Sharing Experiences, Building Together

Today, during the KBC Days, I had the privilege to join a discussion round organized by the Umeå Postdoc Society. The session brought together new group leaders to share experiences—openly and honestly.

These conversations matter. Academia often celebrates success stories, but the reality is more complex. Challenges exist, and funding can feel uncertain. Sometimes luck plays a role, but behind every success there is preparation, persistence, and a well-thought-out project.

What I tried to convey is that there is no universal recipe. What worked for me might not work for someone else. That’s why mentorship is so important—talk to mentors, learn from them, but then reflect on what resonates with you.

For me, real success is not just about securing grants—it’s about building a great team. People make the journey meaningful. Of course, base funding is essential to turn ideas into reality, but the human side of science is what truly matters.

Another point I emphasized: open communication makes everything easier. Whether it’s with your postdoc supervisor when discussing your aim for independence, or with new group members who may need different supervision approaches—clarity and honesty build trust.

I also believe learning early matters. Preparing for supervision and grant writing early in your career makes the road smoother later on. These skills don’t come overnight—they grow with experience, and starting early helps.

It’s hard to share these thoughts without sounding too gloomy or too idealistic. But I think academia needs reality and realness—while still holding on to optimism. I’m still learning every day, and I want to keep these conversations honest yet hopeful.

What do you think? How can we make space for more realistic, motivating, and hopeful conversations in academia?

Discussing Ageing and Data Analysis at the IceLab Lunch Pitch

Yesterday, I, along with Mattias Forsell, had the opportunity to present at the first IceLab Lunch Pitch of the season. We discussed various aspects of ageing, from the microscopic (me) to the population level (Mattias). We openly invited collaborators to join us in developing data processing pipelines and conducting large-scale data analysis for our respective projects.

If you’re interested in learning more about our pitches, you can find a summary and watch the pitches on the IceLab website. 

Additionally, there’s a news article available on Umeå University’s webpage. 

Stay tuned for more exciting news!

KBC Days: A Dive into Science and Networking

I'm eager to share my experience at the KBC Days held at Umeå University last week. I had a fantastic time filled with exciting talks, engaging discussions and a lot of new connections. Here's a glimpse into the highlights of the two-day event.

The event kicked off with sessions, where recently recruited faculty members talked about their science. I had the privilege of contributing to the kickoff by sharing insights from my postdoctoral research. As a new PI, getting the opportunity to discuss my science added an extra layer of excitement, especially considering the diverse audience that included students, peers, and even representatives from major funding agencies, including the esteemed Kempe Foundation.

During my talk, we delved deep into the intricate relationship between phenotype and functionality, showcasing the results of my postdoctoral endeavours. It was a moment of pride to stand in front of such a varied audience, knowing that my journey was not just about looking back at past accomplishments but also forward into the exciting possibilities of the future. What made the experience even more special was the opportunity to engage with Alice Kempe during lunch, exchanging thoughts and insights.

The sessions, although quite lengthy, turned out to be incredibly rewarding. The rich scientific discussions fueled the intellectual atmosphere, making every minute worthwhile. A delightful dinner followed, creating a perfect blend of fun and networking.

Day 2 shed light on the impressive work of the Umeå Postdoc Society. Their commitment to balancing professional development and social events for early career researchers was evident, particularly in sessions on science communication and grant writing. As a new PI, the prospect of collaboration with this vibrant community is genuinely exciting.

Reflecting on the KBC Days, I'm grateful for the connections made and the insights gained. The event has fueled my excitement for what lies ahead, and I look forward to translating these experiences into tangible contributions to the academic community.

Stay tuned for more updates and adventures in the world of academia!