Introducing inSTEM

During my PhD I was lucky enough to attend a few UK-based chemistry conferences and to travel as far as the US to share my research. I remember that each of these experiences were exciting and daunting in equal measure – particularly when sharing my results in front of leaders in the field.

At each conference the key focus was on sharing scientific results across multiple parallel streams, with networking opportunities largely left until the end of the day at poster sessions or industry-sponsored drinks and nibbles.

Over recent years, particularly in light of Covid-19 travel restrictions, conference organisers have been challenged to reconsider the format and purpose of these meetings. For example, how do we make conferences more environmentally benign, accessible and inclusive in terms of how and where researchers meet? And what role should conferences play in developing academics across dimensions extending beyond the science shared?