EACARE hosts an inspiring event, fostering mentorship, career development, and gender equity in science and research
SOURCE: The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (The Institute)
April 2, 2025
On March 20, 2025, The Institute's EArly and mid-CAreer REsearchers network (EACARE) hosted an inspiring event in celebration of International Women's Day. This year's theme, "Accelerated Actions", emphasized proactive career development and equal opportunities in science and research.
The event featured two engaging sessions with accomplished women researchers from The Institute, reflecting on their career trajectories, the barriers they faced, and the skills they needed to achieve their goals.
The first session, entitled Inspirational Talks, featured Nitika Pant Pai, MD, Senior Scientist in the Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program at the Institute, and Rhian Touyz, MD, Executive Director and Chief Scientific Officer of the Institute. These accomplished researchers shared their journeys through scientific research, discussing challenges, successes, and the personal and professional hurdles they overcame.
"No one's career experience is a straight line," said Dr. Pant Pai. "With career highs come career lows. At times, you may experience exclusion, toxic research collaborations that you walk away from, and difficult situations you endure. You need to stand firm, be bold, believe in yourself and your idea. With persistence, resilience, hard work and passion, you will evolve into the best version of yourself."
Dr. Touyz reinforced the importance of initiative and strategic action in career development. "Believe in yourself, and in what you are doing. Don't be discouraged by negative comments and most importantly, don't let others shape who you become."
The next session, entitled "Early Career experiences building a strong set for career success", featured Mariane Bertagnolli, PhD, Scientist from the Cardiovascular Health Across the Lifespan Program at the Institute and Shradha Wali, PhD, a founding member of EACARE who now works as a scientist in the private sector. Both women provided personal insights into essential skills for success in academia and industry.
The discussion covered key professional skills, including expertise in one's field, effective communication and collaboration, networking to build meaningful professional relationships, and negotiation strategies—critical competencies for researchers pursuing careers in both academic and private sector research.
"It is inspiring to see how these events continue to foster connections and mentorship opportunities, especially for women scientists," added Augusto Montezano, chair of EACARE and a Research Associate at The Institute. "The stories shared and tools provided during both sessions will help elevate young women scientists and support their career development."
A unique highlight of the event was the Accelerated Actions Quilt, a collective initiative where participants contributed their wishes and commitments to advancing gender equity in research. The quilt will remain on display in the Institute's community as a lasting symbol of collective action.
The event concluded with a reception and networking session, fostering connections and collaborations among attendees.
Want to get involved?
Postdoctoral fellows, research associates, research assistants and other early- to mid-career researchers at The Institute are encouraged to write to eacare@muhc.mcgill.ca and follow EACARE on Linkedin, X (Twitter), Instagram and Facebook.
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