Looking forward, looking back: lessons and perspectives from both early career and senior scientists!

Abstract

Research is constantly evolving and changing- to the point where scientists are at times forced to be the ultimate career contortionists. Furthermore, as a direct result of science outputs, the industries that our research serve also change. Therefore, we stand to learn a lot from our experienced, senior researchers. But in our ever-changing world, it is also valuable for our emerging leaders, who enter research with enthusiasm and new perspectives, to respectfully question the advice of our scientific sages. We also know that there’s more constants in life than death and taxes, where some challenges and opportunities stay the same. Either way, we have substantial technical and soft skills to learn from new perspectives and the experiences of others.
This plenary is a double act, brought to you by senior animal behaviourists Dr Mary Whitehouse, and soon-to-be-Dr Sharna Holman. Mary has a diverse background in terms of research foci, industry and location all thread together with a common theme of animal behaviour. Sharna has worked in the cotton industry in research extension and is studying her PhD on the survival of Spodoptera sp. in Bollgard cotton systems in Northern Australia. Through sharing their research experiences and outputs, Mary and Sharna will paint a picture of where we have come from, and where we are going to in terms of integrated pest management and cotton industry challenges, as well as the skills and behaviours we need for the future.