Life Sciences Skills and Opportunities North East Scotland

Forging Futures Collaboration with Academia & Industry

Join us for a free event showcasing the thriving life sciences sector in the North East Scotland! This event brings together industry leaders, academic experts, and emerging talent to explore career pathways and the transferable skills essential for moving between industry and academia.

About SULSA's Forging Futures

Forging Futures is SULSA’s flagship industry engagement and entrepreneurial education scheme which supports PhD students and Postdoctoral Researchers with the training, skills, confidence, and network to either transition into industry or establish successful collaborative relationships with industry and think commercially about their research.

This event was developed by PhD and postdoctoral representatives from the University of Aberdeen, Robert Gordon University, University of Dundee, James Hutton Institute and the University of the Highlands and Islands who are part of the 2024 SULSA Forging Futures cohort. Recognising the limited opportunities for career development in the North East compared to the central belt, the group was motivated to organise an event that would showcase the diverse Life Sciences industry and academic talent in the region. The goal is to provide local early-career researchers with the skills, insights, and networking opportunities to thrive in Life Sciences careers without having to move away from the North East of Scotland.

Learn more about SULSA’s Forging Futures via FF webpages.

Life Sciences Skills & Opportunities in North East Scotland: Event Details

Date: Tuesday, 6th May 2025
Time: Registration starts at 9:30 AM, event 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Venue: ONE BioHub, Foresterhill Medical Campus, Aberdeen AB25 2XE

Join us on 6th May in Aberdeen for an event that brings together PhD students and postdoctoral researchers in Life Sciences across North East Scotland. Hosted by PhD and postdoctoral representatives, this event is part of the 2024 SULSA Forging Futures Programme and is designed to showcase the wealth of opportunities in both academia and industry within the region.

This event offers a unique opportunity to learn, network, and explore career pathways in Life Sciences without having to relocate. Whether you’re interested in academia, industry, or transitioning between the two, this event is for you.

Event Objectives:

Showcase Industry-Academia Collaborations: Learn about the exciting collaborations taking place in the Life Sciences sector in North East Scotland.
Highlight Transferable Skills: Discover the skills necessary for transitioning between academia and industry, and how to leverage them in your career.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with industry professionals, academics, and potential employers in the region.

09:30 – 10:00	Registration and Coffee
10:00 – 10:05	Welcome from Lorna Duguid, Director, ONE BioHub
10:05 – 10:15	Introduction from SULSA Forging Futures Ambassadors & Scene Setting/ Inspiration for the Event
10:15 – 12:15	Session 1: Skills Across Different Job Families 10:15 – 11:00: 4×10 min talks from speakers 11:00 – 12:15: Q&A / Fireside Style Discussion
12:15 – 13:45	Networking Lunch
13:45 – 15:45	Session 2: Career Journeys Focused on Staying/Setting Up Base in NE Scotland 1:45 – 2:45: 4×10 min talks from speakers 2:45 – 3:45: Q&A / Fireside Style Discussion
15:45 – 16:00	Closing & Group Photograph
16:00 – 16:30	Attendees welcome to stay for additional networking

Register Now

PhD students and postdoctoral researchers in Life Sciences are encouraged to register for this event to explore career opportunities in both academia and industry within North East Scotland.