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This month I got away from my home office and visited some of our Partner Organisations to meet with their staff and students and share some updates on Franklin Women. It is literally my favourite thing to do as I get to connect with all the amazing people who contribute to our sector.

One of my talks was on the power of networks and ways to build them with purpose and authenticity. During the Q & A one of the audiences asked the panel for advice on calling upon your networks for help. They had often wanted to do this but felt uncomfortable asking others for something.

I had a hard relate moment.

Over the years there have been so many times I needed help but never wanted to ‘burden’ others with my troubles.

This all changed about 18 months ago when we started an Advisory Board for Franklin Women. These fabulous leaders have shown me that people want to help, but for them to do so you have to ask for what you need.

While it is still hard to do, I now feel so much more confident with reaching out to the amazing network of people that I have built over the years for help – whether that be a connection, advice or just a listening ear.

I cannot count the tangible things that have come out from asking – so now I pay that back in spades whenever anyone reaches out to me.

I hope you enjoy this month’s newsletter with some fabulous stories on everything from planetary health equity, to mid-career gap years and communicating impact. 

Happy reading,

My career has taken many twists and turns, but has always been driven by my deep passion for science and research. In 2005, I co-founded COSMOS magazine, which revolutionised science publishing in Australia. COSMOS quickly became the top-selling publication in its category and won an impressive 54 awards, including twice being named Magazine of the Year. Continuing my commitment to science, in 2020 I launched The Brilliant – the first global science communication hub that champions diversity. 

Today, through my company, STEM Matters, I help research, science and technology organisations communicate their unique value to their most important audiences – from government and industry to the general public. Over the last few years, we’ve had a particular focus on helping universities communicate their research impact – how their work benefits or has the potential to benefit society...

“Sometimes the most meaningful journeys start with a deep breath and a decision to take the next step.”

In 2023, I parked my job to join my partner, Joe, cycling for a year. Leaving our comfortable lives behind, we set off from Morocco in March, carrying everything we needed on touring bikes, with a vague plan to travel up to Spain and then pedal east towards Malaysia

Whilst we planned the trip together, taking a year off work to cycle was really Joe’s dream. He’d had his two boys when he was 20 so hadn’t travelled much. We’d both been in our jobs a long time and built up long-service leave. But, at 51, I felt fairly settled. I enjoyed my work and was nervous about travelling for a year without meaningful goals...

Two bugs on bikes: Our middle-aged gap year cycling across Europe and Africa, by Jacqui Webster, was published 1 May 2025 by Hembury Books. It is available from Booktopia or Amazon, or can be ordered from your local bookshop or library

Yoga! Did you know 21 June was International Day of Yoga? Here some yoga inspired links and tips:

Till next month, your Newsletter Curator, Amy

Thank you to The University of Sydney Faculty of Medicine and Health for investing in Franklin Women and our mission to create a health and medical research ecosystem where women thrive.