The Road to Research Leadership

“We’re a bit late for International Women’s Day, but International Women’s Day should be every day,” joked Dr Afra Aabdien, one of the organisers of ‘The Road to Research Leadership: International Women’s Day Celebration’ at the Department for Basic and Clinical Neuroscience (BCN).

The event was a celebration of women in research leadership as well as an opportunity for open honest discussion about how research culture could better support women to reach leadership positions. The BCN Department Culture, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (CEDI) team invited key female leaders in the department to speak about important topics which affect women in academia as well as their personal journeys.

Professor Sandrine Thuret, Dr Sarah Mizielinska, Dr Sarah Marzi, Kate Exton-Haynes and Dr Maria Jimenez Sanchez joined on the day for the panel discussion, which was led by Dr Afra Aabdien and Dr Ahmad Al Khleifat.

At what point did you see yourself as a scientist?

The first question put to the panel seemed initially an easy one. When did they realise they were a scientist? It was remarkable how wide a range of answers there were to this question. While some of the panel had always seen themselves as scientists, others had only realised later in life, starting careers in other sectors first before discovering their passion for research.

For Kate Exton-Haynes, Senior Technical Manager at the BCN, it took several years to discover that her preferred path was supporting research in a technical capacity. After switching to roles in lab management, she now leads on research technical operations within the Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute.

At what point did you feel you were leading in science?

Next Dr Afra Aabdien asked the panel when they realised they were going beyond just doing the research, rather they realised they were becoming leaders in science. For some it happened relatively early, with several researchers naming the latter years of their PhD as a pivotal time when they started to become more independent and make their own decisions.

For Dr Sarah Marzi, this was facilitated by being one of the few people in her PhD lab working on Bioinformatics. “This forced me to be very independent,” she explained.

Dr Maria Jimenez Sanchez found more independence during her post-doctoral work. “It took me time to realise that I could come up with these big projects. It took time but I grew as a scientist and started to get more ideas for fellowships.”

Dr Sarah Mizielinska noted that leadership is not just one thing, there are many levels of leadership. “I think you experience feelings of leadership differently throughout your career. The path to leadership is very progressive.” she added.

Professor Thuret concurred, “Yes, you start by leading in your own research, and as you progress you lead others and grow from one another.”

What was the most memorable challenge you faced?

The discussion did not shy away from discussing the challenges of the path to leadership in research. Most of the panel members expressed that at some point they had found securing funding challenging and sought advice from their peers and mentors, a strategy they emphasised can be a lifeline when faced with career challenges.

Others mentioned the level of multitasking required once you reach a leadership position. “It’s like running a business: you bring in your own money, teach, manage people, engage in research culture activities. It’s something you only really appreciate when you step into these roles,” commented Dr Sarah Mizielinska.

They also discussed the importance but also challenge of dealing with discrimination in your career and the power of calling out inappropriate behaviour but also fostering an environment where people are comfortable to do so. The importance of representation also came up in the conversation, how having only men on a panel or at a networking event can impact how you feel in that environment as a woman.

Confidence was another talking point. Underestimating your own abilities was a feeling that resonated with panel members. Several noted that without the support of peers and mentors they may not have sought key career opportunities.

How can we encourage future leaders to be brave?

Dr Ahmad Al Khleifat asked the panel, “How can we encourage students, future leaders, to be brave?” The response was unanimous: support and mentorship.

“Talk to people! Encourage people, share your experience. People have encouraged me to aim high, and it has helped,” said Dr Sarah Mizielinska. “The scientific mind can be quite self-critical, sometimes an external opinion can help a lot.”

“No one has ever refused me when asking for mentorship or advice, and I’m flattered to be asked when people do,” added Dr Sarah Marzi.

Kate Exton-Haynes directly offered support to the audience, mostly comprised of early career researchers, “You can always come to me if you’re not sure who to talk to. This is something I consider to be part of my leadership in this role. This is what leadership means to me.”

Everyone agreed that it is not just the support from your supervisor or other mentors that is important, but also that of your peers.

“Peer therapy is so important. Having parts of your identity and network that sit outside of science can also really help. It is so important to recognise that our value as people does not hinge on success in the scientific domain,” explained Dr Sarah Marzi.

One piece of advice for an early career researcher

The event ended with Dr Aabdien asking the panel, “Could you give one piece of advice for an early career researcher?”

“Create a network of people who can support you, not only senior people but your peers. Try to enjoy it in the moment and not think too much about what will happen, enjoy the moment,” responded Dr Maria Jimenez Sanchez.

“Be brave, what’s the worst thing that can happen? I find this attitude quite liberating. People want you to succeed, so don’t be afraid to ask for help,” added Dr Sarah Marzi.

“Don’t be afraid to change track,” said Kate Exton-Haynes. “If you have this little feeling, ‘do I want to do that, is it going to make me happy’, don’t be afraid to change it. You can always change give things a go!”

Professor Thuret added, “It will take time, but don’t give up. It might take longer than you think. Try not to get frustrated if things are slow — a research career is a marathon.”

“Go for it and try to enjoy it. Science is this incredible thing we get to do, so definitely don’t forget to enjoy it!” concluded Dr Sarah Mizielinska.