Professional development

As part of our mission, GSA helps scientists develop their skills and achieve their career goals. At Worm 2027, there are programs and initiatives to provide experience, training, mentorship, and community for scientists of all career stages. For a list of all professional development events at the conference, you can visit the conference schedule.

 

Events geared toward early career scientists >>

Events for all career stages >>

Early career scientist professional development events

Poster abstract invitation events

GSA early career members can invite up to three attendees to visit your poster at the International Worm Meeting through your author submission portal (available June 1, 2027). Your invitees will get an automated email telling them the date and time of your poster presentation. The invitations are sent directly through the abstract submission site.

Instructions to invite fellow attendees:

  1. Log into your author abstract portal
  2. Click on “Invite attendees to my poster”
  3. Browse the list of attendees
  4. Click “Add” next to any attendee name that you would like to invite to visit your poster (maximum of three invites)
  5. Complete your invite list by July 7
  6. Emails will be sent automatically from the abstract submission site on July 14, providing them with details of the day and time of your presentation

Conference mentor program

First-time and solo postdoc, graduate student, and undergraduate student GSA members may sign up to be matched with a GSA faculty member, who will serve as a Conference Mentor throughout the conference to answer your questions and provide advice on how to best maximize your conference experience. Program participants will have the chance to join a meal sponsored by GSA to connect with other program mentors and mentees. 

Conference success tips and welcome from GSA Engagement

Sunday, July 18, 2027

The purpose of this event is to help first-time conference attendees and early career scientists make the most of the conference. Topics covered may include introductions to meeting organizers, advice on having meaningful interactions in a virtual space, a chance to meet other attendees in an informal setting, and an introduction to scientific events and other conference programming.

Getting involved in GSA’s early career professional development

Sunday, July 18, 2027

Join GSA Engagement for a  discussion about the programs and resources available to GSA’s early career scientists.

Photographer headshots

Monday, July 19

Worm 2027 early career conference attendees will be contacted in June 2027 for the opportunity to have professional headshots taken during poster and exhibit sessions. Pre-registration is required for this GSA member benefit. Those who register by the Worm 2027 early registration date will be given priority. You may visit the photographer’s booth during poster session hours to inquire if a spot is available.

All career stages welcome

Career exploration and you: breaking out of the linear career thought process 

This workshop will walk participants through the career exploration process by combining self-assessment exercises with individual development plan (IDP)–informed strategies to break participants out of the linear career path. Participants will leave with a framework for evaluating their values and needs and a better understanding of how to ensure that their professional goals align with their personal values and needs.  

GSA Journals connections program

GSA members can meet with a GENETICS or G3 editor to discuss scientific publishing and/or editing during a 1-hour Q&A session during exhibitor sessions featuring five to six editors who will answer your questions about the GSA journals, publishing, and/or editing for a scientific journal. 

Netwalking 

Monday, July 19, and Tuesday, July 20

Connect with fellow conference attendees on Monday, July 19, and Tuesday, July 20, for a 30-minute walk to start your day with a fun conversation! 

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