This conference has been designed to bring together leading researchers in diverse areas of the reproductive sciences from around the world, offering both junior and senior scientists the opportunity to exchange ideas and develop collaborations. The traditional format of this conference is unique as it promotes the presentation of only unpublished data and cutting edge advancements in the field of reproduction to specifically stimulate a forum of open discussions on the most recent emerging concepts and technologies.
The Gordon Research Seminar (GRS), preceding this main conference, is designed specifically for postgraduate students and postdoctoral fellows enabling these individuals to participate in rigorous discussion of their project goals and discoveries in a supportive environment. The GRS program thrives to strike a balance between disciplines, genders, career status, and backgrounds of the researchers involved. In doing so, the 2018 conference will be focused towards the professional growth of women in STEM. With discussions framed to examine the challenges women face in science and provide career support and mentoring for women through several ‘Power hour’ sessions.
In addition to the conference, it is my hope that this travel scholarship will aid me to facilitate a series of laboratory visits with world leading authorities in the field of oocyte biology in Europe and the UK. Particularly the opportunity to meet with and visit the laboratory of Professor Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz at The University of Cambridge who leads a group of extremely talented researchers investigating the mechanisms of regulative nature of development and spatial patterning in the model embryo. The opportunity to forge strong international collaborations with the leading experts in oocyte biology and gain experience in a number of cutting-edge techniques which could provide novel research directions and project development. On a more personal level, the opportunity to establish an international network would greatly enhance the competitiveness of my applications for postdoctoral positions and funding following the completion of my PhD studies.
Ms Jacinta Martin