Introducing our new Deputy Early Career Research Representative 2020-2021
Dave Lyons is a Senior Research Associate at the University of Bristol’s School of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience. His research focuses upon neuroendocrine systems controlling pituitary prolactin release and their circadian regulation. Dave joins the BSN Board of Trustees as Deputy Early Career Representative for 2020-2021.
We spoke to Dave about this new role:
Why did you decide to become the BSN Deputy ECR Representative?
Like many of us, I first became aware of the BSN through the Journal of Neuroendocrinology and the society’s presence at conferences. However, it was only after working at the Rowett – an institute with a particularly strong BSN presence – that I was able to gain a fuller appreciation of how valuable the society is to junior scientists – being a vital source of the kind of support and guidance we all need to produce our best research and to succeed as academics. Having received help from the BSN – and seen up close the hard work that goes into this support’s continued provision – I decided I wanted to take a more active role in the society and I am thrilled to have been given the opportunity.
What do you hope you’ll learn from and bring to the BSN Community as an ECR Representative?
Being, let’s face it, a little older than most early career researchers (ECRs), I have had a relatively long post-doctoral career. During this time I have been both a Research Associate and a Staff Scientist; and held various teaching responsibilities – supervising PhD students and giving lectures at both undergraduate and master’s level. As a consequence, I like to think I have a good understanding of the different kinds of roles ECRs are, and will, be expected to perform, the attendant difficulties we can encounter, and how these have changed over time. Moreover, having worked at a various institutes, both here in the UK and abroad, I have practical experience of a range of different research cultures, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, and an understanding of how these varying approaches impact ECRs and our ability to both do and enjoy our jobs. As a result, it is my hope that, having been around the block once or twice, I will be able to use these experiences to continue the effective representation of ECRs within our society.
With regards to what I hope to learn, despite having only just begun to interact with the Board of Trustees, I already know I am going to learn a lot. I am beginning to gain an understanding of what it takes to organise and run a society such as ours, and am acquiring an ever increasing appreciation of the million and one unseen labours members perform to ensure its smooth running. The BSN is something I’m really excited to be part of and hope members will not hesitate to get in touch, even if it’s just to say hello or have a chat.
