Staying Functional Through Connection and Adaptation: When Islets Inspire Islet Biologists

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Cell Biology
• Scientific Community Building

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated remote scientific communication and collaboration.
• Traditional in-person scientific meetings were disrupted by lockdowns and travel bans.
• Islet biology research requires continuous knowledge exchange and community interaction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a sustainable virtual platform for islet biology research.
• To maintain scientific discourse and collaboration despite global restrictions.
• To support trainees and early-career investigators in the field of islet biology.

Main Methods:

• Initiation of a virtual seminar series by Peter C. Butler at UCLA.
• Expansion into the Islet Research Seminar Series (IRSS) with co-organizers.
• Weekly online presentations covering diverse islet biology topics.
• Facilitation of interaction between scientists of all career stages.

Main Results:

• The IRSS became a thriving international scientific forum.
• The series successfully connected islet biologists from the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Israel.
• Trainees and early-stage investigators benefited from accessible exposure to research and networking opportunities.
• The virtual format proved effective in keeping the community connected and informed.

Conclusions:

• The Islet Research Seminar Series (IRSS) demonstrates the scientific community's resilience and adaptability.
• Virtual platforms can serve as valuable tools for scientific exchange and community support.
• The IRSS plays a crucial role in advancing islet biology research and fostering collaboration.
• The initiative highlights the importance of accessible scientific forums for career development.