The PhD and Postdoc Committee of the Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CBM) was formed just over a year ago with the goal of building a sense of community within the CBM. We are a group of nine pre- and postdocs—Elena, Celia, Joana, Valentin, Miguel, Marta, Nerea, Alba, and Miryam—working in different fields of biology. We created the Committee because we share a common goal: to make the CBM a better place. We wanted to actively contribute to changes that would improve life at the center and enhance our scientific training. Our aim is to ensure that every young researcher feels supported, whether through academic initiatives, training programs, or social activities that help create a strong and inclusive network.

In our first year, we successfully organized the Student and Postdoc Symposium. This was the first time the Committee was in charge of the event, which in previous years had been run by other CBM members and lasted only one day. Thanks to our team's effort, we secured funding and sponsorship to extend the Symposium to two days, provide attendees with some merchandising, and ended the event with a small party. Additionally, we launched other scientific initiatives, such as the MolecularMix, where pre- and postdocs can present their research in a more informal setting, without PIs being present. Our goal is to encourage young researchers to participate and overcome their fear of public speaking. We have also contributed to the organization of special CBM seminars, workshops, and training sessions. Beyond academic activities, we are also involved in organizing social events to strengthen the bonds between researchers.

Our efforts align with broader initiatives at the CBM, including committees focused on equality, sustainability, and well-being, as well as programs like TrainPhD for professional development and Help and Hand for mental health support. In fact, as a Committee, we are actively engaged in supporting and collaborating with other committees, contributing to a wide range of initiatives that foster a nurturing and inclusive environment for all.

We believe we work in one of the best research centers in Spain, and we are proud to be part of it. The CBM is a multidisciplinary research hub that fosters collaboration and innovation, allowing us to push the boundaries of science. Since 2022, the CBM has proudly held the designation of “Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence”, recognizing it as one of Spain’s leading research institutions. This distinction reflects not only the cutting-edge equipment, state-of-the-art facilities, and highly qualified technical staff but also the collaborative atmosphere that defines the center. In recent years, the CBM has undergone a period of renewal, with many new group leaders—bringing international experience from top European and US institutions—joining the center. Their fresh perspectives and strong commitment to innovation have created a dynamic environment where collaboration is encouraged and we, as researchers, feel empowered to take on ambitious challenges.

The evolution of the CBM is ongoing, and we are excited to help shape its future. Together, we are working to make the CBM not only one of the best research centers in Spain but also a model of excellence and innovation in the global scientific community.

Top image by the Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa.