What began as a professional development trip turned into a deeply enriching experience across Birmingham, Oxford, and Liverpool. From publishing workshops and campus visits to one-on-one mentorship and networking with global health leaders, this journey reshaped my view of research, writing, and impact.
Stop 1: Birmingham–Unlocking the Secrets of Academic Publishing with BSAC
From March 19–20, I had the privilege of attending the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (BSAC) Academic Publishing Workshop in Birmingham. Thanks to a waived fee, I was able to join this prestigious event, and it was everything I hoped for and more.
As an early-career researcher passionate about antimicrobial resistance (AMR), I’ve often wondered what happens beyond manuscript submission. At BSAC, I got to find out firsthand.
Over two days, we explored:
- How to critically assess a paper and write constructive peer reviews
- Choosing the right journal—not just by impact factor
- What makes a manuscript stand out from an editor’s perspective
- How to handle rejections (because they will come)
- Crafting abstracts that capture your paper’s essence
- Converting a poster into a full paper in five steps
- The evolving role of AI in academic publishing
The highlight was a peer review challenge in which our group critiqued a real paper, and I presented our findings to the entire audience. It reminded me that reviewing isn’t about “liking” a paper; it’s about questioning: Is the method sound? Are the results clear? Does the discussion add value? I left with 8 CPD points and, more importantly, a clearer roadmap for navigating the publishing world with purpose and precision.
Stop 2: Oxford –A Warm Reunion with The Global Health Network
After the BSAC workshop, I headed to Oxford on March 20 to visit the incredible team at The Global Health Network (TGHN) at the University of Oxford, a place that has played a significant role in my growth. Despite my late arrival, the team waited for me. Big thanks to Dr. Paul KingPriest, who picked me up from the bus station and made sure I got to the office. It was a joyful reunion with people I’ve worked with remotely for years.
The most touching moment? Although my certificate for the Postgraduate Diploma in Global Health Research had already been shipped, Prof. Trudie Lang, Director of The Global Health Network, handed me a symbolic version in person, along with a firm congratulatory handshake. That moment meant more than words can capture.
To top it all off, the team surprised me with a celebration cake and gifted me an Oxford University jumper. I also had a one-on-one conversation with Prof. Trudie, where we explored future opportunities in AMR, One Health, and climate change.
My Oxford experience wouldn’t be complete without exploring the historic city. Thanks to Mrs. Bukola KingPriest, I toured landmarks like:
- The Radcliffe Camera and St. Mary’s Church (built in 1200)
- The History of Science Museum, where I saw Einstein’s blackboard and the Titanic's distress telegram
- The Bridge of Sighs and Bodleian Libraries
At one point, I asked Paul, “Where is the gate to the University of Oxford?” He smiled and said, “There’s no gate. Oxford is a community.” That stayed with me.
Stop 3: Liverpool – My Experience at The Company of Biologists @ 100 Conference
From March 24th to 27th, I had the immense privilege of attending The Company of Biologists @ 100 Conference held at ACC Liverpool, a landmark event celebrating 100 years of unwavering support for the biological sciences. As an early-career researcher with a deep interest in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and science communication, this experience proved to be both transformative and empowering. Being granted a complimentary registration waiver made the opportunity even more special, as it gave me access to global thought leaders, cutting-edge research, and inspiring moments that will shape my career for years to come.
Day 1 – The Awakening: Storytelling in Science
The conference opened with a powerful keynote by Dr. Sarah-Jane Walsh on “Science Literacy and Public Engagement: The Power of Storytelling.” This was not just a session, it was an awakening. Dr. Walsh’s central idea was that scientific facts alone don't change the world; stories do. Among her striking remarks were:
- “Don’t just do great science, make it heard.”
- “If I can’t find you, I can’t use you.”
- “Even Baby Shark has 15 billion views, imagine applying that level of accessibility to science!”
This session stirred something in me. I realized that my responsibility as a scientist goes beyond research. I must communicate science meaningfully and memorably. This inspired my decision to launch a YouTube channel, documenting my conference reflections and future engagements, not for popularity, but for purpose.
Day 2: Deepening Resolve: Lessons on Purpose, Grit, and Public Speaking
Day 2 built upon the momentum with a series of sessions that reframed how I view growth in science. Six core lessons emerged, and they all stood out strongly for me:
- Anything can be learned, researched, and presented with curiosity, consistency, and courage.
- Grit is non-negotiable; no career path in science is easy.
- Public speaking is pivotal, not just for communication, but for career elevation.
- Attend to learn. Not every event is about networking—some are about expanding your mind.
- Women are taking the stage. And the spotlight is well deserved. We need more inclusivity in science.
- There’s power in belonging to a community. Collaboration fuels progress—don’t walk the path alone.
The lessons were a reminder that science is not a solitary pursuit; it's a collective journey of sharing, questioning, and growing together.
Day 3: My Domain: AMR, Equity, and Health
This was my most anticipated day. The plenary session on Disease and Health opened the day with a fascinating presentation on "The Biology of Weight Regulation", highlighting the hormonal role of Leptin in appetite and metabolism. As researchers, this was a personal call to monitor our health while pursuing our work, burning calories in proportion to intake, and being mindful of our BMI.
Then came the AMR sessions, my core interest. A standout presentation by Jack Duxbury Barber of the University of Aberdeen focused on: "Understanding disparities in antibiotic-resistant infections and antibiotic exposure in socioeconomically disadvantaged populations." He brilliantly broke down the relationship between socioeconomic status and AMR into three drivers:
- Structural determinants of health
- Social determinants
- Individual and behavioral factors
This was a profound moment for me. It reinforced that AMR is not just a microbiological issue; it’s deeply interwoven with inequality, access, and public behavior. It challenged me to think of AMR through a lens of equity and behavioral change.
Day 4: Beyond the Lab: Technologies, Moths, and Motherhood
The final day began with a session on Emerging Technologies, a glimpse into what might define the next century of biology. I then attended a completely unrelated talk titled: "The multisensory basis of long-distance navigation in the Australian Bogong moth Agrotis infusa" by Prof. Eric Warrant.
This detour turned out to be one of the most engaging parts of the day. I was mesmerized by the detail, and learned how climate change is affecting even the smallest creatures, like the Bogong moth. This was a humble reminder that knowledge has no boundaries, and learning can happen in the most unexpected places.
But the most powerful moment came during the Panel Discussion on Sydney Brenner’s quote: “Progress in science depends on new techniques, new discoveries, and new ideas—probably in that order.”
Among the panelists, Dr. Tamina Lebek stood out, not just for her brilliance, but for being on stage with her 2–3-month-old baby. It was a vision of strength, balance, and resilience. Her authenticity, humor, and grace inspired many, especially women in science. When I later approached her to express my admiration, she simply said: “I have a strong support system.”
That moment reframed the Brenner quote for me. Perhaps the true order of progress in science begins with support systems that allow scientists to thrive.
Moving Forward
As the conference closed with the question: “What will science look like in the next 100 years?” I asked myself:
- What impact will I make in the fight against AMR?
- How will I contribute to making science more accessible, relatable, and actionable?
This conference was more than an academic event. It was a personal call to action. It birthed a new initiative for me: to use storytelling, video content, and open reflections as tools for promoting science. You can now find my reflections on each day via my new YouTube Channel: Ohemu Godwin Pius – YouTube
Attending The Company of Biologists @ 100 Conference reminded me that science isn’t just what we do in the lab—it’s what we communicate to the world. I returned from this event not just inspired but transformed—ready to educate, advocate, and act through storytelling and public engagement.
To the British Society of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, The Global Health Network, and The Company of Biologists, thank you for this rare and life-shaping opportunity. To every speaker, panelist, and fellow attendee, thank you for reminding me that science is a journey best traveled together. Here’s to the next 100 years of biological breakthroughs, equity-driven research, and compelling science stories.
Ohemu Godwin Pius
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