Your Digital Mentor Podcast

Discussions with seasoned researchers from the TDR global 2020 Career Impact Contest, where they share different aspects of their career trajectories, including support they received via research, education and mentoring opportunities. They also share some challenges they faced, including accessing funding, lack of skills and approaches they took to overcome them. Additionally, they talk about their mentoring relationships as both mentors and mentees, and how they have been able to maintain, build, and pay-it-forward to others, through their critical work in their respective countries and in global health.ResourcesCareer Impact Contest: TDR-supported scientists share their inspirational success stories (who.int)TDR Grants: Grants (who.int)Guest informationDr. Rashad Abdul-Ghani, an Associate Professor and researcher at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sana'a University, and the Tropical Disease Research Center, University of Science and Technology, Yemen. His research focuses on parasitic diseases, neglected tropical diseases, vector-borne diseases, and public health. Learn more about Rashad's work here:‪Rashad Abdul-Ghani‬ - ‪Google Scholar‬Dr. Nadira Kurunaweera is the Chair Professor of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, and Visiting Fellow, School of Public Health, Harvard University, USA. As a Medical Parasitologist she has extensive teaching, training and research experience in tropical diseases, especially vector-borne diseases. Her achievements have been recognized through many awards, honors and fellowships. Connect with Nadira on Twitter @medfaccmb. Learn more about her work: Professor Nadira D. Karunaweera – Faculty of Medicine (cmb.ac.lk)Dr. Avila Montes, who is an Ex-TDR grantee with public health experience in Honduras, El Salvador, Puerto Rico and Guatemala, as an effective manager in program design, management, strategic planning, and health research related to vector borne disease control (Dengue, Zika and Chagas disease), outbreak response, maternal & child health, and HIV/AIDS control. Learn more about Avila and his work here: Gustavo Adolfo Avila Montes Profile | Special Programme for Research & Training in Tropical Diseases (tdr-global.net)AcknowledgmentsEditing by Carl PeckResearch: Emmanuela Oppong & Alice Matimba Producers: Emmanuela Oppong (Producer), Alice Matimba (Senior Producer), Isabela Malta (Producer), Christine Boinett (Creator and Executive producer), Catherine Holmes (Marketing)Host: Emmanuela OppongMedia and Marketing: Catherine HolmesMusic: https://freesound.org/s/477388/ SponsorsACSC: https://coursesandconferences.wellcomegenomecampus.orgWSI: https://www.sanger.ac.ukSESH: https://www.seshglobal.org/

The 2019 finalists of the TDR Global Mentorship Contest for improving research mentorship in low- and middle-income countries joined us to share their experiences implementing their respective projects. We had: Dr. Ana Maria Aguilar also discussed the pivotal shift in her community-based mentoring project in Bolivia. Her project initially focused on creating a horizontal style, participatory community mentor program, but shifted to focus on meeting the needs of the community. They began working with a community that had used herbal packages as an approach to bridge the distrust between the health sector and the local community. Connect with Ana Maria on ResearchGate. Guest informationProf. Aguilar is a senior pediatrician. Currently a professor in child growth and development research at the Medical College at University Mayor de San Andres in La Paz, Bolivia. She has designed and implemented health and nutrition interventions for children under five years of age for the last thirty years. She also led the conformation of the Food and Nutrition Council in Bolivia and was the First National Coordinator of the Malnutrition Zero Program until 2012. Among many of her work and achievements, she has also authored and co-authored several articles, book chapters on nutrition and child health, description of the nutritional transition in Bolivia. About TDR GlobalTDR Global is a worldwide community of passionate scientists and experts who have been working with TDR on research on infectious diseases of poverty. TDR is the UNICEF/UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Programme for Research and Training and Tropical Diseases, based at the World Health Organization.Resources Oppong, E., Bao, H., Tang, W., Mejia, M.I.E., Glozah, F., Asanga, N., Boinett, C.J., Aguilar, A.M., Valido, E., Lestari, T. and Tucker, J.D., 2021. A Global Crowdsourcing Open Call to Improve Research Mentorship in Low-and Middle-Income Countries: A Mixed Methods Analysis. The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 1(aop).AcknowledgmentsEditing by Cassandra SooResearch: Emmanuela Oppong & Alice MatimbaProducers: Emmanuela Oppong (Producer), Alice Matimba (Senior Producer), Isabela Malta (Producer), Christine Boinett (Creator and Executive producer).Host: Emmanuela OppongMedia and Marketing: Catherine HolmesMusic: https://freesound.org/s/477388/ SponsorsWellcome Connecting Science: https://coursesandconferences.wellcomeconnectingscience.org/Wellcome Sanger Institute: https://www.sanger.ac.ukSESH: https://www.seshglobal.org/

The 2019 finalists of the TDR Mentorship Contest for improving research mentorship in low- and middle-income countries joined us to share their experiences implementing their respective projects. We had:Dr. Ezra Valido who shared his Getting Research To Work (G.R.O.W) for people project in the Philippines, focused on bringing local-non academic organisations, practitioners, and local experts together to collaborate as a small community of practice that can mentor, support and learn from each other. He highlighted some advantageous steps he took, including working with local societies that had the resources he needed. He also discussed some challenges he faced implementing his project during the COVID pandemic, including difficulties gaining funding to navigate the dynamics of mentoring people within different stages of their career. Connect with Ezra on LinkedinGuest informationDr. Ezra Valido is both a biologist and a Doctor of Medicine from the University of the Philippines. He also holds a Master's degree in public management and public health, and is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Lucerne and Swiss Paraplegic Research. He is broadly interested in infectious disease and designing, scaling, and implementing public health programs related to them, focusing on health systems and development and in public health concentrating on tropical medicine. He worked previously as a primary care physician and was employed in the medical affairs units of Sanofi and Novo Nordisk in the Philippine affiliate handling endocrine, cardiovascular, and renal therapeutic areas.ResourcesOppong, E., Bao, H., Tang, W., Mejia, M.I.E., Glozah, F., Asanga, N., Boinett, C.J., Aguilar, A.M., Valido, E., Lestari, T. and Tucker, J.D., 2021. A Global Crowdsourcing Open Call to Improve Research Mentorship in Low-and Middle-Income Countries: A Mixed Methods Analysis. The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 1(aop).AcknowledgmentsEditing by Cassandra SooResearch: Emmanuela Oppong & Alice MatimbaProducers: Emmanuela Oppong (Producer), Alice Matimba (Senior Producer), Isabela Malta (Producer), Christine Boinett (Creator and Executive producer).Host: Emmanuela OppongMedia and Marketing: Catherine HolmesMusic: https://freesound.org/s/477388/ SponsorsWellcome Connecting Science: https://coursesandconferences.wellcomeconnectingscience.org/Wellcome Sanger Institute: https://www.sanger.ac.ukSESH: https://www.seshglobal.org/

If you are looking to start a PhD, you may consider choosing a supervisor based on the type of research that you find most interesting. While this should certainly be a component of your decision, it is also important to look beyond the research. In fact, your supervisor and the culture of their research group will have significantly more impact on your happiness and success in graduate school than the research itself. Here, Jen Heemstra talks us through what should be considered when choosing the right supervisor, and how to spot red flags.ResourcesMore than a signature: How advisor choice and advisor behaviour affect doctoral student satisfactionhttps://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/03098770701424983Choosing a Graduate Advisor https://cen.acs.org/careers/graduate-school/Choosing-graduate-adviser/99/i33Guest informationJen Heemstra is a Professor of Chemistry at Emory University, where her research group is focused on using biomolecules for applications in biosensing and bioimaging. Jen is actively engaged in science communication and advocacy via her Twitter presence (@jenheemstra), column in Chemical & Engineering News, and professional development seminars. AcknowledgementsEditing by Mariana Vaz, https://www.marianacpvaz.com/Research: Jen Heemstra, Isabela MaltaProducers: Isabela Malta (Producer), Alice Matimba (Senior Producer), Christine Boinett (Creator and Executive producer) and Emmanuela Oppong (Producer).Social media: Catherine HolmesHost: Isabela MaltaCreated by: Christine BoinettMusic: https://freesound.org/s/477388/ Contact usEmail: enquiries@yourdigimentor.netTwitter: @mentor_podcast Check out another podcast from our friends Decoding Life at the Wellcome Sanger InstituteSupportWCS: https://www.wellcomeconnectingscience.org/WSI: https://www.sanger.ac.uk

Publishing is a complex world of skewed macro-level challenges including access to high-impact journals, lack of equity within journal publication processes, and monopolization by reputable journals; as well as micro-level barriers such as navigating manuscript production, language, journal selection, and fees. Two editors-in-chief, Seye and Orli, shed some light on these processes, and offer unique perspectives, and advice including pursuing publications with a “healthy dose of disrespect” and endeavoring to reach out to editors with your questions and concerns.Guest informationProf. Seye Abimbola is a senior lecturer at the University of Sydney, where he studies health system governance and epistemic justice in global health. He is also the current Prince Claus Chair in Equity and Development at Utrecht University and the editor in chief of BMJ Global Health. Connect with Seye on Twitter @seyeabimbola, and to learn more about his work, visit: https://www.sydney.edu.au/medicine-health/about/our-people/academic-staff/seye-abimbola.htmlDr. Orli G. Bahcall, Editor-in-Chief of Cell Genomics, has over 17 years of editorial experience, previously serving as genetics and genomics editor at Nature and Nature Genetics and Chief Editor of Nature Reviews Genetics. Orli brings with her to Cell Genomics a love of science, a passion for collaborative research, and a commitment to openness and transparency in research, as well as in the editorial and review processes. Orli received her Ph.D. in epidemiology and mathematical modeling from Imperial College, London, her MS from Oxford University as a Marshall Scholar, and her BS from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Connect with Orli on Twitter @obahcall. To learn more about her work, visit:https://www.cell.com/cell-genomics/home or her LinkedIn page: www.linkedin.com/in/orli-bahcall-6b81b11a3ResourcesScholary Kitchen blog (https://scholarlykitchen.sspnet.org/2021/01/28/open-access-and-global-south-it-is-more-than-a-matter-of-inclusion/ )Support open access in global south (https://www.research4life.org/news/open-access-inclusive-as-it-wants-to-be/)Challenges in open access (https://www.enago.com/academy/challenges-in-growth-of-open-access-publishing/)BMJ benefits of open access(https://www.bmj.com/company/openaccess/open-access-faq/)Is the staggeringly profitable business of scientific publishing bad for science? (https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/jun/27/profitable-business-scientific-publishing-bad-for-science)Big publishers, bigger profits (https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/304667847.pdf)Barriers to publishing (https://bmcmedresmethodol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12874-017-0371-z)Language barriers (https://pubrica.com/academy/journal-selection/english-language-as-a-barrier-to-publish-in-high-impact-factor-journals-quick-tips-to-overcome/)Global inclusivity report 2020 (https://www.emeraldgrouppublishing.com/global-2020-inclusivity-report)AcknowledgmentsEditing by Mariana Vaz, https://www.marianacpvaz.com/Research: Nagehan Ramazanoglu; Alice MatimbaProducers: Christine Boinett (Creator and Executive producer), Alice Matimba (Senior Producer), Isabela Malta (Producer and Research Lead), Emmanuela Oppong (Producer), Nagehan Ramazanoglu (Producer), Catherine Holmes (Marketing Lead).Host: Alice Matimba & Emmanuela OppongMedia and Marketing: Catherine HolmesMusic: https://freesound.org/s/477388/Contact usEmail: enquiries@yourdigimentor.netTwitter: @mentor_podcastSupportWCS: https://www.wellcomeconnectingscience.org/WSI: https://www.sanger.ac.ukSESH: https://www.seshglobal.org/

Researchers are moving to other countries for different reasons, such as building a career, lack of funding, lack of mentoring. However, many face a dilemma between returning home, transferring knowledge and skills to local research, or staying. So when is the right time to return home? And when you get home, how do you prepare for the challenges around settling down?We asked our guests Daniela and Brighton their own experiences; how they decided to go back and what motivated them to overcome challenges and strengthen the research in their home...Guests Information: Dr. Daniela Robles-Espinoza is an assistant professor at the International Laboratory for Human Genome Research (LIIGH), National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), and an international fellow at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, UK. She studied a BSc in genome sciences at UNAM and a PhD in cancer genetics at the University of Cambridge. Her research focuses on using large-scale sequencing data for investigating the driver alterations, risk factors and potential therapeutic targets of types of cancer important in Mexico and Latin America, such as acral lentiginous melanoma and hepatocellular carcinoma. https://liigh.unam.mx/drobles/ @daniela_oaksDr. Brighton Samatanga is founder & CEO of The Biotech Institute (Zimbabwe). He is a molecular biophysicist with general interest in genome regulation and control. He did his PhD at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, and was Professor for Physics for Soft and Biological Matter in Germany.https://twitter.com/drsamatanga https://www.biotechinst.comResourcesFangmeng, T. (2016). Brain circulation, diaspora and scientific progress: A study of the international migration of Chinese scientists, 1998–2006. Asian and Pacific migration journal : APMJ, 25(3), pp.296–319.Mwampamba, T.H. et al. (2021). Challenges encountered when doing research back home: Perspectives from African conservation scientists in the diaspora. Conservation science and practice.  AcknowledgmentsEditing by Mariana Vaz, https://www.marianacpvaz.com/Research: Alice MatimbaProducers: Christine Boinett (Creator and Executive producer), Alice Matimba (Senior Producer), Isabela Malta (Producer and Research Lead), Emmanuela Oppong (Producer), Nagehan Ramazanoglu (Producer), Catherine Holmes (Marketing Lead).Host: Alice MatimbaMedia and Marketing: Catherine HolmeMusic: https://freesound.org/s/477388/Contact usEmail: enquiries@yourdigimentor.netTwitter: @mentor_podcastSupportWCS: https://www.wellcomeconnectingscience.org/WSI: https://www.sanger.ac.ukSESH: https://www.seshglobal.org/OR for simplecastSupport:Wellcome Connecting SciencesWellcome Sanger InstituteSocial Entrepreneurship to Spur Health

The pressure to win a grant and chasing the next funding source is stressful for all researchers. Besides, finding success in funding often requires sacrificing private time and overcoming the frustrations about being rejected. In this episode, we asked our guests, Dr. Nicki Tiffin and Dr. Jennifer Gardy, what key skills to have and develop to apply for grant funding. Join us and listen to our guests' experiences of how funding opportunities impacted their careers, how they took the step to launch their research independently and how they stayed motivated to achieve it. Guest informationDr Nicki Tiffin is a Zimbabwean, living in South Africa, with a Ph D in molecular genetics and a Masters in Public Health (epidemiology). I have worked in South Africa, the UK and the USA,  in lab science and as a bioinformaticist in human health genomics research, as well as in health informatics in the public health sector. Connect with Nicki on LinkedIn Dr Jennifer Gardy is the Deputy Director for Surveillance, Data, & Epidemiology on the Gates Foundation's Malaria team, where she oversees work related to routine malaria surveillance, parasite and vector genomic epidemiology, and geospatial and mathematical modeling. Connect with Jennifer on Twitter @jennifergardy. More about Jennifer's work https://www.gatesfoundation.org/our-work/programs/global-health/malariaAcknowledgementsEditing by Mariana Vaz, https://www.marianacpvaz.com/Research: Alice MatimbaProducers: Christine Boinett (Creator and Executive producer), Alice Matimba (Senior Producer), Isabela Malta (Producer and Research Lead), Emmanuela Oppong (Producer), Nagehan Ramazanoglu (Producer), Catherine Holmes (Marketing Lead).Host: Alice MatimbaMedia and Marketing: Catherine HolmeMusic: https://freesound.org/s/477388/ Contact usEmail: enquiries@yourdigimentor.net Twitter: @mentor_podcast SupportWCS: https://www.wellcomeconnectingscience.org/WSI: https://www.sanger.ac.ukSESH: https://www.seshglobal.org/OR for simplecastSupport:Wellcome Connecting SciencesWellcome Sanger InstituteSocial Entrepreneurship to Spur Health

Our guests talk about the pros and cons of careers in industry and academia, and mention some of the traits that might be beneficial to have to be successful in each environment. ResourcesResearch culture, changing expectations. Darren Logan for the Royal Society: https://royalsociety.org/topics-policy/projects/research-culture/changing-expectations/dr-darren-logan/10 Simple Rules for Choosing Between Industry and Academia: https://journals.plos.org/ploscompbiol/article?id=10.1371/journal.pcbi.1000388Guest informationProf. Soranzo is a human geneticist working in the field of human complex trait genetics. She graduated in biological sciences at the University of Milano, Italy, obtained a PhD in genetics from the University of Dundee, and undertook post-doctoral training at University College London. Between 2005-2007 she worked for Johnson & Johnson in the USA, before returning to academia. Presently, she is a Senior group leader at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, Professor of Human Genetics at the School of Clinical Medicine of the University of Cambridge, and Head of the Genomics Research Centre at Human Technopole in Italy.@nicolesoranzoAfter an academic career in genetics leading to the Wellcome Sanger Institute faculty, Darren Logan joined for the Waltham Petcare Science Institute – the global research centre for Mars Petcare. There he leads a multidisciplinary team of over 90 scientists that strive to improve the health and wellbeing of pets worldwide. @darrenloganAcknowledgementsEditing by Mariana Vaz, https://www.marianacpvaz.com/Research: Isabela MaltaProducers: Christine Boinett (Creator and Executive producer), Alice Matimba (Senior Producer), Isabela Malta (Producer and Research Lead), Emmanuela Oppong (Producer), Catherine Holmes (Marketing Lead).Host: Isabela MaltaMedia and Marketing: Catherine HolmeMusic: https://freesound.org/s/477388/ Contact usEmail: enquiries@yourdigimentor.net Twitter: @mentor_podcast SupportWCS: https://www.wellcomeconnectingscience.org/WSI: https://www.sanger.ac.ukSESH: https://www.seshglobal.org/

Sometimes publishing a paper that has the potential to impact might not be enough. You are driven to change: “potential” to “is” (Simon Travers). Scientists and researchers can create living products/businesses that have value and address key needs in the lives of others. We learn from Jenny, Simon, and Douglas about the how of this process.They share their experiences initiating, supporting, and leading different companies, businesses, and projects, across the globe. They discuss how they navigate the murky waters of leading start-up companies, navigating politics around patents, seeking support, guidance, and resources, and challenges associated with the different aspects of being scientists and entrepreneurs.ResourcesGathering for Open Science Hardware https://openhardware.science/about/Hyrax Bioscienceshttps://hyraxbio.co.za/The Key to successful entrepreneurship in the life scienceshttps://wyss.harvard.edu/news/the-key-to-successful-entrepreneurship-in-the-life-sciences/Science and entrepreneurship: Different careers, common ground http://blog.cdnsciencepub.com/science-and-entrepreneurship-different-careers-common-ground/ Guest informationDouglas Sanyahumbi is an innovation management professional with over 15 years of experience facilitating the commercialisation of research outputs. Currently based in Malawi, Doug is actively involved in supporting entrepreneurship and innovation activities with aspiring entrepreneurs and at research institutions in Malawi and several other African countries through different projects. LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougsanyas/Jenny Molloy is a Senior Research Associate at the University of Cambridge where she builds open source tools for distributed manufacturing of enzymes for biological research. She also co-founded three social enterprises and communities, working with collaborators in Africa, Latin America, and beyond to build an open, sustainable and equitable global bioeconomy. Twitter: jenny_molloySimon Travers is CEO of Hyrax Biosciences.  He is a "reformed academic" who established a research programme in Ireland and subsequently in South Africa studying the molecular evolution of viruses.  Hyrax Biosciences spun out of his research group in South Africa and was established to enable widespread access to DNA sequencing-based diagnostics.  Hyrax Biosciences works with biotechnology companies and pathology labs providing them with software to easily analyse and interpret data and, where relevant, provide clinically actionable insights for patients. Twitter: @simon_travAcknowledgmentsEditing by Mariana Vaz, https://www.marianacpvaz.com/Research: Emmanuela Oppong & Alice Matimba Producers: Emmanuela Oppong (Producer), Alice Matimba (Senior Producer), Isabela Malta (Producer), Christine Boinett (Creator and Executive producer).Host: Alice MatimbaMedia and Marketing: Catherine HolmesMusic:  https://freesound.org/s/477388/ SponsorsACSC: https://coursesandconferences.wellcomegenomecampus.orgWSI: https://www.sanger.ac.ukSESH: https://www.seshglobal.org/

Researchers and scientists are doing great and impactful work that can change lives. But are people really aware or understand their work? How can we engage with people outside our field and community?In this week's episode we discuss how researchers and scientists can go about creating spaces of engagement, via different avenues including blogging or in-person activities—at a party or in a local community. Researchers can work together in person as they would, for example, do on a research paper as co-authors. This can help eliminate challenges connected with interacting and presenting ideas to others. Join in and listen to the innovative ways Dr. Apron and Monica have been able to learn, experience as well as communicate their work in science. Whether it's through “beer and science” or through a future flash mob…ResourcesBeer and Sciencehttps://stories.wellcomeconnectingscience.org/beer-and-science/index.htmlPublic engagement is key for the future of science researchhttps://www.nature.com/articles/npjscilearn201610AAAS Communication Toolkithttps://www.aaas.org/resources/communication-toolkit10 ideas to spread word about your sciencehttps://medium.com/sparrho/10-ideas-to-get-people-talk-about-your-science-fc3d411da59aCrowdsourcing in Health and Health Research: A Practical Guidehttps://www.who.int/tdr/publications/year/2018/crowdsourcing-practical-guide/en/ Guest informationDr. Arporn  Wangwiwatsin grew up in Thailand, spent a good ten years in the UK. She is now a lecturer at Khon Kaen University. Her scientific endeavour is primarily on parasitic diseases, bile duct cancer, and catching up with the new genomics development. Public engagement is an outlet for her artistic side. Twitter: @akoiwangDr. Monica Abrudan, Training Development Lead in the Centre for Genomic Pathogen Surveillance (CGPS), at the University of Oxford, where she develops courses in pathogen genomics and bioinformatics. She became interested in science communication during her PhD in Microbial Ecology and Evolution at the University of Manchester. Twitter: @MonicaAbrudan AcknowledgementsEditing by Mariana Vaz, https://www.marianacpvaz.com/Research: Emmanuela Oppong & Alice MatimbaProducers: Alice Matimba (Senior Producer), Isabela Malta (Producer), Christine Boinett (Creator and Executive producer), Emmanuela Oppong (Producer)Host: Emmanuela OppongMedia and Marketing: Catherine HolmesMusic:  https://freesound.org/s/477388/ SponsorsACSC: https://coursesandconferences.wellcomegenomecampus.orgWSI: https://www.sanger.ac.ukSESH: https://www.seshglobal.org/

Leadership might be fulfilling, but it is not easy: Our guests Marcia Philbin and Stephen Baker talk about some of the challenges they face as leaders and what skills and factors helped them succeed. ResourcesTed talk by Carla Harris - How to find the person who can help you get ahead at work: https://www.ted.com/talks/carla_harris_how_to_find_the_person_who_can_help_you_get_ahead_at_work?language=enGuest informationMarcia Philbin's Jamaican parents believed in the transformative power of education. For Marcia, this is the reason she is now a black female scientist with a PhD in chemistry, the Chief Executive of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry. @Mphil22M @FacultyFarmMedStephen Baker is Director of Research For Global Health in the Department of Medicine at the University of Cambridge and Honorary Faculty at the Wellcome Sanger Institute. He is a molecular epidemiologist whose career has focused on understanding how infectious disease in people in low-middle income countries evolve and spread. He was previously located at the Wellcome Africa- Asia programme in Vietnam for 12 years, where he established an internationally recognised programme of research on enteric (gastrointestinal) infections. @Baker_Lab_CamAcknowledgementsEditing by Mariana Vaz, https://www.marianacpvaz.com/Research: Isabela MaltaProducers: Christine Boinett (Creator and Executive producer), Alice Matimba (Senior Producer), Isabela Malta (Producer and Research Lead), Emmanuela Oppong (Producer), Catherine Holmes (Marketing Lead).Host: Isabela MaltaMedia and Marketing: Catherine HolmeMusic: https://freesound.org/s/477388/ Contact usEmail: enquiries@yourdigimentor.net Twitter: @mentor_podcast SupportWCS: https://www.wellcomeconnectingscience.org/WSI: https://www.sanger.ac.ukSESH: https://www.seshglobal.org/

We talked to Dr. Claire Chewapreecha and Dr. Kate Baker on tips on effective communication, presentation skills and how they have both adapted to the new zoom environment. ResourcesTed talk by Marcus Alexander Velazquez on effective communication: https://www.ted.com/talks/marcus_alexander_velazquez_the_art_of_effective_communication_jan_2020Forbes Article on effective communication within a company by Naira Velumyan: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2019/09/04/how-to-develop-effective-communication-within-a-company/Guest informationDr. Claire Chewapreecha is a Wellcome Intermediate and Sanger International Fellow based at Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit in Bangkok, Thailand. She works on melioidosis, a grossly under-recognised tropical disease, caused by a soil bacterium. Her team investigates the relationship between the host and bacterial genomics that determine melioidosis susceptibility and severity. Connect with Claire on twitter @chewapreechaDr. Kate Baker is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Liverpool who leads a research group on the genomic epidemiology of bacterial pathogens and antimicrobial resistance. She has won over £8m of research funding, published prolifically, and influenced public health policy and practice. Connect with Kate on twitter @ksbakes. More info on Kate: https://baker-lab.github.io/AcknowledgementsEditing by Mariana Vaz, https://www.marianacpvaz.com/Research: Christine BoinettProducers: Christine Boinett (Creator and Executive producer), Alice Matimba (Senior Producer), Isabela Malta (Producer and Research Lead), Emmanuela Oppong (Producer), Catherine Holmes (Marketing Lead).Host: Christine BoinettMedia and Marketing: Catherine HolmeMusic: https://freesound.org/s/477388/ Contact usEmail: enquiries@yourdigimentor.net Twitter: @mentor_podcast SupportWCS: https://www.wellcomeconnectingscience.org/WSI: https://www.sanger.ac.ukSESH: https://www.seshglobal.org/

We interview Prof. Jeffrey McDonnell, author of “Navigating an Academic Career: A Brief Guide for PhD Students, Postdocs and Early Career Faculty” on writing skills. We cover how and when to find the time to write and how this impacts your research career. ResourcesJeff's Book: Navigating an Academic Career: A Brief Guide for PhD Students, Postdocs, and New Faculty - https://www.wiley.com/en-us/Navigating+an+Academic+Career%3A+A+Brief+Guide+for+PhD+Students%2C+Postdocs%2C+and+New+Faculty-p-9781119642176W.I Beveridge; The Art of Scientific Investigation: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Art-Scientific-Investigation-W-Beveridge/dp/1932846050Mark Manson: The subtle art of not giving a ****: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Subtle-Art-Not-Giving-Counterintuitive/dp/0062457713Nature mentoring collection of articles: https://www.nature.com/collections/lhgrjpzydm/Science magazine career articles: https://www.sciencemag.org/careers/articlesRandy Olson; And, But, Therefore: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijC2g6FBdXIRandy Olson; Houston we have a Narrative: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Houston-We-Have-Narrative-Science/dp/022627084XRandy Olson; Don't be such a scientist: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dont-Such-Scientist-Second-Substance/dp/1610919173/ref=pd_lpo_1?pd_rd_i=1610919173&psc=1Guest informationJeffrey McDonnell is a Professor at the University of Saskatchewan in Canada and author of 2020 book:“Navigating an Academic Career: A Brief Guide for PhD Students, Postdocs and Early Career Faculty”. He is Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. Website: https://water.usask.ca/hillslope/AcknowledgementsEditing by Mariana Vaz, https://www.marianacpvaz.com/Research: Christine BoinettProducers: Christine Boinett (Creator and Executive producer), Alice Matimba (Senior Producer), Isabela Malta (Producer and Research Lead), Emmanuela Oppong (Producer), Catherine Holmes (Marketing Lead).Host: Christine BoinettMedia and Marketing: Catherine HolmesMusic: https://freesound.org/s/477388/ Contact usEmail: enquiries@yourdigimentor.net Twitter: @mentor_podcast SupportWCS: https://www.wellcomeconnectingscience.org/WSI: https://www.sanger.ac.uk

What is covered in this episode¿Qué es para ti la mentoría ?¿Cómo la mentoría ha influenciado en tu carrera?¿Has encontrado, a lo largo de tu carrera, desafíos y/o dificultades en encontrar o mantener una relación de mentoría?¿Qué estrategias recomiendas para romper con la estructura jerárquica y con las viejas ideas y conceptos que impiden un mejor relacionamiento entre las partes?¿Existen dificultades particulares al establecimiento de mentorías en tu región de origen? Por ejemplo, falta de cultura de mentoría, falta de entrenamiento, falta de reconocimiento del rol de mentor.ResourcesStrengthening mentoring in LMICs: https://europepmc.org/article/med/30430982Benefits of mentoring: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/learning-dev/toolkits/mentoring/benefitsImportance of mentoring: http://blogs.nature.com/naturejobs/2014/11/06/how-important-is-it-to-have-a-mentor-in-your-academic-career/What makes a good mentor: https://getpocket.com/explore/item/what-the-best-mentors-do?utm_source=pocket-newtabMore about our host Anna Protasio:Originally Uruguay, Anna is currently a Research Fellow at Christ's College Cambridge and Group Leader at the Dept of Pathology, University of Cambridge. Her expertise is in helminth parasitology and genomics. Apart from research, Anna has developed online and in-person courses in bioinformatics with particular focus in genomics and computational tools. Learn more about Anna's career here (add link : https://annaprotasio.github.io/). Follow Anna on twitter @annaprotasioGuest informationDr. Alena Pance: Originally Czech, I grew up and went to university in Venezuela, focussing on cell biology of infectious diseases. A PhD in Cambridge followed, introducing me to transcriptional regulation that became my long-term interest. After a postdoc in France, an MC Fellowship brought me back to Cambridge, at the Wellcome Sanger Institute working on malaria. I am also passionate about teaching and supporting colleagues and students to achieve their career goals. I'm heavily involved in public engagement activities to explain science to the wider public and make it accessible to everyone. LinkedIn. Hear more of Alena's story here.Dr. Andres Lescano: Dr. Lescano leads Emerge, the Emerging Diseases and Climate Change Unit and Epidemiology Masters' and Doctoral programs at Cayetano University in Peru. He trained at Johns Hopkins, has published >130 manuscripts, trained hundreds of epidemiologists, and has joint appointments at the Tulane, Johns Hopkins, Wake Forest and Texas/Medical Branch universities. Connect with Andres on twitter here: @emergeupchAcknowledgementsGuest Host: Anna ProtasioEditing by Mariana Vaz, https://www.marianacpvaz.com/Producers: Anna Protasio, Isabela Malta (Producer), Christine Boinett (Creator and Executive producer), Alice Matimba (Senior Producer), Emmanuela Oppong (Producer).Media and Marketing: Catherine HolmesMusic: https://freesound.org/s/477388/ Contact usEmail: enquiries@yourdigimentor.net Twitter: @mentor_podcast SupportACSC: https://coursesandconferences.wellcomegenomecampus.orgWSI: https://www.sanger.ac.uk

More about the Decoding Life podcastWe have assembled interviews from some of the most amazing people around the Wellcome Genome Campus to find out about their paths into science. From PhD students to group leaders, software developers to diversity champions, we get a first-hand account of what it is really like to do some of these jobs and learn some interesting science along the way. We have some incredible insights about life in science, for example, coming back after an 8 year break, why it's important to inspire young girls to code, and making mentorship and training accessible.  Listen on:Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/2J2W9Ob3GHdTzRUh8GrUmqAnchorhttps://anchor.fm/decoding-life-podBreakerhttps://www.breaker.audio/decoding-life-1Google Podcastshttps://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80ZDM1MTkzYy9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==Pocket Castshttps://pca.st/hzmdkqudRadio Publichttps://radiopublic.com/decoding-life-GE5y9P  Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/decodinglifepodcast/ Twitter:https://twitter.com/DecodingLifePod

Takeaways from today's episode:In reverse mentoring, find someone who is different from you, has a different background and has different perspectives. Aim to build a mutual connection as mentor and mentee, firstly creating a sense of psychological safety which enables open and honest dialogue Reverse mentorship approach empowers people with skills to effectively engage in sensitive topics such as racism and facilitates discussions with the right audiences who have the power to do something about it. A mentor supports the organisation through the person they are mentoring, bringing awareness to unspoken nuances which could help to refine organisational initiatives and policies for promoting positive behaviours and culture. Reverse mentoring is a rewarding experience to learn, educate and feed forward. If you get a reverse mentorship opportunity - go for it!ResourcesCreating better leaders by Patrice Gordonhttps://www.ted.com/talks/patrice_gordon_how_reverse_mentorship_can_help_create_better_leadersImpact of reverse mentoring - NHShttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaoN8JV4LKA&feature=emb_logoValue of reverse mentoringhttps://www.hsj.co.uk/workforce/reverse-mentoring-delivers-real-value/7025222.articleReverse mentoring for senior NHS leaders: a new type of relationship. Future Healthc J. 2020 Feb;7(1):94-96. doi: 10.7861/fhj.2019-0028. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7032576/Reverse mentoring for equitable workplaceshttps://ssir.org/articles/entry/how_reverse_mentoring_can_lead_to_more_equitable_workplacesReverse mentoring frameworkhttps://www.mdx.ac.uk/about-us/policies/equality-diversity-inclusion/reverse-mentoring-framework  Host and guest informationDr. Alice Matimba is the Senior Producer of YDMP. In her role at the Wellcome Genome Campus, she manages the organisation, development and delivery of genomics courses for researchers and healthcare professionals in Africa, Asia and Latin America as part of the ACSC programme. Her expertise is in biomedical sciences, pharmacogenomics, health research and education, and capacity building for LMICs. Connect with Alice on Twitter @alicepnDr. Martin Dougherty is the Chief Operating Officer at Wellcome Sanger Institute and have the pleasure of working with our senior operational leadership team across all areas of our organisation.  He is also a Special Constable and combat organised crime gangs and dealing with their victims and he quotes - “This keeps my feet firmly on the ground”. Connect with Martin on https://www.linkedin.com/in/martindoughertyAcknowledgementsEditing by Mariana Vaz, https://www.marianacpvaz.com/Research: Alice MatimbaProducers: Alice Matimba (Senior Producer), Isabela Malta (Producer), Christine Boinett (Creator and Executive producer), Emmanuela Oppong (Producer)Host: Alice MatimbaMedia and Marketing: Catherine HolmesMusic:  https://freesound.org/s/477388/ SponsorsACSC: https://coursesandconferences.wellcomegenomecampus.orgWSI: https://www.sanger.ac.uk

The ‘Sensational Six’ team:Dr Christine Boinett - Creator and Executive producerOriginally from Kenya, is the product manager and head of training for the JUNO and GPS global genome projects at WSI. My expertise is in Bacterial genetics and antimicrobial resistance. In my current role, I develop free online bioinformatic courses for JUNO and GPS as well as continuing to deliver training for ACSC and the FutureLearn MOOC platform.  Dr. Alice Matimba - Senior producer Originally from Zimbabwe, she manages the organisation, development and delivery of genomics courses for researchers and healthcare professionals in Africa, Asia and Latin America as part of the ACSC programme. Her expertise is in biomedical sciences, pharmacogenomics, health research and education, and capacity building for LMICs. @alicepn Isabela Malta - Research Lead and ProducerOriginally from Brazil, recently joined the ACSC team where she assists in managing the organisation and development of courses for audiences in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Her background is in microbiology and data sciences. Emmanuella Oppong - ProducerOriginally from Ghana, currently works as a teaching assistant in Harlem; she was a 2019 Watson fellow. Her background is in biomedical engineering, and global service & education. Catherine Holmes - Marketing leadFrom the UK, is a marketing professional currently working for Wellcome Genome Campus Connecting Science, leading on their marketing activities related to learning, training and research. Her background is marketing and communications for non-profit organisations.  Mariana Vaz - Sound and Media editor.Originally from Portugal, is an award-winning filmmaker currently working on a freelance basis as a videographer and video editor. Previously interned with ACSC. More information about my work can be found here: marianacpvaz.com Special thanks to:First and foremost our funders, Wellcome Sanger Institute (WSI), Wellcome Advanced courses and scientific conferences (ACSC), and the Social entrepreneurship to spur health (SESH).Joe Tucker from SESH Global, the London School of Hygiene and tropical Medicine and University of North Carolina.Darren Hughes from ACSC.Charles Weatherhog from WSI.Steve Palmer, Catriona Clarke, Alison Cranage, Mattew Midgely and the WSI Comms team.Piraveen Gopalasingam and The Cabana Network, from the EMBL- European bioinformatics Institute.Grace Mwaura and the African Academy of sciences.Stephen Bentley from WSI and the JUNO and GPS networks.Many thanks to our colleagues, friends, families and to you our listeners that made this podcast come to life. Hope you come back for season 2! Contact usEmail: enquiries@yourdigimentor.net Twitter: @mentor_podcast  AcknowledgementsEditing by Mariana Vaz: https://www.marianacpvaz.com/Host: Emmanuela Oppong Music: https://freesound.org/s/477388/ Support:ACSC: https://coursesandconferences.wellcomegenomecampus.orgWSI: https://www.sanger.ac.ukSESH: https://www.seshglobal.org/

Takeaways from today's episode: Decolonising global health is an ongoing movement allowing people (and researchers) to provide a local context in the conversations surrounding health. Though many definitions exist, it is based on the undoing of the colonial legacy that surrounds countries in the global south.Local health is global health - a local context is required to make it global. It is important to reflect on issues on decolonising global health to avoid neo-colonization and include diverse voices from the global south to spearhead the movement.It is not just about putting a researcher from the global south on the paper to get round publication guidelines and funders. It’s not about a tick-box exercise. The conversation needs to address power imbalances in funding, teaching or accessibility to learning resources. Investment in these areas can start to close the gaps.Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, written articles expected the global south to fail. But if we had diverse voices published and circulated en masse, the world would have known that the global south has always dealt with infectious outbreaks and the global north could have learnt some lessons from countries in the global south. ResourcesHow NOT to write about Africa, by Desmond Jumbam: https://gh.bmj.com/content/5/7/e003164‘The foreign Gaze’ by Seye Abimbola, the article referenced by Salma in the panel: https://gh.bmj.com/content/4/5/e002068The word global heath and what we need to think about when talking about decolonising it: https://gh.bmj.com/content/5/8/e002947COVID-19 and inequities surrounding the term global health: https://gh.bmj.com/content/5/8/e003394What the world can learn from Africa’s response to COVID-19: https://www.wired.co.uk/article/covid-19-africaDecolonizing COVID-19: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/langlo/article/PIIS2214-109X(20)30134-0/fulltextRead Renzo’s blog on global health: https://www.internationalhealthpolicies.org/author/renzo-r-guinto-md/Salma’s article on what is global health:https://gh.bmj.com/content/5/10/e002884.infoSilenced voices in global health: https://www.thinkglobalhealth.org/article/silenced-voices-global-healthThe Global Health Security Index: what value does it add?:https://gh.bmj.com/content/5/4/e002477Africa convening - Health systems global: https://healthsystemsglobal.org/news/decolonizing-hpsr-the-africa-convening/ Guest informationRenzo Guinto, MD DrPH is Associate Professor and Inaugural Director of the Global Health Program of the St. Luke’s Medical Center College of Medicine in the Philippines. An Obama Foundation Asia-Pacific Leader, Renzo is also the Chief Planetary Doctor of PH Lab – a “glo-cal think-and-do tank” for advancing the health of both people and the planet – and member of the Lancet–Chatham House Commission on Improving Population Health post COVID-19. Twitter: @RenzoGuintoDesmond Jumbam is a Cameroonian health policy consultant based in Accra, Ghana. Currently, Desmond works with Operation Smile, a cleft NGO operating in over 30 countries, advising and leading the organization on health systems strengthening programs as well as health policy and advocacy engagements. He also leads research projects specifically focused on health financing for surgical care in low and middle-income countries. Prior to joining Operation Smile, Desmond was a health policy analyst with the Program in Global Surgery and Social Change at Harvard Medical School where he led and advised on the development of National Surgical Obstetric, Obstetric and Anesthesia Plans in several countries including Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Pakistan. Desmond holds a Master of Science in Global Health from the University of Notre Dame and a Bachelor of Arts in biological sciences from Taylor University in the United States. Twitter: @desmondtankoSalma M Abdalla is a physician by training and currently a research fellow at Boston University School of Public Health. She is the lead Project Director of the Rockefeller-Boston University 3-D Commission on Determinants of health, Data science, and Decision making. Dr Abdalla’s research focuses on how inequalities and power dynamics shape the health of populations and applying a systems thinking approach to the social, political, and commercial determinants of health. She is also interested in studying the effects of mass trauma on the mental health of populations. Twitter: @SalmaMHAbdalla Contact usEmail: enquiries@yourdigimentor.net Twitter: @mentor_podcast AcknowledgementsEditing by Mariana Vaz, https://www.marianacpvaz.com/Research: Isabela Malta, Alice Matimba, Emmanuela Oppong, Christine BoinettProducers: Isabela Malta (Producer), Alice Matimba (Senior Producer), Christine Boinett (Creator and Executive producer) and Emmanuela Oppong (Producer).Host: Alice Matimba and Christine BoinettMedia and Marketing: Catherine HolmesMusic: https://freesound.org/s/477388/ SupportWellcome Genome Campus Advanced Courses and Scientific ConferencesWellcome Sanger InstituteSocial Entrepreneurship to Spur Health

Takeaways from today's episode: Simple science is beautiful, but you must be open and be quick on your, learn on the job and do NOT minimise the advantage of soft skills.There is no curriculum that will teach you all the skills you will need to succeed as an independent researcher but you can seek out good mentorship, engage with the public, pioneer flat leadership systems, and where you can, employ virtual systems/communications to increase visibility and learning.There is room to analyse a problem in smaller bitesize chunks using available resourcesRemember a little can go a long way to prioritise peoples health and well-being  Focus on scalable ways to address regional problems - “Regional focus with international footprint” and remember that the mission is to improve health for everyone. Resources:Fredros’ TED talk on developing creative innovative solutions for malaria prevention in rural Tanzania :https://www.ted.com/talks/fredros_okumu_why_i_study_the_most_dangerous_animal_on_earth_mosquitoesBill Gates on supporting Fredros’ work: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/williamhgates_would-you-put-your-arm-in-a-cage-with-500-activity-6703376045862600704-WFq2Ubuntu philosophy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubuntu_philosophyRedzone podcast interviewing Dr. Jeff Karp on “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B01FSkPgS2k Guest information:Dr. Fredros Okumu is Director of Science at Ifakara Health Institute in Tanzania. He is a mosquito biologist and public health expert working on sustainable approaches for controlling vector-borne diseases. He is also passionate about improving ecosystems for young researchers in Africa.  @Fredros_Inc (on twitter) blogs here [malariaworld.org], and has ~100 scientific publications archived here[scholar.google.co.uk] & here [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov].Prof. Marco Mello is a Brazilian biologist with a PhD. in ecology, alumnus of the Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung. He worked as an associate researcher at Ulm University, Germany, and currently works as an associate professor at the University of São Paulo, Brazil. His research focuses on ecological synthesis, mainly about species interactions. Connect with Marco on twitter: @marcoarmello and his website: https://marcomellolab.wordpress.com AcknowledgementsEditing by Mariana Vaz, https://www.marianacpvaz.com/Research: Alice MatimbaProducers: Alice Matimba (Senior Producer), Isabela Malta (Producer), Christine Boinett (Creator and Executive producer), Emmanuela Oppong (Producer)Host: Alice MatimbaMedia and Marketing: Catherine HolmesMusic: https://freesound.org/s/477388/ Sponsors:Wellcome Genome Campus Advanced Courses and Scientific ConferencesWellcome Sanger InstituteSocial Entrepreneurship to Spur Health

Takeaways from today's episode: “I was not put on earth to follow your wishes”, you have to help yourself and reach out to good people who can mentor you. Don’t compromise on your dreams. Get mentorship from multiple sources.You should not self-censor, this is a result of socialisation. Don’t be afraid to speak up.Ask for support when you need it and stop trying to be superwoman and negotiate a partnership which works.ResourcesSome inspirational Women leaders in STEM from: https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/research/research-action/women-leaders-global-healthInsights from Women Leaders: https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/research/research-action/women-leaders-global-health/insights-women-leadersShubha’s article in nature; Mentorship comes from many sources: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41556-018-0189-x?WT.feed_name=subjects_neurogenesisInspirational words from Shuba Tole: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vr6l3GckVNIShubha Tole on not compromising on your dreams as a woman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7s7bP40gk0Marriage, women and STEM: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/small-biz/entrepreneurship/how-societal-norms-work-against-women-choosing-stem-careers/articleshow/60804962.cmsReview of gender inequities in sub-saharan Africa: http://genderandset.open.ac.uk/index.php/genderandset/article/view/652/0Mansplaining: https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20180727-mansplaining-explained-in-one-chartInterviews with Women in STEM podcast (In French): https://www.iybssd2022.org/20-a-podcast-where-women-in-science-and-tech-talk-about-themselves/ Guest informationProf. Shubha Tole obtained her BSc (1978) from St. Xavier's College, Mumbai, and a PhD (1994) from Caltech, USA.  After a post-doc at the University of Chicago, she joined the faculty of the Tata Institute in Mumbai, India in 1999.  Tole actively engages in public outreach and is an engaged mentor. Connect with Shuba on twitter @shubhatole. Website: https://www.tifr.res.in/~dbs/faculty/stolelab/Home.htmlProf. Dorothy Mbori-Ngacha is a Senior Specialist on HIV for UNICEF’s global programmes. A medical doctor with specialist training in pediatrics, infectious disease and child health, she has extensive experience as a public health professional; and in academia including as chair and professor of paediatrics at the University of Nairobi. @DeeMboriNgachaKyla Roland completed a B.S. in Biology at Davidson College in 2019, and during her senior year she was awarded the Thomas J. Watson Fellowship.  Currently she is a Post baccalaureate IRTA Fellow at the National Institutes of Health, where she will pursue an independent research project with implications for understanding the spread of human diseases. AcknowledgementsEditing by Mariana Vaz, https://www.marianacpvaz.com/Research: Christine Boinett and Alice MatimbaProducers: Christine Boinett (Creator and Executive producer), Alice Matimba (Senior Producer), Isabela Malta (Producer) and Emmanuela Oppong (Producer).Host: Christine BoinettMedia and Marketing: Catherine HolmesMusic: https://freesound.org/s/477388/ Sponsors:Wellcome Genome Campus Advanced Courses and Scientific ConferencesWellcome Sanger InstituteSocial Entrepreneurship to Spur Health 

Takeaways from today's episode: Practice: The more you network, the easier it becomes.Be genuine. If you have a true interest in science, and a true interest in people, it is a very powerful combination that will make interactions easy.Not everyone is comfortable with meeting and greeting. The good thing is that you have at least one interest in common, which is science. Once you start, the communication will flow.Pay it forward, introduce people to each other especially if you have junior scientists that you are mentoring by seeding the conversation.ResourcesNetworking in Academia: J. Streeter, 2014 Swaine’s Ted Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/swaine_chen_dna_and_genomics_will_transform_our_livesHow to Network (Forbes article): https://www.forbes.com/sites/theyec/2014/07/28/how-to-network-the-right-way-eight-tips/ Guest informationDr. Swaine Chen is an Associate Professor of Medicine at the National University of Singapore and a Group Leader in Bacterial Genomics at the Genome Institute of Singapore. His research focuses on using computational and experimental methods to understand why some bacteria are proficient at causing infections and outbreaks in humans, you can find him on Twitter @swaine_chen.Dr. Silvia Argimón is a genomic epidemiologist at the Centre for Genomic Pathogen Surveillance, where she analyses pathogen genome sequences in the context of antimicrobial resistance and informs the development of web tools for global surveillance. Her work involves international collaborations for the implementation of whole-genome sequencing and teaching/training on genomics. Twitter: @silargi.Dr. ThankGod Ebenezer is a Bioinformatician at EMBL-EBI, UK, within the UniProt team. His role focuses on developing computational pipelines for automatic functional annotation of proteins. Prior to joining EMBL-EBI he was a postdoc at Earlham Institute and studied for his PhD degree in Biochemistry at the University of Cambridge, UK. Twitter: @ThankGod_Ebenez Website: https://euglenanetwork.wordpress.com/ AcknowledgementsEditing by Mariana Vaz, https://www.marianacpvaz.com/Research: Alice Matimba and Isabela Malta.Producers: Alice Matimba (Senior Producer), Isabela Malta (Producer), Christine Boinett (Creator and Executive producer), Emmanuela Oppong (Producer).Hosts: Alice Matimba and Isabela MaltaMedia and Marketing: Catherine HolmesMusic: https://freesound.org/s/477388/ Sponsors:Wellcome Genome Campus Advanced Courses and Scientific ConferencesWellcome Sanger InstituteSocial Entrepreneurship to Spur Health

Resources:Representation in science: https://www.cell.com/cell/pdf/S0092-8674(20)30740-6.pdfParachute research:https://www.thelancet.com/journals/langlo/article/PIIS2214-109X(18)30239-0/fulltextThe culture of research and how it needs to change: https://www.forbes.com/sites/madhukarpai/2019/11/10/global-health-research-needs-more-than-a-makeover/#71523e2a7e34Covid-19 and overlooked research from the global South: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/may/21/africa-coronavirus-successes-innovation-europe-usDiversity and Inclusion podcast: https://www.mildon.co.uk/podcastGuest information:Diversity and inclusion in academic institutions Soundbite: Dr. Ozama Ismail  is a neuroscientist studying dementia.  He co-founded the Minorities in STEM network, and is passionate about raising LGBTQ+ voices within science and ethnic minority groups. Oz co-hosts "Why Aren't You A Doctor Yet?" which tells compelling and diverse stories, combining science and tech with popular culture and comedy. @MinoritySTEMIjeoma Uchegbu is Professor of Pharmaceutical Nanoscience, Pro-Vice Provost for Africa and The Middle East  at University College London. She is Chief Scientific Officer of Nanomerics Ltd, editor of three books, a named inventor on 11 granted patents and has authored over 180 peer reviewed journal articles and book chapters.Dr. Saher Ahmed is Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at Genome Research Limited. Saher has 15 years’ experience working in the area of EDI and has set-up national projects and organisational strategy. Saher completed her PhD in Nuclear Physics at the University of Birmingham, UK and has two children @EqualityScience AcknowledgementsEditing by Mariana Vaz, https://www.marianacpvaz.com/Research: Alice Matimba, Isabela Malta, Christine Boinett and Emmanuela OppongProducers: Alice Matimba (Senior Producer), Isabela Malta (Producer), Christine Boinett (Creator and Executive producer) and Emmanuela Oppong (Producer).Host: Isabela Malta (Part 1), Christine Boinett (Part 2), Alice Matimba (Part 3 & 4)Media and Marketing: Catherine HolmesMusic: https://freesound.org/s/477388/Sponsors:Wellcome Genome Campus Advanced Courses and Scientific ConferencesWellcome Sanger InstituteSocial Entrepreneurship to Spur Health

Resources:Representation in science: https://www.cell.com/cell/pdf/S0092-8674(20)30740-6.pdfParachute research:https://www.thelancet.com/journals/langlo/article/PIIS2214-109X(18)30239-0/fulltextThe culture of research and how it needs to change: https://www.forbes.com/sites/madhukarpai/2019/11/10/global-health-research-needs-more-than-a-makeover/#71523e2a7e34Covid-19 and overlooked research from the global South: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/may/21/africa-coronavirus-successes-innovation-europe-usDiversity and Inclusion podcast: https://www.mildon.co.uk/podcast Guest informationSoundbite: Dr. Yolanda Ohene is a researcher at UCL specialising in developing novel MRI techniques. She is the co-founder of the Minorities in STEM network, and project head for two Minority in STEM symposia: Expanding Diversity and Level Up Your Academic Toolbox, to support, connect and showcase ethnic minorities in STEM fields. @MinoritySTEM @y_ohene Interview 1: Sabrina Fleurimé from BBSTEM; Representation matters.BBSTEM is a non profit organisation campaigning for balance and representation of Black individuals in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. I am the Corporate Partnership Coordinator collaborating with various institutions to bring exciting opportunities to the talented individuals of our network. I am also a full time scientist working on Drug Development at a biotech in Cambridge. Twitter: @BB_STEM  Website: www.bbstem.co.uk Interview 2: Prof. Iruka Okeke; Equity in academic researchIruka N Okeke is a Professor of Pharmaceutical Microbiology at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria and a Fellow of the Nigerian and African Academies of Science.  Her research group investigates the mechanisms bacteria use to colonize humans, cause disease and gain drug resistance.  She also studies laboratory practice in Africa. Follow Iruka: @iruka_okeke Interview 3: Prof. Eva Maria C. Cutiongco-de la Paz; Equity in academic researchProf. Eva Maria C. Cutiongco-de la Paz is Professor of Pediatrics and Genetics and Executive Director of the National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines, Manila. She serves as the Director of the Health Program of the Philippine Genome Center.  Interview 4: Prof. Collet Dandara; Ensuring equity from the beginning Professor Collet Dandara is a Professor of Human Genetics, Principal Investigator of the Pharmacogenomics and Drug Metabolism Research Group at the University of Cape Town, South Africa. Twitter: @col_codza Time stamps:01:05 - Sabrina Fleurime, BBSTEM11:37 - Prof. Iruka Okeke41:21 - Prof. Eva Maria C. Cutiongco-de la Paz01:04:43 - Prof. Collet Dandara AcknowledgementsEditing by Mariana Vaz, https://www.marianacpvaz.com/Research: Alice Matimba, Isabela Malta, Christine Boinett and Emmanuela OppongProducers: Alice Matimba (Senior Producer), Isabela Malta (Producer), Christine Boinett (Creator and Executive producer) and Emmanuela Oppong (Producer).Host: Isabela Malta (Part 1), Christine Boinett (Part 2), Alice Matimba (Part 3 & 4) Sponsors:Wellcome Genome Campus Advanced Courses and Scientific ConferencesWellcome Sanger InstituteSocial Entrepreneurship to Spur HealthMedia and Marketing: Catherine HolmesMusic: https://freesound.org/s/477388/

Takeaways from today's episode: Research culture requires dialling down on perfectionism which would help to relieve the pressure.People respect it when you say NO, so learn to say NO. politely.Institutions should support mental health support to researchersBe sensitive to different cultural views about mental healthIntersectionality in mental health means that different people experience the pressures of research in different ways.Recognise diversity of individuals in research and use a more individual approach to dealing with mental health. ResourcesBurnout in global health by Madhu Pai: https://www.forbes.com/sites/madhukarpai/2020/07/20/burnout-a-silent-crisis-in-global-health/#56387cab4df8WHO:https://www.who.int/mental_health/evidence/burn-out/en/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CBurn%2Dout%20is%20a%20syndrome,related%20to%20one's%20job%3B%20andSpotting signs of burnout: https://www.priorygroup.com/blog/managing-burnout-for-patients-and-gpsBlog by Beth Thompson: https://blogs.bmj.com/bmj/2020/02/14/beth-thompson-we-need-to-reimagine-the-way-research-works/Wellcome research culture survey:https://wellcome.ac.uk/press-release/largest-survey-research-culture-reveals-high-levels-stress-and-insecurityReducing stigma of mental health by using the Friendship Bench approach https://www.friendshipbenchzimbabwe.org/Chris Denning (Uni of Nottingham blog) has posted his blog on his twitter account: @chrisdenning42 Guest informationDr Beth Thompson leads Wellcome’s UK & EU policy and advocacy work, covering issues including Brexit and research investment, as well as Wellcome’s programme on research culture. Beth was awarded an MBE in 2017 for services to science. She gained her PhD from the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in 2008. @Beth_Thompson@wellcometrust Halle Rubera is a Rwandan who grew up in Kenya. She holds a B.A. in Political Science at Wellesley College, and was one of 6 finalists for the Rhodes Scholarship - East Africa. She is passionate about education in Africa, which is reflected in her podcast "Drained"-- a platform for African students to discuss their mental health. AcknowledgementsEditing by Mariana Vaz, https://www.marianacpvaz.com/Research: Christine BoinettProducers: Christine Boinett (Creator and Executive producer), Alice Matimba (Senior Producer), Isabela Malta (Producer) and Emmanuela Oppong (Producer).Host: Christine BoinettMedia and Marketing: Catherine HolmesMusic: https://freesound.org/s/477388/ Sponsors:Wellcome Genome Campus Advanced Courses and Scientific ConferencesWellcome Sanger InstituteSocial Entrepreneurship to Spur Health

Takeaways from today's episode: Imposter syndrome deals with the struggle of the Internal struggle (often to prove oneself) vs the external environment, including the lack of representation in different fields.In presentations and even in life, remember It’s ok to say ‘I don’t know’.Some ways one can work through the imposter syndrome include: acknowledging it is a common feeling, separating these feelings from facts about oneself, sharing these feelings with others and thinking: "what's the worst that can happen."Everyone gets rejections in academia, do not take it personally and do not give up trying. ResourcesHow to deal with imposter syndrome: https://time.com/5312483/how-to-deal-with-impostor-syndrome/More about imposter syndrome and how it affects women and women of colour: https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20200724-why-imposter-syndrome-hits-women-and-women-of-colour-harderRead more about Daniela’s story:https://womenaheadoftheirtime.org/stories/daniela-robles-espinoza/Read more about Seun’s story: https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/women-in-stem-oluwaseun-ogundeleGuest informationOluwaseun Ogundele is a research assistant at the Wellcome-MRC-Cambridge Stem Cell Institute. She is passionate about increasing the visibility of young BAME role models in research science using social media. Her motivation is personal; to share her own journey as a #blackgirlinscience who ‘made it to Cambridge’.Connect with Seun: @seuninscienceDr. Daniela Robles is a PI at the International Laboratory for Human Genome Research (LIIGH), National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). After studying her undergraduate degree at UNAM and her PhD at the University of Cambridge, she returned home to set up a research group focusing on investigating the genomics of cancer types important in Latin American countries.Connect with Daniela: @daniela_oaksIsabela Malta joined the ACSC as the Assistant Overseas Courses Manager to help coordinate scientific capacity development in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Originally from Brazil, she has a Biochemistry MPhil from the University of Cambridge (Wolfson College), and a biomedical/microbiology background.Connect with Isabela: @belamalta10 AcknowledgementsEditing by Mariana Vaz, https://www.marianacpvaz.com/Research: Isabela MaltaProducers: Isabela Malta (Producer), Emmanuela Oppong (Producer), Alice Matimba (Senior Producer), Christine Boinett (Creator and Executive producer) Host: Christine BoinettMedia and Marketing: Catherine HolmesMusic: https://freesound.org/s/477388/Sponsors:Wellcome Genome Campus Advanced Courses and Scientific ConferencesWellcome Sanger InstituteSocial Entrepreneurship to Spur Health

Takeaways from today's episode:Building capacity and skills is an effective way to address the vulnerability of young people in Africa, it builds their confidence to thrive.Systemic impact is achieved through policy change, advocacy and investing in the lives of young people who can invest back into their communities.Our niche lies in the ability to take the voices of engaged millennials and address social issues. Young people understanding their place in society, understand they can trigger change.An empowered youth is able to communicate their needs, identify their strengths and showcase their skills and talent through giving back.Mentorship of youth should encompass understanding stakeholders, application of etiquette in the work environment and effective communication with important partners.Remember to speak up, participate, pay it forward. ResourcesGlobal Citizen: https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/gb/BeyGOOD foundation: https://www.beyonce.com/beygood/Mentee managing the relationship: https://ementorconnect.com/mentoring-topics-executive-time-management/ Guest informationChebet Chikumbu is Global Citizen’s Regional Director for Southern and East Africa. Chebet joined the team in 2018 for the execution and delivery of Mandela 100 - the inaugural festival for Global Citizen African on the continent and is currently responsible for leading the Johannesburg-based office and setting its organisational strategy, providing oversight of staff and major activities as well as managing key partnerships within the region Twitter: @ChebetChikumbu and @GlblCtznAfrica @GlblCtznNoxolo Gigaba is a Digital Marketing graduate from Soweto. I was a 2019 BeyGOOD marketing fellow at Global Citizen Africa and currently a marketing coordinator for a healthcare platform called epione.net. I am passionate about the creative industry and passionate about finding ways that I can use my skills and knowledge to positively impact the communities around me while creating good career opportunities for myself.Twitter: @younique_noxyEmmanuela Oppong holds a B.S in biomedical engineering from Union College. She is very passionate about global health, education, social justice & youth empowerment; she works to learn more and gets involved through different avenues, including her 2019 Watson Fellowship project on social entrepreneurship & innovation exploring some of these topics. AcknowledgementsEditing by Mariana Vaz, https://www.marianacpvaz.com/Research: Christine Boinett and Emmanuela Oppong Producers: Christine Boinett (Creator and Executive producer), Emmanuela Oppong (Producer), Alice Matimba (Senior Producer) and Isabela Malta (Producer).Host: Christine BoinettMedia and Marketing: Catherine HolmesMusic: https://freesound.org/s/477388/ Sponsors:Wellcome Genome Campus Advanced Courses and Scientific ConferencesWellcome Sanger InstituteSocial Entrepreneurship to Spur Health

Takeaways from today's episode:A mentor is a wise and trusted counsellor or teacher who is willing to share knowledge and experiences about their life, career and also provides guidance and support.Alternative strategies such as peer, group and virtual mentorship address skills and resource limitations while enabling scalability and access to diverse pools of mentors worldwide.Mentorship in LMICs should be included in research integrity frameworks mandating institutions develop opportunities and supportive environments for mentoring.In order to develop a critical mass of mentors, develop a clear vision, use existing mentoring models, implement according to local needs and resources, and establish lessons learnt.It is impossible to build research and capacity without mentoring and LMICs need to develop structured processes for mentorship.To deal with hierarchical and cultural barriers we need to address verticality and gender issues, appreciate the importance of diversity and inclusivity, and develop an embracive culture encompassing young professors who understand the value or mentoring.ResourcesStrengthening mentoring in LMICs: https://europepmc.org/article/med/30430982Benefits of mentoring: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/learning-dev/toolkits/mentoring/benefitsImportance of mentoring: http://blogs.nature.com/naturejobs/2014/11/06/how-important-is-it-to-have-a-mentor-in-your-academic-career/What makes a good mentor: https://getpocket.com/explore/item/what-the-best-mentors-do?utm_source=pocket-newtabGuest informationDr. Grace Mwaura is the Fellows and Affiliates Manager at the African Academy of Sciences where she provides thought leadership in the development, coordination, and implementation of AAS Fellows and Affiliates’ capacity strengthening initiatives. She also coordinates the AAS Mentorship Scheme that enables highly qualified and motivated professionals to mentor Africa’s early and mid-career researchers towards exceptional science leadership on the continent.Find more about Grace and AAS here: @aasciences @gracemwaura, https://www.aasciences.africa/mentorship-scheme and https://aasciences.sfgmentornet.com/Dr. Andres Lescano leads Emerge, the Emerging Diseases and Climate Change Unit and Epidemiology Masters’ and Doctoral programs at Cayetano University in Peru. He trained at Johns Hopkins, has published >130 manuscripts, trained hundreds of epidemiologists, and has joint appointments at the Tulane, Johns Hopkins, Wake Forest and Texas/Medical Branch universities.Connect with Andres on twitter here: @emergeupchSoundbite: Dr. Joseph Tucker is an Associate Professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Associate Professor of Medicine at UNC Chapel Hill, Director of UNC Project-China, and Chairman of SESH Global. Connect with Joe @JosephTuckerAcknowledgementsEditing by Mariana Vaz, https://www.marianacpvaz.com/Research: Christine Boinett and Alice MatimbaProducers: Christine Boinett (Creator and Executive producer), Alice Matimba (Senior Producer), Emmanuela Oppong (Producer) and Isabela Malta (Producer).Host: Christine BoinettMedia and Marketing: Catherine HolmesMusic: https://freesound.org/s/477388/Sponsors:Wellcome Genome Campus Advanced Courses and Scientific ConferencesWellcome Sanger InstituteSocial Entrepreneurship to Spur Health 

Takeaways from today's episode: It is okay to be vulnerable and share your struggles.Always set boundaries with each other. Don’t restrict yourself, you can find mentors for different things.Be brave and direct and ask someone to be a mentor, the worst they can say is no.Be sure to pay it forwardResourcesMentoring health researchers globally by Cole et al.  Global Health Mentoring Toolkits by Hansoti et al. Guest informationDr. Amel Ghouila is a bioinformatician coordinating a Data science for public health program in LMICs. She previously worked for the bioinformatics capacity building network H3ABionet. Amel is the Vice President for ASBCB and the founder of a non-profit dedicated to teaching young girls coding and entrepreneurship skills. Contact Amel @ AmelGhouilaDr. Palwende BOUA is a Researcher in human genetics and nutrition at the Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro (CRUN), IRSS-DRCO, Burkina Faso. He has been working on  multi-disciplinary research projects using GWAS data in population genetics studies in nutrition-related disorders and cardiometabolic diseases in African populations. Contact Palwende @romybouaAcknowledgementsEditing by Mariana Vaz, https://www.marianacpvaz.com/Research: Emmanuela OppongProducers: Emmanuela Oppong (Producer), Alice Matimba (Senior Producer), Christine Boinett (Creator and Executive producer) and Isabela Malta (Producer).Host: Alice MatimbaMedia and Marketing: Catherine HolmesMusic: https://freesound.org/s/477388/ SponsorsWellcome Genome Campus Advanced Courses and Scientific ConferencesWellcome Sanger InstituteSocial Entrepreneurship to Spur Health

Takeaways from today's episode: Traditional mentoring is often ad-hoc and vague whereas a structured mentoring programme with the right tools, resources and recognition is more effective.Mentees should be responsible for setting up research agenda and lead discussion with mentors and take ownership of careers and research projectsA mentor owes time and should be accessible to impart essential skills for research and life skills, and a mentee should show gratitude to the mentorMentorship should be agenda-driven with written agreements of action items between mentor and mentee, serving as a living proof of progressHaving a clear mentorship structure which maintains respect and cultural expectations, overcomes barriers  of hierarchy ResourcesMentoring the mentors article by Gandhi et al.: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6329359/Creating More Effective Mentors by Gandhi et al.: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4995126/What makes a good mentor:https://getpocket.com/explore/item/what-the-best-mentors-do?utm_source=pocket-newtab Guest informationMonica Gandhi MD, MPH is Professor of Medicine and Associate Division Chief (Clinical Operations/ Education) of the Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine at UCSF/ San Francisco General Hospital. She also serves as the Director of the UCSF Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) and the Medical Director of the HIV Clinic at SFGH.Contact Monica @MonicaGandhi9Dr. Vidya Mave is Leader and Director of Johns Hopkins University–India Clinical Research Program located in Pune, India as well as Assistant Professor of Medicine with the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Dr. Mave has an extensive record of research in India on TB, HIV/AIDS, and antimicrobial resistance. Her research work funded by US and Indian government agencies as well as national and international foundations, focuses on TB comorbidities including diabetes and HIV; the use of novel tools including hair pharmacokinetics (Dr Monica Gandhi as her mentor), whole genome sequencing, and host biomarkers to study TB treatment outcomes.Soundbite: Dr. Joseph Tucker is an Associate Professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Associate Professor of Medicine at UNC Chapel Hill, Director of UNC Project-China, and Chairman of SESH Global. Connect with Joe @JosephTucker AcknowledgementsEditing by Mariana Vaz, https://www.marianacpvaz.com/Research: Alice Matimba and Isabela MaltaProducers: Alice Matimba (Senior Producer), Isabela Malta (Producer), Christine Boinett (Creator and Executive producer), Emmanuela Oppong (Producer).Host: Christine BoinettMarketing: Catherine HolmesMusic: https://freesound.org/s/477388/ SponsorsWellcome Genome Campus Advanced Courses and Scientific ConferencesWellcome Sanger InstituteSocial Entrepreneurship to Spur Health

Our twitter header includes the word for mentor in different languages. The podcast team discuss what mentorship means to them.

Voices (In order of appearance): Christine Boinett, Isabela Malta, Mark Ayabei, Alice Matimba, Tichakunda Matimba, Emmanuela Oppong.Editing: Mariana Vaz, www.marianacpvaz.com/Music: freesound.org/s/477388/Podcast team: Christine Boinett (Creator and Executive producer), Alice Matimba (Senior producer), Emmanuela Oppong (Producer and editor), Isabela Malta (Producer and editor), Catherine Holmes (Marketing), Mariana Vaz (Editing).Find us:Web: bit.ly/2DeWwHhTwitter: https://twitter.com/mentor_podcast