PhD life can be isolating, caffeinated, and occasionally existential. That’s why we started the CPI Future Leaders Group—to create a space where HDR students in the Centre for Pharmaceutical Innovation (CPI) could connect, collaborate, and, ideally, laugh a little in between experiments.
CPI is a unique environment that brings together researchers across pharmacy, pharmaceutical science, chemistry, nanotech, and biomedicine. That interdisciplinarity is a huge strength, but it can also leave students feeling scattered across projects and campuses. The Future Leaders Group helps bridge those gaps and ensures HDR students are supported not just as individuals in their labs, but as part of a wider community.
Since launching in late 2023, the group has delivered real value. We’ve hosted everything from skill-building workshops and industry tours to cross-campus networking events. For us and many others, the biggest benefit has been the sense of connection, sharing experiences, learning from each other, and feeling part of something bigger. It’s a supportive space where challenges are shared, and small wins are celebrated.
So far, the group hasn’t faced any major issues. The biggest challenge is simply finding time to balance group commitments with the demands of PhD research. But that’s where the strength of being a group comes in. We support each other: when one of us is swamped, others step in. It’s a flexible, team-oriented approach that helps keep everything running. We balance the workload depending on who’s available, and that mutual understanding has been key to our success.
If you're thinking of starting something like this, begin with a clear vision. What do you want to achieve? Why does it matter? Have a message that inspires others. Something that makes people want to get involved. Find people who share your passion and energy, because it’s working as a committed team that will help turn ideas into reality.
Be realistic about time and flexible with expectations, because PhD life has peaks and troughs, so build a culture where members can step back when needed without guilt. Most importantly, create a space that feels welcoming, inclusive, and collaborative. Research is hard, but it’s easier (and a lot more fun) when you’re in it together.
