This month Ailsa attended the 22^nd anniversary of the Reid Bioanalytical Forum at the Cambridge Belfry in Cambourne. The meeting was spread over 4 days with a variety of talks, exhibitions and poster presentations by a range of professionals from CRO’s, pharmaceutical companies, instrument vendors and academics.

The Reid Forum has taken place every two years since 1975 and encompasses a successful meeting format focusing on cutting edge science and supporting early career Bioanalysts, in an inclusive and friendly atmosphere.

Following a successful meeting two years ago at the 21^st Reid Bioanalytical Forum in Surrey, VRS were pleased to have been invited back to attend this year’s meeting. Ailsa hosted a careers workshop over two days which included a presentation on how to recruit effectively, focussing on how to get the best out of the candidate throughout the whole application process. She also completed a ‘live’ interview with the help of Becky from Charles River Laboratories to highlight the difference between good and bad interview techniques, again with a focus on how the interview technique/questions can affect your interviewee’s performance.

As well as discussions, posters and exhibitions, the forum organisers also provided a number of opportunities to network with colleagues and fellow industry professionals in a more sociable environment. An offsite dinner was arranged at the stunning Peterhouse College in Cambridge (sponsored by Charles River Laboratories) and an onsite dinner at the Cambridge Belfry (sponsored by Shimadzu), with a variety of entertainment including a visit from a group of mixologists who treated us to an impressive combination of chemistry and desserts!

The meeting was a great opportunity for VRS to network with current and future clients, as well as industry professionals looking to advance their careers. Ailsa had a great time and is already looking forward to the 23^rd Reid Bioanalytical Forum in 2019!