Celebrating International Day of Friendship
Every year on 30 July, the International Day of Friendship invites people around the world to celebrate the spirit of friendship.
An 85 year old Harvard study found that the number one key to a happy life is social fitness - and that positive relationships make us happier, healthier and help us live longer.
So what is friendship? It’s those invaluable connections that enrich our lives and often transcend geographical and cultural boundaries. Friendships may be lifelong friendships formed in childhood or even later in life and involve shared experiences, trust, and support.
At University, friendships can be forged through late-night study sessions or debates and create lasting networks that support both personal growth and understanding. Going to University connects people to a whole new network of friends – many form lifelong friendships that extend far beyond the classroom. These connections not only enrich people's lives but also contribute to a supportive educational environment where ideas are shared, challenges are worked through collectively, and diverse perspectives flourish.
Work friendships, cultivated through collaboration, camaraderie, and shared goals, play a crucial role in fostering a positive workplace culture, enhancing connection and productivity.
Many researchers form friendships and research collaborations – spanning across disciplines and continents and these partnerships bring together expertise, different backgrounds and perspectives.
People spend a lot of their lives at work, and that’s where they’re most likely to develop friendships…
Harvard Business Review
Here in the School of Biomedical Sciences friendships, collaboration and a sense of community flourish. Every day in our work environment we see the spirit of friendship – teamwork and mutual respect among faculty, staff and members of our community.
Let’s have a look at just some of the friendships across the School – and see the evidence of how work friendships can enrich our lives and contribute to a more connected and compassionate global community.
Department of Anatomy & Physiology (DAP)
The Stamp & Hao Lab is a thriving workplace where everyone’s ideas matter - a result of the past decade working together with a shared passion for the enteric nervous system, support of each other, and a commitment to building an inclusive culture.
Inclusivity is a cornerstone of the culture at the Stamp & Hao Lab for research group leaders Drs Lincon Stamp & Marlene Hao. Cure Cancer featured the research group in a recent article highlighting the lab's vibrant culture and brain cancer research. Read the article here
Image: Dr Marlene Hao & Dr Lincon Stamp
Led by A/Prof Ben Parker, the Metabolic Proteomics & Signal Transduction Lab and the broader Cardiometabolic theme in DAP has diverse expertise ranging from cell biology, biochemistry, animal physiology - and includes researchers specialised in bioinformatics and microscopy.
We are extremely collegial and collaborative. Last year we all went on a retreat to talk science and connect – but also to have fun. We had a big MasterChef cooking competition including special guests and prizes which was a big highlight.
A/Prof Ben Parker, Research Group Leader
Image: Parker Research Group members; Master Chef cooking comp at the CardioMetab retreat
Read more about the Parker Lab here
Enhancing our human connections in the workplace can have far reaching benefits - not only increased productivity but it also contributes to building happy, successful teams and improving our mental and emotional wellbeing. The inaugural DAP Diversity and Inclusion Committee led by teaching specialist, A/Prof Michelle Rank, has a mission to enhance the School’s inclusive culture in the workplace by elevating diversity and supporting the wellbeing of staff.
The committee will be creating opportunities for intentional activities and mindful interactions that improve our wellbeing and social connections. It will also introduce new ways of engaging with our workplace culture that help ensure everyone feels welcome to bring their whole selves to work.
Image: A/Prof Michelle Rank
Department of Biochemistry & Pharmacology (DBP)
The Department of Biochemistry & Pharmacology hosts a famous monthly Bake Off and weekly Tim Tam Tuesdays. They’re initiatives of Head of Department, Prof Stuart Ralph, who wanted to encourage DBP staff to come together, collaborate and form friendly relationships in a relaxed atmosphere.
Image: Rabid Velvet Brain Cake
Bake Offs are held monthly with lab teams, professional and teaching staff voluntarily competing two at a time. The competing teams can nominate a favourite charity and QR codes provided for donations with staff voting on the winning entries each month.
Image: Bake Off entries including the Momofuku Milk Bar Choc Chip Cake (inspired by the rabies virus genome); Mice cookies; ‘Frothing at the Mouth’ Cinnamon Scrolls; Cujo Cupcakes & Bat Bites!
Department of Microbiology & Immunology (DMI)
Dr Nick Gheradin, a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Godfrey Lab in DMI at the Doherty Institute, says it’s the people that have been the highlight of his experience both studying and working at the University of Melbourne.
I've worked with passionate, highly motivated and likeminded biomedical scientists to achieve shared goals, and we’ve had a huge amount of fun along the way.
For Dr Hui-Fern Koay, ARC DECRA fellow in DMI at the Doherty Institute, the invaluable connections she has made during her research career have underpinned her success - from great mentors, strong female role models, a good connection and relationship with her supervisor during her PhD studies and the access to experts and collaboration opportunities across the Biomedical Precinct.
Image: Dr Fern Koay
These informal monthly gatherings provide a relaxed setting where colleagues can meet, socialise, and build stronger interpersonal connections outside of their regular lab groups and work responsibilities. The events also offer a platform for sharing successes, acknowledging achievements and boosting morale.
The Bake Offs have been a great hit and provide a lot of fun and laughter
SBS Marketing, Events & Communications (Marcomms)
In the SBS Marcomms team, a monthly coffee and cookie meeting helps to strengthen team dynamics and creativity.
For SBS Marcomms this monthly meet-up enhances productivity, idea generation and creativity within the team – we get inspiration from each other's experiences and brainstorm new approaches to challenges and opportunities. Not to mention we all really appreciate a good coffee and enjoy the campus walk to Axil (their choc chip cookie is often a must-have too!)
Image: The SBS Marketing, Communications & Events team
So today on the International Day of Friendship, let’s celebrate the power of connections – be it a school or university friendship that has blossomed into a lifelong bond, a research partnership or a robust working relationship - these connections are instrumental in shaping a better future for generations to come. Take a moment to acknowledge these friendships and recognise their impact on advancing education, research, and our understanding of the world around us.