SIRS EXPERT Classes
SIRS EXPERT classes are a series of exclusive virtual events for SIRS members who are early-career researchers (ECR) to access and interact with eminent scientists in the SIRS community as role models. This series will provide a unique space for networking, mentoring and inspiration for our SIRS ECRs, and will cover a series of topics critical for career development, delivered by leading figures in our field.
Please note that new EXPERT classes are currently suspended. We look forward to resuming them in the future.
SIRS EXPERT Class: European Session
Navigating Advances in Schizophrenia Research
Date: Wednesday, 2 December 2026
Time: 3:00 PM UK
Location: Judy Dunn Room, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London & Online (Hybrid)
Format: Interactive Panel Discussion & Global Webinar
Co-Chairs: Prof. Gemma Modinos (King's College London) & Dr. Ndaba Mazibuko (King's College London)
The Schizophrenia International Research Society is proud to relaunch its flagship EXPERT Class series with a dynamic hybrid panel hosted at King's College London.
Chaired by Prof. Gemma Modinos and Dr. Ndaba Mazibuko, this European Session brings together leading researchers to examine emerging translational insights, computational developments, and clinical psychology approaches in schizophrenia science.
Distinguished Panelists:
- Prof. Barbara Sahakian – Professor of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge
- Prof. Emmanuelle Peters – Professor of Clinical Psychology, King's College London
- Prof. Rick Adams – Professor of Computational Psychiatry, University College London (UCL)
- Prof. Peter Jones – Professor of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge
Participation & Registration: This event is free to attend both in person in the Judy Dunn Room at IoPPN and virtually via livestream.
ABOUT THIS SESSION
How do you build a successful career that works for you? This SIRS EXPERT Class offers a unique opportunity to put your questions directly to a distinguished panel of SIRS members who are leading figures in psychosis research and clinical academia: Professors Barbara Sahakian and Peter Jones (University of Cambridge), Professor Emmanuelle Peters (King’s College London) and Professor Rick Adams (University College London).
Drawing on different career paths, our panellists will share personal reflections and practical advice on finding your direction, building collaborations, navigating setbacks and balancing competing demands. Whether you are taking your first steps or considering your next move, hear what they have learned along the way, and what they wish they had known earlier.
Designed for early- and mid-career researchers and clinical academics, this informal, interactive session puts your questions at the heart of the discussion. Submit questions in advance when registering or ask them live during the event.
Join us for mentoring, inspiration and an open conversation with leaders in our field.
PAST EXPERT CLASS RECORDINGS
SIRS EXPERT Class Recordings
The SIRS EXPERT class recordings are available to SIRS members. You must log in to your SIRS account to see the available full recordings below.
Check out the preview with some of the highlights from the 1st Expert Class with Kim Do and Robin Murray.
Grants and International Collaboration
Experts
Paola Dazzan & Patrick McGorry
Moderator
Sebastian Walther
Listen as Paola Dazzan and Patrick McGorry discuss their experiences, thoughts, and suggestions on the topic of grants and international collaboration.
Work/Life Balance
Experts
Celso Arango & Mary Cannon
Moderator
Nina Schooler
Listen as Celso Arango and Mary Cannon share their thoughts, past experiences, and views on work/life balance. Several pieces of advice were shared, including to consider your partner in life, knowing when to say "no", and having the correct balance that works for you.
Success and Rejection in Academia
Experts
Sukhi Shergill & Alison Yung
Moderator
Gemma Modinos
Listen as Sukhi Shergill and Alison Yung share their advice, experience, and thoughts on success and rejection in academia. Several great tips and suggestions were made, including to always apply for funding when possible and to not let successes or rejections get to your head.
Finding Your Own Path
Experts
Kim Do & Robin Murray
Moderator
Gemma Modinos
Listen as Kim Do and Robin Murray share their experiences, insights, and advice on finding your own path. Many laughs were shared while still providing practical advice on career pathways, interdisciplinarity, transition to independence, finding your ‘niche’, and building a collaborator network.
Academia and Family Life
Experts
Anthony Grace & Raquel Gur
Moderator
Sibylle Schwab
Listen as Anthony Grace and Raquel Gur share their experiences, insights, and advice on balancing academia and family life. This class includes discussion on how to combine a researcher’s career with caring responsibilities.
*Only SIRS members can access the full recording. You will be required to login to your SIRS account.
Researcher Mobility
Experts
Andreas Meyer-Lindenberg & Cynthia Shannon Weickert
Moderator
Sebastian Walther
Listen as Andreas Meyer-Lindenberg & Cynthia Shannon Weickert share and discuss their experiences on working in different labs, when, how, advantages, and challenges.
SIRS Expert Classes: A Bright Future for ECRs in Schizophrenia Research
Chair
Gemma Modinos
Co-Chair
Sebastian Walther
Presenters
Robin Murray
Kim Do
Raquel Gur
Anthony Grace
Cynthia Shannon Weickert
Andreas Meyer-Lindenberg
