Pre-conference online workshops and networking events for Young Scientists (YS) and early career professionals

On-line, September 24, 2025.

The IDRiM Society is pleased to announce that nine pre-conference workshops will take place online on Wednesday 24^th September 2025, offering valuable learning and networking opportunities for attendees.

Covering key topics such as academic publishing, grant writing, transitioning into practice, effective communication, and professional development, these interactive workshops will feature discussions with experienced researchers, industry practitioners, and journal editors. Whether you are just starting your research journey or looking to refine your expertise, these workshops will provide practical insights and strategies to support your professional growth.

While these sessions are designed to be particularly beneficial for young scientists and early-career professionals, they are open to anyone interested in enhancing their research skills, exploring new career pathways, and engaging with experts in the field. Each session will last between one and one and a half hours. Further details about the speakers and session timings will be shared at a later date.

• Navigating the Publishing Maze: Expert Insights from Editors

Getting published in an academic journal can feel like navigating a complex maze. In this interactive session, journal editors will share insider knowledge on what makes a strong submission, common pitfalls to avoid, and how to successfully navigate the peer review process. Through real-world stories and expert tips, participants will gain a clearer understanding of the publishing journey and learn strategies to enhance their chances of acceptance. Even if you’re preparing your first manuscript or looking to refine your approach, this session will provide invaluable guidance from those who make the final call.

• Unlocking Academic Funding: Grant Writing Strategies & Opportunities

Securing research funding is a critical step in any academic career, yet the grant application process can often feel overwhelming. In this session, leading academic funders will share insights into what makes a successful grant proposal, common mistakes to avoid, and the types of funding opportunities available. Attendees will gain practical strategies for crafting compelling applications, understanding funder expectations, and increasing their chances of securing financial support. Whether you’re new to grant writing or looking to refine your approach, this session will provide valuable guidance to help you turn your research ideas into funded projects.

• Presenting with Impact: Engaging Audiences in Research & Beyond

Effective presentation skills are essential for researchers—whether speaking at academic conferences or communicating complex ideas to a broader audience. This interactive session will explore techniques for delivering clear, engaging, and memorable presentations that resonate with both expert and non-expert audiences. Attendees will learn strategies for structuring talks, using visuals effectively, and overcoming common presentation challenges. Whether you’re preparing for your next conference or looking to make your research more accessible to the public, this workshop will provide practical tips to enhance your confidence and impact as a speaker.

• Bridging the Gap: From Researcher to Practitioner

Many early-career researchers grapple with the question: should I stay in academia or transition into practice? This session explores the rewarding and impactful world of practitioners, demonstrating how research and practice can complement each other. Featuring insights from professionals who have successfully made the transition, attendees will gain an understanding of the challenges, opportunities, and skills needed to bridge the gap between academia and real-world application. Designed mainly for early career, this session will highlight how pursuing a practitioner role is just as valuable as an academic career—and how the two can work together to drive meaningful change.

• Hazard Information Profiles (HIPs): An Introduction

Hazard Information Profiles (HIPs) are a crucial tool for understanding, documenting, and analyzing hazard characteristics in a structured manner. This session will introduce participants to HIPs, exploring their origins, development, and practical applications in research and disaster risk management. Attendees will learn how HIPs can be integrated into academic work to enhance hazard assessment, support decision-making, and contribute to risk reduction strategies. Even if you are new to HIPs or looking to deepen your understanding, this session will provide valuable insights into their role in hazard research and practice.

• Building a Supportive Research Community: The Young Scientist Forum (YSF)

Early-career researchers face unique challenges, from securing funding and publishing research to finding mentorship and career stability. This interactive session will bring together young researchers to discuss these challenges, share experiences, and explore solutions. Guided by insights from a survey of young scientists, a panel of early-career researchers will answer key questions and spark discussions on how the research community—especially organizations like the IDRiM Society—can better support emerging scholars. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage, voice concerns, and contribute to shaping a more inclusive and supportive research environment.

• Breaking Bias: Gender, Inclusion, and Support in Academia and Practice

Creating inclusive and supportive environments is essential across both academic and professional practice settings. This workshop will explore the intersections of gender, diversity, and mentorship, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for fostering equity in research and applied fields. Through shared experiences, case examples, and open discussion, participants will reflect on how to recognize and address bias, build inclusive networks, and support underrepresented voices. The session aims to create a space for dialogue between academics and practitioners, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and community in driving meaningful, systemic change.

• Engage, Contribute, Lead: The IDRiM Society Committees Showcase

The IDRiM Society thrives through the dedication of its committees, each playing a vital role in advancing research, international and intergenerational collaboration, and professional development. This session offers a unique opportunity to learn about the various committees, their missions, and the activities they lead. Committee chairs will share insights into their work and explain how researchers at all career stages can get involved. Whether you’re looking to contribute your expertise, expand your professional network, or take on a leadership role within the society, this session will highlight pathways to engagement and impact.

• The Researcher Roundtable: A Space for Open Discussion & Networking

Building meaningful connections in academia is essential for both professional growth and personal support. This interactive session provides a safe and open space for early-career and senior researchers to engage in candid conversations, share experiences, and discuss challenges in research and academia. Designed as a relaxed and informal forum, the session encourages open dialogue, mentorship, and knowledge exchange, allowing participants to gain insights from different career perspectives. This event provides an excellent opportunity for attendees to get acquainted and interact before the conference.

You can register for participation to the networking event and workshops here. Participation is open and free to everyone attending the IDRiM2025 Conference.  Early registration is recommended. Questions regarding the events can be directed to the YSS Committee Chair: ashley2.parry@northumbria.ac.uk