Interview with Harriet Walter

Dr Harriet Walter of Leicester ECMC is the chair of the Junior Investigator Network Group (JING), a group that supports junior investigators across the country develop through their early careers. We caught up with Harriet at the JING residential, to chat about why she got involved with JING and how the group can support junior investigators at a crucial point in their careers.

“I currently chair the JING Steering Committee, which consists of trainees from specialities across the ECMC Network. 

“I initially became involved with JING having attended one of the residential training courses. It gave me the opportunity to gain experience in clinical trial design, meet and form new collaborations with trainees at other centres as well as gain invaluable career guidance from faculty members.

“JING has gone from strength to strength due to the support of the ECMC Network. The annual residential meeting is fully sponsored though the ECMC, and without the work of the ECMC Programme Office team it simply would not happen.” 

Harriet also praises the contribution of senior faculty members who chair small break-out sessions appraising real life study designs, and who provide the opportunity for trainees to present and work on their own study designs. “The opportunity to meet new colleagues and potential collaborators, as well as gain expert advice on their study designs from our senior faculty is really valuable and e feedback from the trainees has been extremely positive.  

Harriet actively encourages all trainees with an interest in translational cancer study design to consider attending the residential in 2018. The training event is suitable for laboratory and clinical junior researchers who have an interest in translational cancer study design but who have not yet established themselves as independent researchers.

“It is a great opportunity to get involved and see how the ECMC Network works and to meet experts from across all ECMCs. It offers the opportunity for trainees to meet likeminded individuals.” 

“Our aim is to be inclusive and if someone thinks they can benefit from the group, then we welcome their attendance and contribution. JING are now looking for new junior investigators to join the Steering Committee to further develop its current course and opportunities for supporting junior investigators in the ECMC Network. Please do get in contact if you would like to become involved!”