Improving trainee engagement in science: Lessons from a virtual seminar series

To be a successful researcher, you are expected to have important skills beyond the bench such as being able to ask questions, talk about science with your peers, and organize scientific events. However, there is frequently little to no training or emphasis on these skills at the student and postdoc level. The virtual Aging Science Talks seminar series and Slack group have benefitted the scientific community in many ways amidst the chaos of coronavirus quarantines and lab shutdowns, but as a 2(nd) year PhD student, I was particularly excited about how this format was able to engage trainees. We should end the era of trainees sitting at the back of the room while PIs dominate discussions and Q&A sessions with speakers. Reflecting on the advantages of Aging Science Talks can show us how to make future scientific events more engaging and inclusive for everyone.