and glimmers of hope for the future.

Thank you to the organisers for the opportunity to attend this event – as I said there’s a lot happening in Manchester UK these days!

by Julie Charlesworth

The NCRI Cancer Conference in Liverpool, UK (November 1-4, 2015) provided an opportunity to look at cancer research from all angles.

With Liverpool being a convenient location from my Manchester base, I opted to drive there and back each day. As it turned out, the unexpected foggy weather meant very early starts and long days (better to stay overnight on site next time).

This proved to be a very worthwhile week!

ATMOSPERE
Conferences can be similar in many ways but I find they do have different atmospheres. The NCRI Cancer Conference is a UK-based conference that brings together the entire cancer community. The buzz there was palpable! There were national perspectives – but also international perspectives and participants; less industry (or commercial) and more informal than some events, with lots of energetic researchers very passionate about their subjects. Charities, patient groups, public health, NHS, academia and research institutes were all well-represented.

CONTENT
There was a breadth of cancer research from basic science to public health. Here is a sample of what was offered:

Plenaries – Great speakers with knowledge and experience; straight–talking and also inspiring.
Symposia, parallel sessions, workshops, posters – provided a ‘pick n mix’ of subjects. There was something for everyone; including basic science, clinical research and development, prevention, treatment, and also patient perspectives.
Exhibition – with good opportunities for networking.

Key features:
Lively debates; cutting-edge science; interesting potential breakthroughs in prevention and treatment.

PERSONAL TAKES:
Keeping current and up to date: an integral part of the development of A Tree of Life Sciences, as a growing independent consultancy.

Cancer research: a specialist subject area – I took full advantage of this opportunity to continue to develop knowledge and understanding.

During the conference I was also able to share meeting highlights with colleagues and contacts. I came away with a wealth of material and ideas for future writing, communications and projects. As always these events are great opportunities to make new friends and contacts for future collaborations.

Excellent conference! Great experience!

Further information available here

by Julie Charlesworth

A Tree of Life Sciences® is investing in the future through mentoring and coaching.

We continue to support the Manchester Gold programme (Manchester University undergraduate and postgraduate students).

A Tree of Life Sciences is supporting and inspiring both newcomers and seasoned leaders.

See our Learning services

Manchester Gold mentee “I would say that I have benefitted enormously from having a mentor over the last few months and learnt a lot of skills and a different way of thinking”