Last week, our Doctoral Candidates Eve Harding (DC2) and Giulia Santonoceto (DC5) presented their research at their PhD School’s annual symposium, held on May 15th in Warsaw. Organised by PhD students for PhD students, the event fosters an inclusive and supportive atmosphere that encourages open discussion without the pressure of more senior academics. The symposium provides a valuable platform for students to gain experience presenting posters and talks, boosting their confidence and communication skills.
The day began with a career panel featuring three speakers: Milena Wiech, representing academia; Jędrzej Świeżewski, who shared insights on the role of machine learning in research; and Matthias Hackl, who spoke about his journey in RNA Pharma. The panel explored diverse post-PhD pathways, including launching startups, collaborating with pharmaceutical companies, moving into industry, or pursuing a postdoctoral academic route. A key takeaway was the reminder that career paths are rarely linear; staying open-minded and maintaining a healthy work-life balance are essential.
Following the panel discussion, the morning poster session began. Giulia presented “Identification of New Factors and Regulatory Mechanisms of Mitochondrial RNA Surveillance,” while Eve shared her work on “Impact of mtDNA Stability on Mito-Nuclear Crosstalk and Gene Expression.” Both presentations sparked engaging conversations, generated fresh ideas, and even hinted at future collaborations.
Later in the day, a series of short oral presentations covered topics ranging from protein folding prediction and molecular biology to innovative software design. The wide scope of research was both refreshing and inspiring, exposing attendees to new techniques and diverse scientific perspectives. The day concluded with closing remarks and a relaxed BBQ, giving everyone the chance to unwind and connect informally.
The symposium was a significant experience for our DCs, offering them the opportunity to network with fellow researchers and gain deeper insights into their field. Events like this not only strengthen academic ties but also pave the way for meaningful collaboration and continued personal growth.
The news item was written by MITGEST DC2 Eve Harding.
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