Smile, it's 2014.:)

Over the last few years I’ve come to identify (most of) my strengths and weaknesses and whiles I’m capitalising on my strengths, I’m working to improve  the shortfalls. The aim is not to be a perfectionist in myself but to make the most of my ability and come to the place where I can turn the music off and turn out the light.  Is there such a place of utopia? I believe so and when you find it you can look back and be content.

Many at times, I come across individuals who lament about how they would rather be in a different place or pursue a different life / career path. Many in a place of uncertainty and others full of woe. Being in limbo or at a point of uncertainty is a gloomy place to be and it takes a lot of will and positive outlook to keep smiling. I know because I’ve been there and I’m sure some of you have been too. But if you are the type who believes the universe is unfolding as it should, then change whatever the magnitude makes no difference.  If you are the happy go lucky type who always count your blessings and give thanks for the silver lining then again the smile hardly fades away.  You may not be at your destination but you are still here. So think back to the last time you experienced a radiant smile and how infectious the effect.  That smile is not to say I’m floating on the clouds but rather I’m making lemonade out of my lemons.

The New Year may just be another day but for me it serves as a reference point, a point of reflection, new beginnings and closed chapters. It serves as a reminder to assess the previous year’s events, mistakes made and lesson’s learnt. Many make resolutions, others set goals, some just prod on and a few don’t get the chance.  But whatever your take on the New Year, ask yourself, what would I be remembered for tomorrow? Would I be the guy with the gloomy face, or the lady with the radiant smile?

As you carry on with life, remember that it’s all about choices (and priorities) and which ever way you go there will be consequences be it positive or negative. If you second guess yourself, then think twice. The number of times you know what the right thing to do is but you still find every excuse to do anything but the obvious just because it’s not what you want it to be.

Don’t be the author of your own demise; I’ve been guilty of this too.  We tend to hold ourselves back from our worth. You notice the mountain and suddenly conclude there’s no way I’m getting to the top. Truth is, if only you climbed up the first mound you’d realise you have a natural flair for climbing. Confidence (not arrogance) and self belief can work wonders.

Most important of all, be yourself.

So we are entering the New Year and I’m still smiling. I’m content with 2013 and excited about 2014. I’m working through my weakness and utilising my talents. I’m still the same old me facing a new day.

Happy New Year to you all!!! 

What advise would you give your 14 year old self?

A few weeks ago I had the privilege of taking part in a professional women’s day event organised by a local school. The idea was to showcase non stereotypical careers to year 9’s in hope of broadening their mindset on career choices. I was personally impressed with the selection of professions represented appreciating the fact that it’ll be almost impossible to have representation from every single profession under one roof.

Aside myself, as the Scientist / researcher, a few of the other professionals I spoke to were policewomen, bankers, human resource personnel and engineers.

I must say however that in my experience, as much as we had a diverse selection of professions on display, there always seem to be a lack of medics, dentists and vets at these events. 

Through the day I pondered over the end result of events like these and how effective they actually are in setting examples for our young girls (and boys).  I personally never had any decent career advice or a particular role model who influenced my career choices (a post for another day). I do have professional parents so it was what I knew and the default way to go.

How does one judge how effective these public engagement events are in influencing the ambitions of the next generation and raising aspirations? I concluded that the purpose was a case of leadership by example in hope that 20 years down the line one successful pupil will comment and say “I met a young professional lady at 14 and thought to myself, if she achieved it, then I can do it too. That is certainly what I thrive on today.

I’ve come to identify successful women role models whose achievements I applaud and aspire to follow suit or at least try to.

Reality is, the journey up one’s career ladder is never setting stone. You look out for opportunities, spot an opening and strive to make the most of it. This is the message we should be homing in to our young girls. Fact is it’s a man’s worlds and we have to go the extra mile. As one of my role models once said to me, it’s all good and well saying we need more women in certain professions but truth is most women want the family life and that is where sacrifices are made. “It is for the employers to change their practices not the women”. Work should be about quality not the quantity. I can deliver just as well working part time, working from home, or taking a career break.  You probably end up getting more done within your time frame knowing you haven’t got the luxury to spare.

The girls asked me during the professional women’s day – What advise would you give your 14 year old self? My response, – Focus on making the grades, be flexible, look out for opportunities and be ready to go the extra mile. 

Gripping (bio)science headlines of 2013

HoHoHo!, it's that time of the year again for assessments and reviews. In line with the good old "top 10" tradition, here are my picks on memorable Science headlines of 2013.

1. Cultured beef  -This had to be the top of the pick. Live broadcast of the first ever cultured beef being cooked and tasted. I'd hate to have been on the tasting panel.  
2. HIV returns - Hopes of a cure for HIV through bone marrow transplant were dashed after two trial subjects saw the virus return months after scientists thought they had been cured. Devastating news but the quest for a cure for HIV continues.
3. A product of nature - In a land mark ruling by a USA supreme court in June this year, genes cannot be patented meaning no biotech / pharma can claim IP on genes discovered based on the fact that it is a product of nature. Fair ruling if you ask me. 
4. DNA at 60 - The famous double helical structure which defines our genetic makeup and has since led to tremendous milestones in molecular biology celebrated it's diamond jubilee in April. Kudos to Watson and Crick.
5. MRC @100yrs - The medical research council had a year long of centenary celebrations marking its significant contributions to medical research 100 years on. Best initiative was opening up their doors to the community. Catch up with the storify.    
6. G8 dementia summit - The UK government hosted the first ever dementia summit in December where all countries represented left with a promise to work together towards a cure by 2025. The dementia challenge has been set and researchers are ready to fight back. 
7. All Trials Campaign -  A cause worth mentioning. All trials registered, all results reported is an ongoing campaign initiated by a few individuals/ organisations in January this year to get all clinical trials registered and results reported. Although faced with resistance from some Pharma, many have signed on to the campaign and the future looks bright.  
8. Noble prize - Scientist are always speculating about who gets the next noble prize. This year's award for physiology and medicine went jointly to James E. Rothman, Randy W. Schekman and Thomas C. Südhof for their discoveries of machinery regulating vesicle traffic, a major transport system in our cells. 

Special mention goes to Rover mars, artificial liver, sight returned in blind mice and the first UK hand transplant. What headlines do you have resonating on your mind. Do share!.Cheerio 2013, Hello 2014.