Science is truly an international enterprise. Never was this more apparent than at the World Life Sciences Forum BioVision in Lyon, France, last April. Occurring once every two years, this meeting brings together scientists, businesspeople and policy-makers for discussion and debate on the top issues in life sciences.

Attending that conference was one of the most memorable experiences of my young scientific career. Not only did I enjoy talks by world-renowned speakers on topics ranging from agricultural sciences to vaccine development, but I also got to meet and talk to several Nobel laureates and become inspired by their remarks.

But the most mind-blowing part was being one of the 100 young PhDs and MBAs from around the world chosen to participate in the conference as BioVision.Nxt fellows. During a day-long meeting before the conference, we had stimulating discussions on current issues such as the role of pharmaceutical companies and non-governmental organizations in research and the growing global threat of bioterrorism. It was wonderful to listen to the wide range of international perspectives offered by the fellows and to hear about the fantastic things they are doing to push life science forward.

I met and befriended people such as Gaell Mainguy, a scientist in France who is the president of the World Academy of Young Scientists. This organization seeks to increase access to science for individuals in developing countries, an issue that has always been close to my heart. I was also able to discuss the possibility of future ventures in biotech with business consultants who advise life-science companies on financial matters.

Indeed, the tremendously positive and uplifting interactions I had with the fellows and our many discussions about future directions of research encouraged me to continue striving to improve global health through my ongoing research on cancer and AIDS. I left with a greater appreciation for my role as a member of an international community of young life scientists. I stay in frequent contact with several of the fellows, sharing experiences and advice, and hope to count them as future collaborators. I would recommend any recent PhD or young biotech entrepreneur to attend this meeting and take part in the programme.