2020 Hudson Virtual Student Retreat

This year the student retreat looked a bit different from our last celebration at Silverwater Resort in San Remo. But thanks to COVID-19 we were pushed to get creative and bring this years’ retreat online! The Hudson Virtual Student Retreat was organised by the HISS Committee in partnership with the Hudson Education and Training Committee. We are very grateful to Professor Elizabeth Hartland, Madelene Rich and the Co-Chairs of the Education and Training Committee, Professor Richard Ferrero and A/Professor Patrick Western, for their support of the HISS Committee in making this retreat possible.

In the spirit of 2020, the retreat explored the theme ‘Creating and Navigating Change’, covering topics including how to have an impact with your work and overcoming the challenges that come our way during our career. The afternoon started with a Q&A Panel featuring Dr Hannah Brown, Dr Shane Huntington OAM and Dr Niveditha Vathsangam. The panellists reminded us that change is the only constant, communication is a fundamental tool of all scientists, and gave us tips on surviving a PhD during a pandemic!

Professor Minoti Apte OAM delivered the keynote address: 'An accidental researchers' journey to the stars'. Minoti shared with us her research into pancreatic diseases and how the field has evolved over her career, as well as how she has balanced family and community alongside her career. The afternoon was concluded with the 'In Conversation' session, connecting Hudson Institute researchers with our students in small groups for an informal opportunity for students to get to know more about our researchers and get any questions answered.

We received lovely feedback, with attendees reporting feelings of 'connectedness and community' and enjoyed the openness and honesty of presenters in discussing their career experiences, as well as the opportunity to connect with researchers and students outside their own centres.

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Anonymous feedback quotes

"I learned a lot from the speakers. I enjoyed the breakout room discussion and I liked being connected and seeing everyone".

"Insightful and engaging speakers. It was great to interact and meet people (Hudson staff and students) and to feel connectedness and community".

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We had 122 attendees throughout the day, and in addition to our students and staff, we had a few unregistered four-legged guests! 

Award Winners – Best Questions 🏆

Penny Whiley

Marina Yakou

Ingrid Dudink

Sigrid Peautschnig

“I-SO have changed this year” winners, as decided by Prof Elizabeth Hartland 🌟

1st - Elly Jarred

2nd - Mehri Barabadi

3rd - Ingrid Dudink and Penny Whiley

People’s Choice - Elly Jarred

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Ellen Jarred
HISS President 😊