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title: Welcome HDR UK Elevate series - Prof. Mark Lawler

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![image](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/ByjG0Venlg.png)

This is the sixth talk in this series of events. You will hear from Prof Mark Lawler.

# Agenda

* Introductions and bio
* Prof. Lawler's talk
* Q&A 	
* Closing remarks


## Biography


![image](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/Sk5UZBlhgl.png)

Marks pioneering work on Covid-19 and cancer received the Royal College of Physicians Excellence in Patient Care Award and the prestigious European Communique Award.  His team  won the HDR-UK Impact of the Year Award for providing the crucial intelligence informing a change in policy for treating colorectal cancer. Mark is a member of the International Advisory Committee for the Lancet Oncology, the leading cancer journal.

Mark was the architect of the European Cancer Patient’s Bill of Rights, a catalyst for change and an empowerment tool for cancer patients, for which he received the 2018 European Health Award, which specifically rewards work with pan-European impact. He co-led the development of the European Code of Cancer Practice, a European Cancer Organisation (ECO) initiative  which articulates what people should expect from their cancer health system. He co-leads ECO’s focussed Topic Network on Emergencies and Crises and co-authored a Manifesto on improving cancer care in conflict-impacted populations in The Lancet.    

![image](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/Hy_zXrx2ex.png)


On a lighter note, Mark is a devotee of the famous Irish writer James Joyce and performs an acclaimed One Man Show “Doctoring James Joyce,” treading the boards many times in Dublin and Belfast, but also in Brussels, Paris and Amsterdam to date, which explores not only the authors writing, but also the scientific and medical aspects of his work, in stories, anecdotes, songs and doggerel verse.  He will be performing his one-man-show at the Dead Rabbit in New York during UKGA Week, his debut in the Big Apple    https://www.eventbrite.com/e/doctoring-james-joyce-tickets-1650117368469?aff=erelexpmlt  



# About HDRUK Elevate 

![Screenshot-2024-12-17-155613-1024x376](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/HJ-96Hlpyl.png)
In September 2024, HDR UK hosted the inaugural ECR Forum which welcomed a group of multidisciplinary and emerging researchers and technologists – working or studying in health data science – into one space. The forum gave us an opportunity to meet, collaborate and discuss challenges and opportunities unique to early-stage researchers. It also allowed us to learn from one another and a diverse range of speakers and workshop leaders.


[Read our blog post](https://www.hdruk.ac.uk/news/showcasing-and-bringing-together-emerging-health-data-researchers-and-technologists/)


Through this series of events our main goal is to address what fuels successful health data research collaborations. 

ECR community often face long waits until finding the opportunity to shadow these processes and even then it is often focused on an institutional or team approach. Now aiming to bring experiences together and grow as a community, in these series of events we will bring together a well curated experience talks covering aspects of research which are often untouched. 


**This is ECR safe room so feel free to through ideas, brain storm, share stories and talk research!**

[Elevate - ECR seminar series](https://www.hdruk.ac.uk/study-and-train/our-phd-students-and-fellows/elevate-ecr-seminar-series/)


# Poll 


[Poll link](https://app.sli.do/event/u835JHtNAejauyb28M64Qe)


![image](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/r13sVHl2eg.png)



# Introductions

A total of 24 peole were in the call 
End of call 14 participants

> Name-Surname | Institution | Fun fact/experience

*  Fatemeh Torabi | University of Cambridge & Swansea University | My longest peer review todate have been 18 months | Interesting fact: I won England JKA WF UK 2025 Championships after 25 continuous years of training 

* Elliot McClenaghan | London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine | Fun fact: my brother is a current Olympic champion gymnast 


# Prof. Lawler's presentation slides
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# Read more on impactful cases

* [The power of health data driving change in cancer care with trust and transparency](
https://www.hdruk.ac.uk/news/the-power-of-health-data-driving-change-in-cancer-care-with-trust-and-transparency/)
 
* [COVID-19 and cancer: how personal loss prompted a data study with global impact](https://www.hdruk.ac.uk/news/covid-19-and-cancer-how-personal-loss-prompted-a-data-study-with-global-impact/)
 
* [Northern iteland makes giant strides in health and social care data research](https://www.hdruk.ac.uk/news/northern-ireland-makes-giant-strides-in-health-and-social-care-data-research/)

# Mark's advice for ECRs:

* **Stay open and adaptable:** Don’t over-plan your career. Be ready to recognise and act when serendipitous opportunities arise.

* **Engage and explore:** Talk to people, learn about different career paths, and remain flexible in your choices.

* **Seek mentorship:** Identify key mentors and influential people in your field who can help you navigate your path forward.

* **Follow your enthusiasm:** If you’re not enjoying what you’re doing, don’t hesitate to shift focus or change direction.

* **Be inquisitive:** Stay curious and explore different labs, environments, and disciplines. The world is full of opportunities.

* **Contribute globally:** In advisory or collaborative roles, some opportunities will come by invitation, but others require active contribution — always remember that data trumps opinions.

# Upcoming ECR Elevate talks

Check our website for upcoming events: https://www.hdruk.ac.uk/study-and-train/our-phd-students-and-fellows/elevate-ecr-seminar-series/


# Evaluation survey

[Go to the survey](https://forms.office.com/e/EXhy8BcZsV?origin=lprLink)
![image](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/rkikKZg-xg.png)


 
# Keep in touch

* MailBox: learn@hdruk.ac.uk
* Slack group: 
