Research Mingle: Celebrating Women Scholars’ Journeys of Success

The Research Mingle event on 6th March 2025 was a resounding success, celebrating International Women's Day. Centered around the theme "Journey of Success and Resilience," the gathering featured six esteemed scholars representing a diverse array of disciplines and levels of seniority.: Professor Wang Jun (Faculty of Science), Professor Cheung Mei Kwan Christy (School of Business), Professor Li Min (School of Chinese Medicine), Professor Chen Li (Faculty of Science), Professor Huang Yajun Wendy (Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences), and Dr Zhu Yuner (School of Communication).

The gathering aimed to foster a supportive, collaborative environment among female scholars, with special gifts for each participant as tokens of appreciation. Moderated by Professor Wang Jun, speakers shared insights on various topics like work-life balance, time management, career progression, and personal well-being, creating a cohesive experience for attendees.

Professor Cheung, Director of Research Office and Chair Professor of Information Systems and Digital Innovation Management, reflected on her 19-year tenure at HKBU, discussing her experiences in research, teaching, and mentoring, and emphasising perseverance in academia. She encouraged others to make decisions they won't regret, advising students to enjoy their work and act without overthinking.

Building on this theme, Professor Li, Executive Associate Dean of Chinese Medicine and Ma Pak Leung Endowed Professor in Innovative Neuromedicine, shared her 24-year journey at HKBU. She highlighted the 5Ps of Life: passion, professionalism, persistence, patience, and practice, along with the balance between family and career to inspire future generations. Her insights on viewing challenges as growth opportunities and the role of sports in maintaining good health resonated deeply with the audience.

Continuing the dialogue on balancing professional and personal roles, Professor Chen, Associate Head (Research) of the Department of Computer Science, outlined her strategy for effective time management. She focused on prioritising quality time with her children and highlighted the crucial support from colleagues and friends, underscoring the importance of a robust support network.

Shifting the focus to personal growth, Professor Huang from the Academy of Wellness and Human Development, discussed her shift from medicine to sports science, advocating for the physical and mental benefits of daily movement. She stressed the importance of meaningful personal growth during her six-year postdoc, encouraging PhD students to use this time to expand their horizons and develop professionally and personally.

Adding a dimension of emotional intelligence, Dr Zhu, Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Interactive Media, highlighted the importance of emotion and empathy in research, urging scholars, especially women, to embrace these strengths. She noted that emotional intelligence fosters connections and meaningful inquiry, encouraging pride in one's identity and the belief that authenticity leads to success.

Professor Wang from the Department of Chemistry, highlighted the importance of resilience in scientific research, demonstrating how adaptability leads to breakthroughs. She shared her experiences with research funding and collaboration, illustrating how perseverance opens up new opportunities.

At last, Professor Lyu Aiping, Vice-President (Research and Development), concluded by emphasising the importance of supporting colleagues and cultivating a positive research culture. He underscored his commitment to assisting administrative, research, and teaching staff, while fostering understanding and collaboration within the academic community.

The event celebrated the contributions of female scholars, enriching the research environment at HKBU. Attendees participated in discussions that explored balancing work and family life and the essential role of support from male counterparts in women's success. The speakers gladly shared their insights on daily life and keys to achieving success. Special thanks to Ms Wan Yuwei, a PhD student from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences for her excellent role as MC.

For updates on future Research Mingle events, be sure to visit our event page and follow our talented HKBU researchers on LinkedIn!