The annual ARBRE PhD & Postdoc Day is designed to highlight the work of young and upcoming researchers; doctoral and postdoctoral students working within eight LabEx partner research units. The range of subjects fall under the four ARBRE thematic areas; integrative biology, functional ecology, wood material and forest economy. Organized by the PhD and postdoctoral students themselves, this event aims to give those working in different disciplines and research areas a chance to share the focus and dynamics of their own projects and to learn about projects happening in other labs — the challenge lies in how to bring that all together for a one-day event.

This year’s team of organizers, representing three different labs were Pierre-Antoine Chuste (EEF), Erwin Sentausa (IAM), Yohann Daguerre (IAM), Joël Hamada (LERMAB), succeeded with flying colors. They managed to plan a full and engaging day including project presentations, a poster exhibit and a key-note speaker (Joey Spatafora) who presented his work on the international ‘1000 Fungal Genomes Project’ — all started off with something new : Science Speed Dating. With the help of Nathalie Carol (who initiated and animated this brilliant idea), participants were each given a short “Pick up My Project” questionnaire form, asked to pair off with a partner and at the sound of the gong, explain their projects in 3 minutes. The gong sounds again and they switch roles, the partner explains their own project — each then has one minute to fill out the questionnaire. Everyone then switches partners and meets someone new and learns about a new project.  At the end of the day, questions and responses for each ‘project’ were posted in large format for everyone to see the results. Not only did it break the ice for the day, it proved to be an interesting tool to illustrate, in a fun way, the importance (and challenge) of explaining research projects to non-specialists.  And how collaborative research projects might begin to take shape.

Feedback from the day was universally positive. We want to congratulate the organizers for their initiative, creativity and professionalism. And above all, for their good sense of fun — Bravo!

The organizing team : Joël Hamada (LERMAB), Yohann Daguerre (IAM), Pierre-Antoine Chuste (EEF) and Erwin Sentausa (IAM).

“Pick up my project”
Science Speed Dating
An effective and fun tool for explaining and learning about ongoing projects in neighboring labs. The challenge? Explaining your science to non-specialists .. and fast.

Keynote speaker Joey Spatafora
Professor with the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology at Oregon State University currently on sabbatical working with Francis Martin and the IAM team at INRA, Champenoux. Learn more about the Joey Spatafora Lab and the ‘1000 Fungal Genomes Project’.