ALT Prof Dame Alison Etheridge: 'In spite of appearances, everyone is insecure and no-one will judge you for asking what feels like a stupid question. Most people in the room probably wanted to ask the same thing but were too embarrassed - asking will win you many friends!'

ALT Prof Daniela Bortoletto: 'That it's okay to say no and set boundaries. You don't need to feel obligated to take on every task, especially those disproportionately assigned to women. Focus on roles that support your scientific and professional growth.'

ALT Prof Tamsin Mather: 'A career is a marathon not a sprint and there will be times things feel better than others or where life has priority. Be patient when things feel tough. Taking time off is so important, not just because work isn't everything, but to stay creative. I've had my best ideas on my bike, kayak, or up a mountain!'

ALT Prof Erin Saupe: I wish I would have realised sooner that it's OK to be wrong in science, and that admitting you were wrong is a strength, not a weakness. Science should be about testing your assumptions and re-thinking paradigms, not just 'getting things right'.