This episode explores the lived experiences of neurodivergent researchers in academia, from autism to ADHD. Through candid conversations with scientists at different career stages, we uncover both the challenges they face in traditional academic environments and the unique strengths they bring to scientific discovery. Our guests share practical strategies for supporting neurodiversity in research settings while advocating for systemic changes that could transform academia into a more inclusive space where different thinking styles are not just accommodated but celebrated as essential to innovation.

https://www.neurodiversityweek.com/

Amit Meir Ben Efraim

Marina Kugler

Vanessa Herder

Listen to Dr Nir Drayman chat to Dr Mila Collados Rodriguez about his journey moving from Isreal to Chicago, to building his very own lab in California. Nir embraced the unexpected twists of life and found his passion for virology while working in systems biology labs. He speaks about the challenges of navigating career opportunities, spousal hiring schemes and the meticulous process of choosing the flooring for your first laboratory. Nir gives advice on how to communicate your research effectively, convince committees to hire you and to embrace the individuality of every scientific path. 🔗 Links Find out more about Nir Drayman: https://www.faculty.uci.edu/profile/?facultyId=7088 Follow Nir on X: https://twitter.com/NirDrayman Follow Mila on X: https://twitter.com/CacaoL8ver Find out more about the CVR: https://www.gla.ac.uk/research/az/cvr/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CVRinfo Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cvrinfo/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mrc-uofg-cvr

Spanish virologist Nerea Irigoyen provides an inside look at her career with PhD students from the Castello Lab, Natasha Palmalux and Rozeena Arif. Nerea details her pioneering work using ribosomal profiling to uncover the complexities of viral gene expression, as well as her experiences transitioning to an independent group leader role. Irigoyen also shares valuable guidance for early career researchers, especially those from Spain seeking to establish themselves internationally, and she stresses the benefits of diverse lab experiences and the need to develop resilience against online criticism.

🔗 Links

Learn more about Nerea Irigoyen: https://www.bio.cam.ac.uk/staff/nerea-irigoyen

Find out more about the CVR: https://www.gla.ac.uk/research/az/cvr/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CVRinfo Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cvrinfo/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mrc-uofg-cvr