Editor's welcome

Hamish Clarke
EMCR Pathways Editor & EMCR Forum Executive Member
Australian Academy of Science
@EMCRForum

Hello dear readers and welcome to Issue 10 of Pathways, our first of 2017. How’s the new year panning out for you so far?  

It gives me great pleasure to introduce the newest members of the EMCR Forum Executive following a very competitive selection process last year. Renewal of the Forum Executive is a big part of our ability to stay energised, diverse and representative. Thanks to everyone who applied and please do consider applying later this year when we put the call out for 2018 executive members.

The Forum Executive will soon be getting together for our annual meeting in the hallowed halls of the Australian Academy of Science in Canberra. I can assure you, this is not one of those meetings where minutes are kept and hours are lost! With the aid of our trusty Strategic Plan, fashioned at last year’s meeting, we’ll be nailing down our plans for 2017.

This edition, our 2016 Chair, Nikola Bowden, wraps up the year that was  for the EMCR Forum. We also get a cracking round-up of the Academy event Frontiers of Science from EMCR Dr Thomas Jeffries. Whether you made it or not you won’t want to miss this.

We hear from Forum Executive member Roslyn Hickson, who gives us an update on our discussion paper Starting the conversation between industry and academia. It’s been heartening to see the conversations taking place because of this, from those looking to dip their toes in the water as well as those at the deep end coaxing them on.

Speaking of connecting industry and academia, this edition we are delighted to be On the job with… Dr Martijn Bijker, founder of a training and coaching company that guides academic EMCRs into the pharmaceutical industry.

The latest in our great series of EMCR profiles takes us to Western Australia to meet self-described ‘slashie’ Dr Tristan Clemons. Tristan casually juggles research scientist duties with playing in the Australian Men’s Hockey Team! We’re incredibly proud of our growing collection of EMCR profiles and we look forward adding many more in 2017.

As usual there is a lot going on in the world of EMCRs. Find out what the Forum has been up to!

Amidst the great ructions and ruptures of 2017, we’re grateful to still have Sandra Gardam in our corner. Thanks Sandra for your help with EMCR Pathways Newsletter and the Forum.

Finally, can I urge you (that’s right, YOU!) to get in touch with us and tell us what you’re thinking—what’s working, what’s not, and what your plans, hopes and dreams are. Your voice matters.