The First Alumni Career Options Event: Looking Beyond the LIH

• PhD Candidates
• Support for Postdoctoral Researchers

On 8 October, the LIH hosted its first Alumni Career Options Event, bringing together current early-career researchers and former employees for an afternoon of conversations about professional possibilities after the LIH.

Seven former PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers joined us to share their career stories, the twists and turns they took, the challenges they faced, and the choices that led them to where they are today:

• Dr Katharina Baum, Assistant Professor at the Hasso Plattner Institute, Berlin
• Dr Andrés Cano Galiano, Scientific Editor at Nature Communications
• Dr Hélène Erasimus, Senior Scientist at Sanofi
• Dr Clarissa P. C. Gomes, European Funding Advisor at Luxinnovation GIE
• Dr Ann-Christin Hau, Junior Group Leader in Translational Neuro-Oncology at Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt
• Dr Maude Pauly, Researcher at the “Cellule Scientifique” of the Luxembourg Parliament
• Dr Vincent Puard, CEO & Co-founder of MAbSilico

Their diverse journeys highlighted just how many directions a scientific career can take, from academia and industry to publishing, policy, and entrepreneurship. Through round tables and discussions, the speakers offered practical advice and shared honest reflections on how to build fulfilling careers both within and beyond academia.

We were delighted to welcome 55 participants who brought plenty of curiosity and great questions to the conversations.

Reflecting on the success of the event, Dr Anouk Ewen, PhD Support & Training Officer, said:

It was fantastic to see so many of our early-career researchers engaging with former employees that have taken such different career paths. The openness of the discussions and the willingness of our alumni to share their experiences made this first edition truly special.

“The participants could learn that career trajectories are most often not linear. You need persevere to find the right position in which you can unfold your skills and creativity and feel valued and fulfilled,” added Dr Malou Fraiture, Postdoctoral Support & Development Coordinator.

The organisers send a big thank you to everyone who took part, especially to our alumni speakers for their time, enthusiasm, and honesty.

We are already looking forward to the next edition, see you there!