First BIO-ECC Conference brings together more than 100 early-career researchers, students and technical staff
From deep-sea research to biomedical advances, the event created valuable connections across the local biological sciences community.
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On Monday 1 December, more than 100 attendees — including early-career researchers, professors, students, and technical staff — from BIO, NORCE, NINA, IMR, the Michael Sars Centre, BIOMED and the Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research gathered at VilVite for the 1st BIO-ECC Conference, organized by the BIO Early Career Community (ECC). The day was filled with enthusiasm and focused on showcasing early-career research across a broad range of biological disciplines, providing a valuable platform for emerging scientists to communicate their work to peers, critics, and experienced researchers.
A full day of science: from glaciers to human health
The conference featured six thematic sessions, with 28 talks, 17 posters, and two keynote presentations that together illustrated the impressive diversity of research taking place across our institutions, ranging from molecular biotechnology, environmental change from mountains to deep sea, and human-nature interactions.
From left to right, presentations during the conference parallel sessions given by Christian Nilsson (PhD, BIO UiB) and Tianyuan Wang (Postoctoral researcher, BIO UiB).
The presenters showcased impressive work and insights throughout the day. As conference orgnizer and speaker, Christian Nilsson (PhD candidate at BIO), shared having a very inspiring experience at the conference. “Early career researchers are often hailed as an important source of new perspectives in science, yet it’s rare to find events that truly let us take the spotlight. A conference like this, with its wide variety of topics offers inspiration to anyone participating, both from within and outside their own discipline”.
Special recognition to the award winners Andrea Campos Candela (Postdoc, BIO – Theoretical Ecology Group), for Best oral presentation; and Freya Coursey (PhD, BIO – Terrestrial Ecology Group) for Best poster presentation. Both were highlighted by the committee for their outstanding graphical and communicative skills, which made their research particularly engaging and accessible.
The keynote speakers, Ragnhild Gya (Postdoc, BIO – Terrestrial Ecology Group) and Natalya Gallo (Postdoc, NORCE), enriched the event with inspiring talks that went beyond traditional research presentations. By openly sharing their personal experiences in science communication and scientific policy, they offered an honest and motivating perspective that resonated strongly with the audience, planting the seed for participants to find joy in communicating their work and to look beyond their own research topics to seek collaborations with policy partners.
From left to right, keynote speakers Ragnhild Gya (Postdoc, BIO – Terrestrial Ecology Group) and Natalya Gallo (Postdoc, NORCE).
Institutional support and reflections
The conference was framed with remarks from senior leadership. Vice-Rector Kristoffer Chelsom Vogt, Professor of Sociology and Vice-Rector at the University of Bergen, kindly opened the day with encouraging words. Ståle Ellingsen, Director of the Department of Biological Sciences, closed the conference by emphasizing the collaborative spirit and the sense of community that had emerged over the course of the day. "
I've been here for quite a long time, and we have not been together in a way like this as a department as long as I can remember”.
From left to right, opening remarks given by the Vice-Rector Kristoffer Chelsom Vogt with the ECC leader board, and closing remarks by Ståle Ellingsen, Director of the Department of Biological Sciences.
Early feedback: Bringing together generations of scientists
The audience was not limited to early-career researchers but included multidisciplinary scientists and colleagues. "It was wonderfully inspiring to witness the sheer enthusiasm and talent displayed by early career scientists. Better than any top-down initiative so far, the ECC has bridged local institutions across Life Sciences", said Lionel Christiaen, Director of the Michael Sars Centre. "I am proud that we could contribute both as co-organizers, speakers, attendees and funders, and I look forward to future iterations and further partnerships”.
What’s next
The success of this first BIO-ECC Conference underscores the demand and importance of such gatherings. The ECC board is already looking forward to planning next year’s conference, and as we continue to grow and develop this event, we are also seeking new sponsors and partners to help support future editions.
We invite early career researchers from UiB and affiliated institutes to join us in continuing to build a collaborative and forward-looking research community by taking part in our future events. Become a member of the ECC or part of our board!
This event was made possible through UiB strategic funds and was generously sponsored by the Michael Sars Centre. We extend our sincere thanks for their valuable support. Stay connected and follow our LinkedIn page for more updates.
The BIO Early Career Community (ECC)
The BIO ECC is a network group for early career scientists established to provide a professional-social arena for exchanging experiences and professional development. The group welcomes participants from other local collaborating departments, centres and institutions, thus offering a network across disciplines and research areas in the Bergen area.
