Clodomiro Cafolla describes all that was on offer at the STEM ECR Networking and Careers Event at St John’s College.
Being an Early Career Researcher (ECR) is both a thrilling and demanding journey. Whether you’re a master’s or PhD student striving to extract meaningful results from experiments or simulations, or a postdoc carving out a path toward academic independence, the challenges are real, from writing papers and theses to meeting grant deadlines and defining your own research trajectory.
Supporting ECR wellbeing lies at the heart of Thorlabs’ mission. As one of the world’s leading companies advancing scientific discovery, Thorlabs supports research not only through its innovative instruments and consumables, but also through its deep, ongoing commitment to the wellbeing of the researchers who drive science forward.
This commitment was on full display on Friday 20 June, when St John’s College proudly hosted its STEM ECR Networking and Careers Event, an evening designed to foster community, spark conversation, and celebrate the shared journey of discovery.
Around 30 ECRs signed up for the event, enjoying delicious pizza, refreshing drinks, and a relaxed atmosphere that encouraged open discussion among students, postdocs, and faculty. Participants from across a broad range of disciplines, including chemistry, physics, biophysics, computer science, and engineering, gathered to share ideas, challenges, and inspiration.
The evening offered a genuine opportunity for early career researchers to connect across departments and career stages. Conversations flowed freely, covering everything from research goals and career plans to personal experiences and academic hurdles. Senior academics added a valuable dimension, offering guidance, encouragement, and wisdom drawn from their own professional journeys.
These moments of mentorship, collaboration, and shared curiosity are what make the St John’s research community so vibrant. Events like this strengthen our internal connections and affirm our College’s role as a welcoming, supportive home for STEM researchers across the wider University.
We are especially grateful to Charlotte Herzog, Tradeshow and Community Relations Coordinator at Thorlabs Ltd, for generously sponsoring the event and helping make it so memorable. Sincere thanks also go to the Physics and Engineering Departments, especially Professors Paula Chadwick and Andrew Gallant, for their kind support.
Finally, a heartfelt thank you to Liz Hall, St John’s College Conferences Coordinator, whose energy and organization helped bring the evening to life.
John's Chronicle 