Luxembourg Institute of Health Brings Alumni and Early-Career Researchers Together for First-Ever Career Options Event

Luxembourg Institute of Health Brings Alumni and Early-Career Researchers Together for First-Ever Career Options Event

(IN BRIEF) The Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH) held its first Alumni Career Options Event on October 8, uniting early-career researchers with former employees who have built successful careers across academia, industry, policy, and entrepreneurship. Featuring seven distinguished alumni, including representatives from Sanofi, Nature Communications, and Luxinnovation, the event encouraged open discussions on navigating non-linear career paths and building fulfilling professional lives. Organised by LIH’s PhD Support and Postdoctoral Development teams, the event highlighted the value of mentorship, perseverance, and community in shaping scientific careers, setting the stage for future editions.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUXEMBOURG, 20-Oct-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH) hosted its inaugural Alumni Career Options Event on October 8, bringing together former and current researchers for an afternoon of inspiring conversations about life after the laboratory. The event, designed to help early-career scientists explore professional opportunities beyond traditional academic routes, drew an enthusiastic crowd of 55 participants.

Seven distinguished LIH alumni shared their personal journeys, reflecting on the diverse and sometimes unconventional paths their scientific training has led them down. The speakers included Dr Katharina Baum, Assistant Professor at the Hasso Plattner Institute in Berlin; Dr Andrés Cano Galiano, Scientific Editor at Nature Communications; Dr Hélène Erasimus, Senior Scientist at Sanofi; Dr Clarissa P.C. Gomes, European Funding Advisor at Luxinnovation GIE; Dr Ann-Christin Hau, Junior Group Leader in Translational Neuro-Oncology at Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt; Dr Maude Pauly, Researcher at the “Cellule Scientifique” of the Luxembourg Parliament; and Dr Vincent Puard, CEO & Co-founder of MAbSilico.

Through interactive round tables and open discussions, the alumni offered valuable insights into navigating career transitions, finding purpose beyond academia, and leveraging scientific expertise in fields such as industry, policy, entrepreneurship, and publishing. Their stories underscored the many directions a scientific career can take and highlighted the importance of flexibility, perseverance, and curiosity.

Reflecting on the event, Dr Anouk Ewen, PhD Support & Training Officer, noted: “It was fantastic to see so many of our early-career researchers engaging with former employees who have taken such different career paths. The openness of the discussions and the willingness of our alumni to share their experiences made this first edition truly special.”

Dr Malou Fraiture, Postdoctoral Support & Development Coordinator, added: “The participants learned that career trajectories are rarely linear. It’s about persistence—finding the right environment where you can apply your skills, express your creativity, and feel valued.”

The LIH expressed its gratitude to all speakers and participants for contributing to an inspiring exchange that showcased the institute’s supportive and connected research community. The success of this first edition has already sparked plans for future alumni events aimed at strengthening professional networks and empowering the next generation of scientific leaders.

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SOURCE: LUXEMBOURG INSTITUTE OF HEALTH