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DUNES Symposium 2024: Fostering connections and inspiring innovation

Over a hundred early career researchers, academic leaders, and industry experts convened on 5 November for the 16th Duke-NUS Early Career Scientist Association Symposium (DUNES), a vibrant day filled with insightful discussions and robust networking opportunities. Held in the Duke-NUS Amphitheatre, this annual symposium seeks to accelerate professional development and encourage valuable connections among burgeoning scientists.

The symposium is an annual event organised by the Association and supported by the Centre for Career Readiness to foster professional growth among early career researchers and encourage them to connect with their peers.

Addressing the audience in the Duke-NUS Amphitheatre, Professor Patrick Tan, Senior Vice-Dean for Research at Duke-NUS, underscored the importance of networking as he opened the symposium:

“You’ll find that the networks you have developed in your early career are the networks that will sustain you and propel you to success. Those networks you invest in and develop now, will always come back and reward you in the future.”

He also highlighted that the Centre for Career Readiness is a strategic resource that early career researchers could leverage to build a diverse skill set, especially for those keen to navigate paths beyond traditional academic roles.

Tracing the Centre’s growth from its roots in the Career Development Programme, Centre Head Assistant Professor Sarada Bulchand urged the postdoctoral researchers in attendance to create a formal career development plan, noting that many have yet to take this crucial step.

Asst Prof Bulchand also encouraged participants to expand their career outlook beyond research-specific skills: “Continue to build your impact and think of ways in which you can advocate for yourself, but also for your peers, and then really going outwards to see how you can impact the workforce and what you bring with you as a PhD.”

Another highlight of the day was the career development talk by Dr Kenneth Goh, Scientific Portfolio Engagement Lead at JLABS (Johnson & Johnson), Singapore.

Drawing from his rich experience across various sectors, Dr Goh offered a practical and personal perspective on navigating career transitions outside of academia. He also elaborated on the wide array of opportunities available to doctoral graduates or PhD holders, from roles in the pharmaceutical industry to the field of diagnostics, as well as opportunities in consulting and startups. 

During the panel discussion that followed, DotBio Director Dr Carl Firth and Dr Brendon Hanson, Vice-President of Discovery and Research Platforms at Hummingbird Bioscience, offered valuable insights on the differences between academia and industry.

Both panellists agreed that the private sector requires individuals who can work fast, are adaptable and can communicate effectively. Gaining hands-on industry experience through internships or short-term roles can help early career researchers determine whether this is a career choice they would enjoy. They also advised attendees to be flexible and open to taking on roles that may not be the ideal next step but could pave the way for future opportunities.

The symposium also featured the work of early career scientists from Duke-NUS, the School’s parent institutions Duke University and NUS, as well as the Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, with prizes awarded for excellence in poster and oral scientific presentations.

Reflecting on the impact of the symposium and the impact of the Association, Dr Ng Wy Ching, President of DUNES, noted how networking and the invaluable skills she had gained from organising events with the committee helped to strengthen her “communication, organisational and leadership skills”.

Dr Ng also shared the Association’s plans to host more events to inspire, connect and empower early career researchers in the community.

After an invigorating day of insightful talks and discussions, the symposium concluded on a high note, where participants could apply the insights they had learnt as they networked with others, reaffirming the power of community.