In March 2015 scientists have been moving across oceans and into industry.

{credit}Robin McGregor{/credit}

Robin McGregor worked as a Research Fellow at the University of Auckland in New Zealand on a portfolio of projects related to nutrition and healthy ageing. “I set up clinical trials in middle-aged men to assess post-prandial changes in muscle protein synthesis in response to different dairy formulations,” he says. But being in a small country with only eight universities means that options are limited. Although he had a fixed term contract and had plans to stay, “there was no opportunity to move to a permanent university position. So if I wanted to persue a career in research I’d have to look elsewhere.” So he did. His previous experience as a postdoc in Korea meant that he could work with connections he had made, and eventually accepted a job with a well funded research group at Inje University in South Korea. But making a move like that doesn’t come without its challenges. “Rarely are you offered any help towards relocation expenses as an early career researcher,” he says. “The practicalities of setting up new research studies are always difficult in a new country and more so when you’re not fluent in the local language.” Despite the challenges, McGregor started his new role as a Research Professor in the Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease research centre, in the College of Medicine in March. “I’m enjoying the new challenge as there are many exciting opportunities here particularly as a foreign researcher to get involved in a wide variety of projects,” he says. Continue reading →