Young Researcher Committee

The Young Researcher Committee (YoRC) of the European Zebrafish Society (EZS) and the International Zebrafish Society (IZFS) is a global initiative driven by early-career zebrafish researchers, for early-career zebrafish researchers (ECRs), including students, postdoctoral fellows, and early-stage faculty.

Founded in 2021 within EZS, YoRC is committed to empowering our fellow ECRs by fostering connections, promoting inclusivity, and creating opportunities across all fields. Our mission is to support, connect, inspire, and advocate for ECRs as they grow professionally, while helping shape a collaborative and vibrant zebrafish research community worldwide.

What drives us?

• Connection: We strive to build strong networks among students, postdocs, and early-career professionals, bridging the gap between academia and industry.
• Engagement: We aim to actively involve early-career members in the life of EZS and IZFS. We want to create an inclusive platform to exchange ideas, experiences, and visions for the future of zebrafish research.
• Opportunity: We are committed to creating meaningful spaces that help ECRs thrive, personally and professionally, throughout their scientific journey.

What do we do?

• Symposia: Organize dedicated events for ECRs at major international zebrafish meetings such as the European Zebrafish Meetings and International Zebrafish Conferences.
• Conference Presence: Represent YoRC at key conferences to raise awareness of EZS and IZFS initiatives, showcasing the benefits of membership and involvement in the committee.
• Collaboration: Encourage interdisciplinary and cross-border collaboration, connecting researchers from diverse scientific backgrounds to foster innovation and fresh perspectives.
• International Relations: Strengthen global ties with zebrafish and aquatic model societies, promoting shared resources, knowledge exchange, and career development across continents.
• Industry Partnerships: Build connections with zebrafish-related companies and organizations to provide career guidance and support across multiple career paths beyond academia.
• Communication: Keep our community informed and engaged through regular updates via email, the EZS and IZFS websites, and our social media platforms.
• Flexibility: Stay responsive to the evolving needs of ECRs by welcoming feedback and continuously shaping our initiatives accordingly.

Who we are:

YoRC is a #DreamTeam of 9 international ECRs from different labs and backgrounds, all united by a shared passion for zebrafish science and community-building. Each member brings unique expertise, energy, and vision to help shape a more connected and inclusive future for zebrafish research.

We hope our initiatives spark new ideas, collaborations, and meaningful connections for your own zebrafish journey.