Esther is passionate about ensuring that programmes fostering excellent science, really are excellent in that all talented researchers, regardless of their circumstances have equal opportunity access to available resources. “What does it mean when we talk about excellence? Are you excluding talented scientists who are doing great things, but don’t have access or opportunities that others may have? I am always looking through the lens of equity and diversity and seeing how we make these programmes more inclusive and better for the community,” says Esther, Programme Officer within the EMBO Courses & Workshops Programme. She has a background in international relations and diplomacy and has previously spent time developing and leading programmes that accelerate the careers of promising scientists through funding training and mentoring. She says prior experience at non-profits that disrupt systems to advance social justice in East Africa and the US has shaped how she thinks about excellence.
I enjoy organizing and structuring processes and making sure everything is working perfectly – or at least as close as possible!
In her role at EMBO she provides administrative support to the Courses & Workshops Programme. This entails overseeing the application and review process and managing the work of the Course Committee. Once scientists have been awarded funding, Esther is in regular contact with them, supporting them as they organize their meetings. The role she says speaks to her character: “I enjoy organizing and structuring processes and making sure everything is working perfectly – or at least as close as possible!”
Currently Esther is in the process of reviewing and updating programme guidelines and procedures to make them more efficient, transparent and streamlined. She says she believes this is important to ensure the EMBO Courses & Workshops continue to support talented researchers in Europe and beyond, by stimulating scientific exchange while building an inclusive research environment where scientists can achieve their best work.
I enjoy the different perspectives that come with working with colleagues from different backgrounds. It is always refreshing to hear a different take on things than my own. I want to hear that
At EMBO she appreciates being part of an innovative, dedicated and diverse team and the open and multifaceted discussions that come from being in that environment. “I enjoy the different perspectives that come with working with colleagues from different backgrounds. It is always refreshing to hear a different take on things than my own. I want to hear that.”
