By Monalisa Breazu, Learning & Development Administrator
Earlier this month, we hosted two lively roundtable discussions with One Nucleus members. The conversations spanned everything from the value of networking to how we can better support professionals at different career stages to rethinking what “training” really means in today’s life sciences sector. Below are some of the key takeaways …
The Power of Networking
Networking remains a cornerstone of professional growth, yet it is often undervalued or misunderstood. Participants highlighted the importance of reframing networking as a strategic skill - one that drives opportunities and delivers measurable impact.
We heard strong interest in:
- Tools that help professionals demonstrate the tangible value of networking to their organisations.
- Fresh formats, such as speed networking, online matching, and even a “Networking for New Networkers” workshop.
- Event structures that are inclusive and accessible, from timing to format.
The message is clear: when positioned as a strategic investment rather than a social activity, networking becomes a critical enabler of career and organisational success.
As One Nucleus provides networking opportunities for employees of our member organisations as a key form of support, Tony Jones, CEO of One Nucleus, reflects on his own career journey and how networking has led to his current position.
Supporting Professionals in Transition
The discussions also turned to redundancy and career transitions. These moments can be deeply challenging, but they can also serve as turning points for professional reinvention.
Key ideas included:
- Raising awareness of the redundancy support already available within our network. Take a look here for more information on this new support initiative.
- Offering engagement opportunities for those between roles given the mental health, skills development, and sectoral talent retention benefits.
- Exploring fractional work, volunteer opportunities, and short-term projects as ways to keep professionals connected and contributing during career transitions.
The One Nucleus goal here is to ensure talented individuals remain part of the ecosystem whether they are being made redundant, between jobs or transitioning in their careers.
Training, or Something More?
Perhaps one of the most thought-provoking discussions centred on training. While early-career provision is strong, mid-career and senior professionals often find fewer tailored opportunities.
Feedback pointed to several priorities:
- Rebranding “training” into something that reflects ambition and progression, such as career accelerators or leadership pathways.
- Offering more modular, flexible learning formats that allow professionals to build skills over time.
- Gaining CPD accreditation for the courses to add formal recognition and value.
- Addressing emerging skills gaps in data integrity, AI, and automation, alongside core business and leadership competencies.
This evolution reflects a broader shift: professionals are seeking not just knowledge, but credibility, adaptability, and clearer pathways to leadership.
Looking Ahead
A recurring theme across both roundtables was that careers in life sciences are no longer linear. Networking, redundancy, career shifts, and training are not isolated topics but interconnected elements of a much bigger journey.
As a community, the role of One Nucleus extends beyond hosting events. We have the opportunity to create the conditions for professionals to connect, adapt, and thrive at every stage of their career. By listening to our community and evolving our learning and development offering, we can ensure that our sector remains not only innovative in science but also forward-thinking in how we support the people who drive it.
Join the Conversation
We will continue to develop these ideas into practical initiatives over the coming months where possible. In the meantime, we would love to hear from you: what would make networking, training, or career development more valuable for you? Share your thoughts with us - your input helps shape the future of our member support.