Curious about how to take your first step—or your next big leap—into research? Whether you're passionate about clinical trials, basic science, or translational medicine, this year’s Early Career Professional Session is designed to inspire and equip you to build a fulfilling research career in continence and pelvic health.

Join leading investigators and mentors as they break down the building blocks of a successful research journey. You’ll learn how to craft meaningful research questions, understand different types of research (and how to choose the right path for you), and hear insider tips on securing mentorship, funding, and long-term success.

Get ready for a dynamic session featuring expert insights, interactive discussions, and practical strategies you can take home and use right away.

Why You Should Attend:

• Learn how to develop and refine your research question
• Understand the landscape of clinical, basic, and translational research
• Explore how to integrate research into your clinical or academic career
• Connect with mentors and early career peers
• Gain confidence to take your next research step

Session Theme: From Curiosity to Career: Building Your Future in Research

Agenda Overview:

🕓 16:00 – 16:05 | Welcome and Opening Remarks

• Introduction to session goals
• Overview of Early Career activities at ICS
  Moderator: Shannon Wallace

🕓 16:05 – 16:25 | Keynote Talk
“From Question to Impact: The Lifecycle of a Research Career”

• Framing good research questions
• Overview of clinical, basic science, and translational research
• Finding your niche and staying inspired
  Speaker: Adrian Wagg

🕓 16:25 – 16:35 | Q&A with Adrian Wagg

• Open floor for questions and reflections

🕓 16:35 – 17:15 | Panel Discussion: Research Pathways Demystified
“How I Started in Research: Stories from the Field”
Each panelist will give a 3–5 minute lightning talk describing their research journey.
Panelists:

• Tamsin Greenwell
• Maryrose Sullivan
• Dean Elterman
• Enrico Finazzi Agrò
• Benoit Peyronnet
• Chantal Dumoulin
• Ana Charrua Cordeiro
• Yu-Chen (Jennis) Chen

🕓 17:15 – 17:25 | Large Group Debrief + Ask the Experts

• Share insights from the session
• Final Q&A with all speakers and moderators

🕓 17:25 – 17:30 | Closing Remarks & Night Out Ticket Distribution

• Key takeaways
• Instructions for the Early Career Professionals Night Out