Another exciting day at RSB! On 14^th February 2017, around 200 RSB members came together for a day filled with networking opportunities as well as talks and posters by Early and Mid-Career Researchers (EMCRs), showcasing their fantastic contributions to the research undertaken at RSB. In addition, EMCRs had the chance to discuss challenges faced by EMCRs and the way forward with the Deputy VC (Research) Prof Margaret Harding, RSB Director Prof Allen Rodrigo and Associate Professor Nerilie Abram from RSES.

Before wrapping up the day, we had another lively panel discussion on career opportunities outside academia with Deputy Secretary of the Dept. of Environment Dean Knudson, Dr Eric Huttner from ACIAR, Dr Ian McDonald from Invasive Animals CRC and COO Dr Megan Hemming from the ARC CoE Translational Photosynthesis. A summary of the issues discussed during both panel sessions will be summarised and made available. Those who stayed until the end were rewarded with delicious Mexican food and great music by Tom Rowell (E&E) and his band Scroggin.

Three talk prizes were awarded to Lyanne Brouwer, Emma Sherratt and Paul Oliver (all E&E) and three poster prizes were awarded to Marta Vidal Garcia (E&E), Esther Rajendran (BSB) and Iliana Medina (E&E). Congratulations! The conference was sponsored by RSB, ARC CoE Plant Energy Biology and Translational Photosynthesis, NECTAR, Merck, Thermo Fisher, John Morris, eLIFE, Frontiers in Plant Science and Axios Review. A big thanks also goes to the organising committee and those who helped make the day run smoothly including Tom and Sharyn.

Click here to access the photo gallery: 2017 RSB Early & Mid Career Researchers Conference Intranet photo gallery.