The 2024 National Cardiovascular Early and Mid-Career Researchers (EMCR) Summit, held in Sydney yesterday was a fantastic opportunity to connect, learn, and grow alongside peers, mentors, and experts in the field. The presentations and discussions were both insightful and generous, with panellists offering valuable perspectives, answering questions, and sharing their personal journeys.
Shifting Gears: Navigating Your Career Path in Research
The first panel, Shifting Gears to Navigate Your Career Path in Research: Future Thinking in a Changing Landscape, focused on career-defining moments and strategies for success. Speakers shared wisdom on key topics like choosing the right grant, building committee connections, and knowing when to say “no.” They also emphasised the critical role of mentorship and the growing importance of soft skills in advancing one’s career.
One particularly memorable takeaway came from Michael Falster, who encouraged us to “Embrace serendipity, scramble your algorithm and look for opportunities outside of your comfort zone.”
Diverse Career Paths: The Importance of Networking and Community
The second panel, Diverse Career Paths: Growing Your Network and Community to Support Diversity, highlighted the significance of consumer and stakeholder involvement in research. It underscored the idea that engagement is a two-way street and emphasised the value of stepping outside of one’s comfort zone. The panellists also discussed the strength found in diverse skill sets and reiterated the importance of seeking out the right mentors to guide one’s career.
The summit was a powerful reminder of the importance of connection—both with our peers and with the broader community. It reinforced the idea that success in research is not only about the work we do but also about the relationships we build along the way.
Thank you to everyone who helped to make this such an impactful day, the ACvA Emerging Leaders Committee: Lauren Blekkenhorst Emma Solly Ingrid Stacey Sharon Kramer Julee McDonagh Shajedur Rahmon Shawon Richard Tan Harry Carpenter Jing Tian Niamh Chapman Katrina Colafella.
Our panel members and presenters: Jamie Vandenberg, Anna Calkin, Osvaldo Contreras, Cher-Rin Chong, Sonia Shah, Michael Falster, Julee McDonagh, Jessica Orchard, Emma Gordon, Charmaine Tam, Koohn Lim, Verity Cleland, Kate Hayward, and Brandon Neuen.
And of course, partner and support organisations: ACvA Heart Foundation CSANZ Stroke Foundation Hypertension Australia.