Dr Marguerite Evans-Galea AM
IMNIS Executive Director
Founding Chair of the EMCR Forum, 2011
@MVEG001 @WomenSciAust @_IMNIS
Dr Marguerite Evans-Galea AM is Executive Director of the Industry Mentoring Network in STEM, the flagship industry engagement initiative of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering. She is also co-founder and co-chair of Women in STEMM Australia.
She has led research in cell and gene therapy at world-leading organisations in the United States and Australia, receiving international recognition for her research and leadership.
A leading advocate for STEM research, innovation and inclusion, Dr Evans-Galea has served on research and workforce advisory groups, boards and committees. She currently serves on the Policy Committee with Science & Technology Australia and is Chair of Australian Sickle Cell Advocacy Inc.
Dr Evans-Galea is also an inductee to the Victorian Honour Roll of Women and a Member of the Order of Australia (AM).
A series of small, but fortunate events, a dash of serendipity and a decent cup of coffee.
One year before, I had been invited to join an Australian Government consultation for early-career researchers (ECRs). It was a day spent deep-diving into the issues and challenges faced by ECRs in focus groups and roundtables.
Having returned to Australia after a decade working in the United States, I contributed a different perspective. As a key driver and advocate within the Postdoctoral Council at my US organisation, I had also engaged with the newly formed National Postdoc Association.
So, at the end of a motivating day participating in the consultation, I shared the concept of a national ECR group in Australia with my table colleagues, and they were interested. I left with a list of scribbled names and contact details, and ‘filed’ it amongst the (neat and organised) mountain of papers and lab books on my desk.
A few months later, I responded to an opportunity to share my research on the community radio station, RRR. It all went very well and after the show, feeling like I’d connected with savvy scientists to communicate my research and the challenges for ECRs, I thanked them and left.
Fast forward to early 2011 and I heard about a rally called ‘discoveries need dollars’. Like many researchers, I wanted to save our science, so I attended. In the news report, I recognised one of the names. We had met during my RRR interview, and I remembered her passion and commitment to science, so when Dr Krystal Evans asked if I’d join her for coffee, I said yes.
Caffeinated ideas were exchanged, bounced and brainstormed. We had unique experiences and skills to draw on. It was impassioned and inspiring, and the breath of fresh air I needed. I told her about the NPA and how I had considered advocating for something similar in Australia. With our thinking aligned, we committed to the next steps and parted ways.
Through my research, I had met an influential leader who was to become the mentor I’d searched for my whole career. Over a flat white, I showed Professor Bob Williamson the scribbled list of names and discussed the future of Australian science.
I knew Bob was part of the Australian Academy of Science, but I didn’t know he was also the Secretary for Science Policy—and he jumped on board with our coffee-enhanced idea.
That’s how Australia’s Early- and Mid-Career Researcher (EMCR) Forum began. I also would like to emphasise that it wouldn’t have been possible without the fabulous team of founding members who worked with me on this project: Krystal Evans, Andrew Siebel, Raelene Endersby, Darren Saunders, Michelle Dunstone, James Tickner, Andrew Brooks, Rosie Keogh and Ben Chuwen.
By leading leaders. This highly motivated group of early-career researchers all wanted to see positive change. Together we set tangible and aspirational advocacy goals. We were sharply focused on solutions and outcomes. We had all been to too many ‘talk-fests’—we all wanted some ‘do-fests’!
The Academy’s then Secretary for Science Policy, Professor Bob Williamson, challenged us all with the goal of hosting Australia’s first National Symposium for EMCRs. Within less than a year, we decided who would lead what, how and when. We met monthly to maintain momentum, kept up regular communications and operated transparently.
The Forum’s first national symposium, ‘Science Pathways: Getting Science on the National Agenda’, was held at the Shine Dome in Canberra on 24 and 25 September 2012. Approximately 140 EMCRs attended with speakers including Fellows of the Academy, as well as government and industry leaders.
Policy priority areas were directed by identifying the key challenges faced by EMCRs and the topic for the next symposium was set in consultation with all delegates, and the following year we hosted ‘Science Pathways: Engaging with Industry and Innovation’ in Melbourne.
Every member of the EMCR Forum knew they were the voice of Australia’s future leaders in science. These advocate leaders recognised, respected and valued the immense influence of their position, and they embraced every opportunity.
Losing one of the team.
Dr Ben Chuwen was a highly valued member and contributor to the founding EMCR Forum. What I remember most about Ben was his relaxed and personable nature, his welcoming grin, and his love for his family. He always talked about his children and considered them the first priority in his life. Ben’s death was felt deeply by everyone on the Forum, including me, so we honoured him with a named keynote at Science Pathways.
To bring a team back on track after such a deeply affecting blow is not easy. But with empathy, active listening, and much understanding, it can be achieved.
I’m tremendously proud of my EMCR Forum colleagues—peer mentors who quickly became firm friends and within a decade have become influential leaders.
Advocating positive change and working together with a phenomenal team of innovative thinkers and change-makers!
Engaging with leaders in government was also immensely rewarding, but most rewarding was leaving a legacy that ensures every EMCR in Australia has a voice to government.
Representation, respect, and empowerment.
The EMCR Forum is where early and mid-career researchers all have an equal voice and can feel heard. The voice of a collective is much more powerful than the voice of one.
I am incredibly proud of the EMCR Forum and I do enjoy watching from afar. It is making great strides and is much needed within the sector, especially during the pandemic and beyond.
I am of the mindset however, that once you step away from something, that it is no longer yours. It is time for new voices and doers—and they need ‘clear air’ to take bold actions that they can own!
My advice is to leverage what you have already to get to where you aspire to be. Build, optimise and grow—as individuals, as a team, and as a group with influence. This will ensure you are the strongest voice you can be for Australia’s future scientific leaders.
A mentoring team. Mentors will challenge your thinking and accelerate your professional development and understanding of the broader sector. Having a team of mentors from various professional sectors and at different career stages will provide a range of perspectives and experiences.
A sponsor will advocate on your behalf and champion your work, expertise and capabilities, and can make a significant difference to your career trajectory. Most EMCRs who seek a mentor, are actually seeking a sponsor, but sponsorship take time.
Mentoring is the door to sponsorship. Not every mentor is a sponsor, but every sponsor is a mentor. To find a sponsor, you first need a mentor.
Do what’s right for you. You do not need to conform to the stereotype for success in science. Reinvent yourself and diversify. Diversify your research, collaborators, funding and team.
Networks are critical—and there will be a way you can engage and connect. Be innovative and use technology, social media, and online events. Attend meetings of different sizes and scope; and leave your comfort zone.
Recognise the value of reading the literature and mulling on things and compartmentalise your time. Be strategic, think forward and project manage your future – your research, professional development, networks, and career trajectory. Introduce ways to maintain your energy and optimism; and have the courage to ask for help.
Researchers who can engage and connect across professional sectors and disciplines, who are keen to combine resources and collaborate, who recognise and respect every STEM professional and can transition careers with confidence—they are the researchers who will become Australia’s future scientific leaders.
© 2024 Australian Academy of Science
