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Azevedo strongly advises other postdocs to start applying even if they feel it is too early in their career.

"People who have mathematical, computational, and statistical skills, [and] establish a collaboration and work on real biological problems, have the chance of doing some very, very significant things for human welfare." --Jaroslav Stark

The challenges for pregnant scientists often come unannounced and need to be dealt with quickly; the stakes are high.

"They can be very good computer scientists, but they will not be hired if they don’t fit in the company culture" of Google, says new employee Oliver Heckmann.

Although "the researcher is free to do whatever he wants," says Marché, "I will be working in a team, so I will necessarily get interested in their field of research."

Dealing with CFS has been difficult, but Hyland believes the disease was positive for him because it led to a suitable research niche.

Multidisciplinarity has a LOT to offer to early-career scientists in terms of opportunities and excitement.

"If you are looking for a Ph.D. and a way of spending more time abroad, a good alternative would be for you to do a
co-tutelle de thèse."

"Here, you are in the position to undertake a project you understand, and you have the tools to make immediate progress. ..." --David Gavaghan

In Spain, "Most people integrate into an existing and functioning lab," which gives them less freedom," says de Nalda Minguez.

RyC fellows have a harder time fitting within the Spanish academic system unless their university decides to make a welcoming gesture.

It may not be a pure coincidence that the two most women-friendly departments in the study were led by young heads who were themselves half of a dual-career couple with children.

The FJI's wish-list for changes may be long and uncompromising but this doesn't mean it is unrealistic, as illustrated by the Juan de la Cierva programme.

"Find something you believe in and talk about it with passion," says Vallance. But "also disbelieve it enough to challenge it," because that is what you will face from everybody else.

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Beyond the challenges, provided one is aware of the rules of the game, leaving academia doesn't need to be a one-way street--and may provide the opportunity to gain valuable skills.

Young scientists who are undaunted by the multidisciplinary nature of the field and training have very bright career prospects.