Early Career Microbiologists' Forum Spotlight – Amy Richards, Conferences Representative

03 April 2018

The Early Career Microbiologists’ (ECM) Forum gives early career members of the Society the opportunity to influence the Society's work. With the Annual Conference fast approaching, the ECM Forum Conferences Representative, Amy Richards, tells us about her role as part of the ECM Forum, helping guide the Annual Conference, Focused Meetings series and her work on the upcoming ECM Forum Summer Conference.

What made you decide to apply for the Conferences Representative position?

I was excited to be involved in a scheme that is truly focused on the needs of Early Career Researchers. I thought it would be great to increase my knowledge of the Society and of how conferences are organised. The Conferences position really caught my eye because I thought it would be a great opportunity to meet a wide range of people involved in different aspects of the Society and to expand my professional network.

What sort of things did you include in your application?

I outlined the relevant experience that I already had sitting on committees within my University and during my undergraduate studies as well as mentioning any other skills that I thought would be relevant to the role. We were also asked to indicate what we hoped to achieve in our roles, which was a great opportunity to put forward some ideas and start to think about the direction that the Conferences position could go in.

What does your role involve?

During the Scientific Conferences Meeting my primary role is championing the needs of ECM Forum members to ensure that the Annual Conference and Focused Meetings are tailored to their needs. I also oversee the Division Reps and head up the organisation of the ECM Forum Summer Conference.

How much of your time does it take up?

There are three Scientific Conferences meetings every year, in London, with an additional Divisions Day at the January meeting. Outside of these meetings, most of the workload has been developing the ECM Forum Summer Conference and undertaking the tasks associated with the ECM Forum Executive Committee. Some weeks are busier than others but it probably averages a couple of hours a week.

Did the reality differ from your expectations of what the role would involve?

I had no idea what to expect so I approached the role with a very open mind and I think that has allowed me to easily identify opportunities. The Society was very good at allowing us to set our own agendas and to really drive the pace of the Forum and so I think we have been able to mold it as needed. 

What have you found most challenging in your role?

Originally getting to grips with the structure and format of the Microbiology Society felt quite daunting, but there was a lot of support from the Society Staff and other committee members. It has also been challenging to know how much is expected of me and how much work should be delegated to the Microbiology staff team. I think as an early career researcher you expect to have to do everything yourself, but actually the staff team are able to take on a lot of the work for you. 

What has been the highlight of your time on the ECM Forum Executive Committee?

Building the ECM Forum Committee and the inclusion of Division Reps has been a great success. Having ECM Forum-specific events within the Society and the development of the ECM Forum Summer Conference have been really exciting ventures to be involved in and I’m looking forward to the first ECM Forum Summer Conference in June.

What are you hoping to achieve as Chair?

The ECM Forum has made a great start and I’m looking forward to building on this success as the new Chair. I will be focusing on identifying ways that we can champion the research and achievements of Early Career Microbiologists as well as developing a greater sense of community within the ECM Forum.

Do you have any advice for the next Conferences Representative?

Prepare well for any meetings that you are attending and have a good idea of what you want to contribute to each meeting and the main things that you want to achieve at each meeting. That will help you to be bold during the meetings and stand up for the change that you want to see happen. Remember to be ambitious; aiming big can be very rewarding. 

Are you an early career microbiologist? Join the Forum! Nominations are also now open for the ECM Forum Executive Committee with the vacancies for a Conferences representative, Policy representative, a Professional development representative and an International representative. Find out more on the nominations page.