Work in Progress

This initiative is a peer support group network for people doing science. A safe space where anyone can turn to when they need someone to talk. We believe that sharing of stories has the power to influence and inspire and such an initiative will not only encourage conversation about the necessity of mental health and balance in research but also will serve as a way to bring people closer together by sharing universal human experiences.

Initiated in 2021, we had some virtual sessions about mental health-related topics. Each session was done with a moderator sharing about a topic and continued with sharing and discussion from the audience. This year, we will have the same virtual sessions like the previous year and in-person talk during the iGEM Grand Jamboree. This year’s topics will be shared through the iGEM website along with the schedule. There will also be collaboration talks with the working groups within the iGEM Community to talk about broader topics.

Project’s aim:

• Provide a platform for people in science to have access to a support system. 
• Help participants in navigating and being the authors of their own unique journey.

How we did it last year:

Online sessions talking about certain topics, someone led the session and the attendances shared their stories. 

Topics we covered last year:

• Team dynamics during the pandemics
• Peer support and scientific discussion
• Perfectionism and collaboration