International Research Placement at QIMRB

What was the event? 

Over the last 12 months, I have been a visiting student at the Queensland Institute of Medical Research Berghofer (QIMRB) within the Neurogenetics and Dementia research group. This placement provided an opportunity to engage in high-impact research, collaborate with leading academics, and contribute to ongoing studies within the institute.

What drew you to attend this event? 

I was drawn to this placement because I wanted to gain experience in an international research setting outside of the traditional university environment. Working with datasets that represent different lifestyles and collect diverse forms of data intrigued me, as it provided a comparative perspective to my research in the UK. Additionally, the opportunity to meet new people, expand my academic network, and experience a new country and culture made this placement particularly appealing.

How was your experience attending the event? What were the highlights and key moments? 

My time at QIMRB and in Australia was incredibly rewarding. Some of the key highlights include:

• Attending Conferences: I had the opportunity to participate in the Australia Dementia Research Forum on the Gold Coast and the GeneMappers conference in Christchurch, New Zealand. These events enabled me to engage with academics, clinicians, and research participants from diverse backgrounds, broadening my perspective on global research challenges and methodologies. One standout moment was witnessing the engaging debate, “To Diagnose or Not to Diagnose: The Presymptomatic Question,” where Dr. Stephanie Ward and Professor Michael Breakspear delivered compelling arguments in Elizabethan English, showcasing both the intellectual depth and entertainment value of academic discourse.
• Bush Fire Smoke Dementia Project: Contributing to the launch of the Bush Fire Smoke Dementia Research Project, led by my supervisor A/Prof Michelle Lupton, was another major highlight. I was involved in discussions about the project’s significance and helped with the press release, emphasising the real-world impact of this research. How does bushfire smoke exposure affect our brain health? #cleartheair

• Personal Highlights: Outside of research, I had the incredible opportunity to run one of the most scenic marathons in the world – the Queenstown Marathon in New Zealand – and to complete my first triathlon in Queensland, which included an unforgettable open-water swim with the sharks 😉. 

How was this event relevant to your research, interdisciplinarity and the ACRC Academy? 

This placement was directly relevant to my PhD research and will form an integral part of my thesis. The opportunity to compare findings between UK and Australian datasets allowed me to explore novel research avenues and contribute to international scientific discourse. My work with Australian medication data demonstrated the interdisciplinary and translational nature of my research, reinforcing the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration. 

Additionally, my findings will contribute to a citizens’ jury, facilitating the exchange of knowledge between researchers and the public.

Lessons learnt / best practices that you’d like to share

• Be Open to New Opportunities: Embracing new challenges, even when they bring uncertainty or criticism, is essential for academic and personal growth.
• Value of In-Person Collaboration: The research environment at QIMRB fostered a highly interactive and open culture, reinforcing the importance of face-to-face collaboration in scientific research.
• Self-Belief and Resilience: Entering a new environment comes with challenges, but confidence and adaptability are key to thriving in unfamiliar settings.

Conclusion

This international placement at QIMRB has been an invaluable experience that has enriched my research, broadened my professional network, and strengthened my skills as an interdisciplinary researcher. The exposure to different research methodologies, datasets, and academic perspectives has significantly shaped my approach to scientific inquiry and collaboration. I look forward to integrating these experiences into my PhD work and future academic endeavours.