Science & Engineering Research Associate Society symposium
Screenshot from the University of Liverpool newsletter (2019)
During my time at the University of Liverpool, I had the unique opportunity to contribute to the academic and professional growth of my peers in the Faculty of Science & Engineering. Recognizing the need for a platform that would foster development, networking, and multidisciplinary collaboration among researchers, I founded the Science and Engineering Research Associate Society (SERAS).
SERAS was more than just a society; it was a community dedicated to enriching the research environment. We organized a variety of activities aimed at supporting research staff, from mock academic interviews and fellowship workshops to social events that encouraged informal networking. One of our key initiatives was the establishment of a postdoc representative in the Athena SWAN sub-committee, ensuring that the voices of postdoctoral researchers were heard in discussions about gender equality and diversity.
A highlight of my tenure with SERAS was orchestrating the first postdoctoral symposium for the Faculty of Science and Engineering. This event, held on 9th July 2019, attracted over 40 attendees and served as a vibrant forum for exchanging ideas and forging connections. The symposium was not only about showcasing research but also about bridging the gap between academia and industry. Speakers from various sectors provided valuable insights into the entrepreneurial journey, from business planning to patent strategy and beyond.
The success of the symposium was evident in the quality of presentations and the engagement of participants. It was an honor to chair this event and witness the remarkable talent within our faculty. The positive feedback and the tangible sense of community that emerged reinforced my belief in the importance of such initiatives.
My role in SERAS and the organization of the symposium were steps toward creating a more vibrant, entrepreneurial research environment at the University of Liverpool. It was a testament to what can be achieved when we come together to support and inspire one another. As I reflect on this experience, I am proud of the impact we made and hopeful for the future contributions of SERAS to the research community. At this time, I didn’t yet have a PhD and was the only non-PhD among the group of postdocs.