College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences

PACMAN Networking Event

Bridging Academia and Industry for ECRs 

The University of Glasgow's Network for Early Research Development (NERD) within the College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences (MVLS) launched the Post-Academic Career Mentorship & Advice Network (PACMAN) in 2021, an initiative aimed at bridging the gap between early career researchers (ECRs) and professionals outside of academia [Figure 1]. PACMAN addresses the challenges faced by ECRs in transitioning to post-academic careers, offering a mentorship network, guidance, and networking opportunities. 

PACMAN's success is made possible through the support of various funding sources. The initial launch in May 2021 received funding through the Translational Research Initiative (TRI), from their BBSRC Impact Acceleration Account (IAA) Award. Subsequent funding from a TRI Wellcome Trust Translational Partnership Award, along with support from the college of MVLS, has facilitated the ongoing development of PACMAN and the planning of the in-person networking events. 

^{Figure 1. NERD committee members at the Advanced Research Centre (ARC) at the University of Glasgow.}

PACMAN emerged in response to the identified barriers hindering early career researcher staff within MVLS, such as limited information about available career paths and insufficient opportunities to gain relevant experience outside academia. The initiative aims to bridge this gap by connecting ECRs with a diverse range of post-academic mentors from various sectors and fostering a supportive environment for knowledge exchange and career development. The primary goal is to enhance the professional growth of ECRs by providing them with valuable insights and connections beyond academia.

PACMAN was established in May 2021, drawing over 40 participants to their first event held online. The success of this event led to a transition to an in-person format to meet the demand of ECRs for face-to-face interactions. To date, two PACMAN events run each year. In 2024, four events supported by the College are scheduled, with three in-person events and one online event focusing on international career opportunities. The events facilitate interactions between ECRs and industry professionals using short talks and Q&A sessions, providing a platform for ECRs to grow their network beyond the academic sphere and identify transferable skills required to make a move into different roles [Figure 2].

The PACMAN mentorship scheme is open all year round. It gives an opportunity for ECRs to meet with a mentor 1-to-1 to gain advice and perspective about transitioning into post-academic roles. Anyone with post-academic experience interested in becoming a mentor is welcome to get in touch with NERD at mvls-nerd@glasgow.ac.uk.

^{Figure 2. PACMAN event held at the Advanced Research Centre at the University of Glasgow.}

The PACMAN networking event opens doors for ECRs in MVLS to explore post-academic career paths, enabling them to identify skills they could take into a post-academic role, such as communication skills, time management, project management and planning, and supervision. This experience leads to connections with industry, elevating the University’s reputation as a hub for dynamic knowledge exchange.

By fostering collaboration and providing a platform for mentorship, PACMAN is transforming the landscape for ECRs at the University of Glasgow, paving the way for successful careers beyond academia. This stands out as a testament to the university’s dedication to empowering and supporting its students and staff. The events have been very well received with overwhelmingly positive feedback from both attendees and invited speakers. The event helped participants hear about different jobs in industry they didn’t know about before and to find out about local opportunities. They also learned that not everyone’s experience outside academia is the same, with one attendee saying “It was great to meet different people with various stories and opinions.”

To date, 17 ECRs have been paired with a post-academic mentor. The programme has grown significantly since the latest event, PACMAN 5.0, held in January 2024, with 25 new mentorship requests. Feedback was positive, with one mentee stating:

I was paired with my mentor via PACMAN Mentorship Scheme. I must say, I was very happy to have her as a mentor. She was very accommodating about the times and dates I could meet. Our chats were quite informal, and she was very supportive and helpful, she listened and asked questions. Among other things, she took some time to read through my CV (several times) and gave me advice on how to format it for non-academic employers. She also put me in contact with a third person working at the UofG who could advise on how to follow a different career pathway. Thanks to this opportunity I have explored some paths that otherwise would have overlooked.

PACMAN has developed a wide-reaching network with professionals from a varied range of companies, organisations and institutions [Figure 3]. PACMAN’s network contribute expertise, mentorship, and opportunities to connect for ECRs.

^{Figure 3. PACMAN partners.}

For more information about PACMAN and upcoming events, contact Dr Laura Haag or Dr Heather Mathie or visit the NERD webpage.

The PACMAN committee is always looking for mentors with post-academic experience to join their mentorship programme. If you are interested in becoming a mentor, please get in touch with NERD at mvls-nerd@glasgow.ac.uk.

For more information on support and funding for translational research, please see the TRI webpages.