ReachSci Global Conference:
“Advancing Research and Innovation for a Connected World”
The Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology
09-11 DEC 2024
What is the ReachSci 2024 conference about?
The 2024 ReachSci Global Conference: Advancing Research and Innovation for a Connected World is a public conference designed to bring together researchers, academics, professionals, and anyone passionate about improving Inclusion, Diversity, Equality and Accessibility (IDEA) in research and innovation. Held onsite at the prestigious University of Cambridge, UK, the conference will be mainly held in person to allow better collaboration, networking and utilisation of the opportunity, allowing people to visit inspiring sights and meet inspiring people. This exciting event fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing, with experts presenting their latest findings and ideas on IDEA.
What are the goals of the conference?
To allow researchers, academics, students, and professionals to meet and discuss both local and global research IDEA challenges.
To encourage creating and developing innovative solutions to improve IDEA in research and innovation.
To raise awareness about global IDEA challenges and bring together great minds to address them.
To create a positive impact on research and innovation.
Who can attend the conference?
This conference is open to students, professors, professionals, organisations, and anyone interested in improving IDEA in research and innovation.
When and where would the conference be run?
The conference would run for three days from Dec 9 to Dec 11 (9 am to 5 pm). The conference location is the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology (University of Cambridge, Philippa Fawcett Dr, Cambridge CB3 0AS).
Registering for the conference is only open for attendance now.
Register to attend now!
Deadline: 10/12/2024 | 09:00
Venue
Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology
University of Cambridge, UK
Only in person registration is open now.
Conference Agenda
Our Three-Day Conference Agenda
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Exploring IDEA in Cambridge - tour activities
09:00 - 10:30 Group tour of key Cambridge attractions
10:30 - 12:00 Accessibility awareness activity
12:00 - 12:30 Break
12:30 - 2:00 Equality, diversity, inclusion awareness activity
2:00 - 3:00 Lunch in CEB
3:00 - 5:00 Cambridge IDEA reflection
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Challenges and opportunities in accessibility
09:00 - 09:30 Registration
09:30 - 09:45 ReachSci President welcome (Mohammed Alawami)
09:45 - 10:00 Introduction Remarks (Professor Róisín M. Owens)
10:00 - 10:45 Accessibility in research: a PhD student view (Ali Obaidan)
10:45 - 11:45 Keynote speech 1: Unlocking the Secrets of Breath and Defense: Surfactant Proteins' Role in Lung Health and Fighting Disease (Prof. Mona Minkara)
11:45 - 12:00 Coffee/tea break
12:00 - 01:00 Keynote speech 2: The Importance of Collaboration for Sustainable Innovation of Assistive Technologies (Prof. Kyle Keane)
01:00 - 02:00 Lunch break
02:00 - 04:00 Workshop: Beyond Visual Data: Innovating Surfactant Protein Research (Prof. Mona Minkara)
04:00 - 05:00 Students poster session
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Improving IDE in Academia
09:00 - 09:30 Coffee/tea networking
09:30 - 10:15 Equality, diversity and inclusion in research and education: a student view (Ashleigh Raune)
10:15 - 11:00 Students talks
11:00 - 12:00 Keynote speech: What causes inequalities in STEM participation? Evidence from research (Prof. Louise Archer)
12:00 - 12:15 Coffee/tea break
12:15 - 01:15 Workshop: How can we improve equity, diversity and inclusion in STEM? (Prof. Louise Archer)
01:15 - 02:15 Lunch break
02:15 - 04:00 Students talks
04:00 - 04:30 Final words and awards
04:30 - 05:30 Leave and get ready to dinner
05:30 - 08:00 Cultural dinner celebrating diversity.
Meet our keynote speakers
Prof. Kyle Keane
Senior Lecturer at the University of Bristol and a Researcher at Aira
I am a dynamic, multifaceted person who cares as much about understanding the nature of objective reality as I care about helping people overcome their struggles and find happiness. I hope to maintain the ability to pursue my interests and passions for a long time.
Specialities: Project planning and management, software development, rapid prototyping, education, quantitative analysis, numerical simulation and modelling, refinement of complex ideas into understandable concepts.
Senior lecturer @ University of Bristol & Reasearcher @ Aira | ex-MIT | ex-WolframAlpha
Prof. Mona Minkara
Assistant Professor & Affiliate Faculty at the Northeastern University
Dr. Mona Minkara is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Bioengineering and an Affiliate Faculty in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at Northeastern University. She leads the COMBINE (Computational Modeling for Biointerface Engineering) Lab, where her research focuses on the study of pulmonary surfactant, a complex protein-lipid substance secreted by the alveoli in the lungs. Dr. Minkara's lab applies computational tools to biomolecular problems, with a particular emphasis on developing innovative approaches to protein and surfactant modelling. Her work highlights the efficacy of computational methods in drug discovery and in understanding the pulmonary surfactant system, with potential therapeutic applications in medicine. As a blind scientist, Dr. Minkara is dedicated to making science more accessible and inclusive by engineering new tools for blind and partially sighted scientists, and she is involved in several initiatives to promote accessibility in STEM fields. She earned her B.A. from Wellesley College and her Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Florida, Quantum Theory Project. Before joining Northeastern, she completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Chemical Theory Center supported by a NASEM Ford Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship. Dr. Minkara is a 2024 recipient of both an NSF CAREER Award and an NIH MIRA Award for her research.
Prof. Louise Archer
FBA, FAcSS, Ph.D in the Karl Mannheim Professor of Sociology of Education at the University College London (UCL)
Her research focuses on educational identities and inequalities, particularly in relation to social class, gender and race/ethnicity. She has authored over 100 academic books and journal articles and has directed numerous research projects, including the research-council funded 13 year, longitudinal ASPIRES study. Recognised by prizes from the British Educational Research Association (2019), the UK Economic and Social Research Council (2020) and, most recently, the Prize for work supporting diversity in STEM by the Royal Society Athena (2022). She also co-founded the Athena SWAN Charter, which is now the main gender equality shield across UK higher education.
WHAT TO EAT
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WHERE TO GO
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HOW TO DO
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WHAT TO EAT | WHERE TO GO | HOW TO DO |
Visiting us from outside the UK
Accommodation
✈️ Heathrow Airport (LHR):
Fast Option: Take the Heathrow Express train to London Paddington Station, then transfer to a Great Northern train directly to Cambridge. This journey can be as quick as 1 hour and 45 minutes.
✈️ Gatwick Airport (LGW):
Most Convenient: Board the Gatwick Express train to London Victoria Station. From there, hop on a Thameslink train directly to Cambridge. The total travel time is around 1 hour and 50 minutes.
✈️ Stansted Airport (STN):
Budget-Friendly & Fastest option: National Express Coaches offer a direct route from Stansted Airport to Cambridge. It's the best short journey (approximately 35 minutes), and it's a more affordable option.
✈️ Luton Airport (LTN):
Direct Connection: National Express coaches also provide a direct service from Luton Airport to Cambridge. Travel time is around 2-3 hours.
Additional Tips:
Flight Schedules: Coordinate your flight arrival with onward travel options to Cambridge to minimise waiting times.
Accommodation: Book a hotel close to the conference venue or with good public transportation links for easy access within Cambridge.
Luggage: Factor in baggage handling costs when comparing travel options. Some airlines may charge extra for checked bags.
By planning ahead and considering these factors, you'll ensure a smooth and efficient journey to our conference in Cambridge!
For international travellers attending our conference in Cambridge, flying into one of London's major airports (Heathrow Airport (LHR), Gatwick Airport (LGW), Stansted Airport (STN), or Luton Airport (LTN)) is the most convenient option. These airports offer a variety of connections from around the world and efficient onward travel options to Cambridge.
Here's a breakdown of the travel options from London to Cambridge:
Looking for a place to stay in Cambridge? We've compiled some budget-friendly options below, all with approximate nightly rates for single travelers. This should help you find the perfect spot for your visit!
Travelodge Cambridge Newmarket Road - Straightforward hotel offering basic, modern rooms, plus a contemporary restaurant/bar. Price: £63 per night (around $75 USD).
A & B Guesthouse Cambridge - Relaxed rooms in an unfussy guesthouse offering free full English breakfast & Wi-Fi. Price: £70 per night (around $82 USD).
Rectory Farm - Refined hotel in a Georgian home, offering an outdoor pool & a tennis court, plus sprawling gardens. Price: £61 per night (around $72 USD).
Travelodge Cambridge Orchard Park - Straightforward rooms in a contemporary budget hotel, plus a cafe/bar & free parking. Price: £64 per night (around $76 USD).
The Cambridge Suites - Tas Accommodations - Price: £63 per night (around $75 USD).
Other options (approximately from low to higher prices):
Premier Inn Cambridge East (Newmarket Road) hotel, Newmarket Rd, Cambridge CB1 3EP, United Kingdom
Premier Inn Cambridge North (Girton) Hotel, Huntingdon Rd, Girton, Cambridge CB3 0DL, United Kingdom
ibis Cambridge Central Station, 2 Station Sq, Cambridge CB1 2GA, United Kingdom
Holiday Inn Express Cambridge, an IHG Hotel, 15-17, Coldham's Business Park, Norman Way, Cambridge CB1 3LH, United Kingdom
Holiday Inn Cambridge, Lakeview, Bridge Rd, Impington, Cambridge CB24 9PH, United Kingdom
Hyatt Centric Cambridge, 37 Eddington Ave, Cambridge CB3 1SE, United Kingdom
Hilton Cambridge City Centre, 20 Downing St., Cambridge CB2 3DT, United Kingdom
Tip: Consider booking your hotel early, group booking can reduce prices.
Uber/Taxi/Ride-sharing: This is likely the most convenient option, especially if you can split ride price with other attendees. You can hail a taxi on the street or call a taxi company in advance. Alternatively, you can use ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft, which are available in Cambridge.
Here is the approximate distance between “The Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology “ and some budget-friendly hotels in Cambridge:
Travelodge Cambridge Newmarket Road - 5.6 km
A & B Guesthouse Cambridge - 5.7 km
Rectory Farm - 1.4 km
Travelodge Cambridge Orchard Park - 5.6 km
The Cambridge Suites - Tas Accommodations - 7.7 km
YHA Cambridge Hostel - 5.7 km
Distance: 2-5 km
GBP: £5-10 (around $6-12 USD)
Distance: 5-8 km
GBP: £10-15 (around $12-18 USD)
Places to Eat in Cambridge
with Dietary Options
Authentic Food:
YO! Cambridge (Japanese): This conveyor belt sushi restaurant is a fun and affordable option, with plates starting from £3.50 (around $4). They also offer vegetarian and hot meal options.
@72 China (Chinese): (£20-30), 72 Regent St, Cambridge CB2 1DP, United Kingdom
Cafe Oriental Dumpling Bar (Chinese): Specializes in delicious dumplings and other Chinese favourites. Dumplings start around £5 (around $6) per portion. They have a good selection of vegetarian options.
Navadhanya (Indian): They offer a variety of vegetarian and meat options, with some dishes marked as Halal. Expect to spend around £10-15 per person (around $20-40 USD).
The Tiffin Truck (Indian): (£10-20), 22 Regent St, Cambridge CB2 1DB, United Kingdom
Luk Thai at The Cricketers (Thai): (£20-30) 18 Melbourne Pl, Cambridge CB1 1EQ, United Kingdom
Tortilla Cambridge (Mexican): (£8-15), 18 Market Hill, Cambridge CB2 3NR, United Kingdom
Tu Casa Tapas Restaurant (Mexican): (£20-40) 8 Mill Rd, Petersfield, Cambridge CB1 2AD, United Kingdom
Franco Manca (Pizza): (£10-20)
For more recommendations, please contact the organisers after arriving in Cambridge.
Halal:
Zis Piri Piri (£8-15), City centre, 36A Mill Rd, Petersfield, Cambridge CB1 2AD, United Kingdom
Mediterranean BBQ (£20-30), 181 East Rd, Cambridge CB1 1BG, United Kingdom
Little Petra (£10-20), 60 Hills Rd, Cambridge CB2 1LA, United Kingdom
DamasBridge (£10-20), 8 Homerton St, Cambridge CB2 8NX, United Kingdom
More halal restaurants can be found here: https://isoc.co.uk/halal-food
Vegetarian Friendly:
The Cambridge Café: This vegetarian and vegan cafe offers a variety of salads, sandwiches, wraps, and cakes. Prices are reasonable, with meals around £8-12 (around $9.5-14.5 USD).
Cosy Cafe: This small cafe has a relaxed atmosphere and offers a good selection of vegetarian and vegan options, including breakfast and lunch dishes. Expect to spend £7-10 (around $8-12 USD) per person.
General Budget-Friendly:
Bill's Cambridge Restaurant: This chain serves a variety of dishes, including pizzas, pasta, burgers, and salads. They have vegetarian options, and prices are reasonable, with main courses around £12-15 (around $14-18 USD).
Pint Shop (Gastropub): Offers a good selection of bar snacks and small plates, with vegetarian and vegan options available. Prices are around £8-12 (around $9.5-14.5 USD) per dish.
Additional Tips:
Consider street food markets like The Grafton Centre or Midsummer Fair for a variety of budget-friendly options.
Look for lunch specials offered by many restaurants during weekdays.
Pubs often have good deals on food, especially during happy hour.
Remember, these are just a few suggestions, and many other great budget-friendly restaurants cater to diverse dietary needs in Cambridge.
ReachSci 2023 Conference on Challenges and Solutions in STEM Research Training
The Conference was held at the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, UK
2023 Conference Audience Feedback
“The ReachSci conference offered a valuable opportunity for participants to connect with others who are enthusiastic about science education and communication as well. It provides a platform for sharing knowledge and best practices, as well as a chance to collaborate and develop imaginative solutions to pressing issues in the scientific community.”
“The conference was quite the experience, I learnt much from it regarding many things research related, and where does research stand globally nowadays, I also enjoyed it and had fun attending it thanks to the friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
Great work by the organizing team.”