Redefining success: a scientist's transition from researcher to research advisor

Abstract

I never imagined my career would take me beyond the laboratory bench. As a postdoctoral researcher at the Hudson Institute of Medical Research, I was deeply invested in understanding the mechanisms behind ovarian cancer progression, driven by curiosity and the hope that my work might one day improve outcomes for patients. But science isn’t just about discovery—it's also about impact. And somewhere along the way, I realized that my passion extended beyond experiments and data—I wanted to help shape the research landscape itself. That realisation led me to my current role as a Research Advisor for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF), where I now work to bridge the gap between research and funding, ensuring that the needs of those with a lived experience of ovarian cancer align with the research. The transition from academic research to the not‐for‐profit sector wasn’t without its challenges. I had to navigate uncertainty, redefine my professional identity and learn to recognise the value of my transferable skills—critical thinking, science communication and strategic planning. This journey has reinforced what I haven’t always realized: science isn’t confined to the laboratory. It's in the conversations we have, the policies we influence and the way we shape the future of research. My career continues to evolve, and while I don’t know exactly what the future holds, one thing remains certain: I am committed to making a difference, in whatever form that takes.