ONLINE EXHIBITION
Women in Science
Anna Salowka
My name is Anna Salowka and I am a Research Assistant in the Spagnoli lab. Our work focuses on understanding different aspects of pancreatic development with a long-term prospect of applying this knowledge to improve therapies for pancreatic diseases like diabetes. I received my primary and secondary education in a small town in south-eastern Poland where I was born and raised. I then moved to the UK and enrolled into a short A-levels course followed by BSc in Molecular Genetics (King’s College London) and MRes in Molecular Basis of Human Disease (Imperial College London). I have recently secured a place on the Wellcome Trust PhD Training Programme and I’m very much looking forward to starting this new chapter in September 2022.
Since joining the world of science in 2016, I have never really thought about whether and how being a female affects my choices and possibilities. I have never thought of myself as a Woman in Science before. In my mind, I would rather depict myself as a junior scientist on the journey to become a senior researcher. I believe this is because I was lucky not to have experienced any form of gender-based discrimination or bullying. Moreover, I have met an array of amazing female mentors who inspired, encouraged, supported, and guided me throughout the course of higher education and continue to do so today. The scientific world I know seems to consist of more females than males. Regardless of the exact numbers it seems equal and inclusive. The scientific community is, however, much larger than my immediate surroundings and it is deeply shocking and upsetting to think how circumstances can differ drastically elsewhere.
Being a researcher is challenging on many levels. It is tricky to stay creative and motivated especially at times when there seems to be no or very little progress despite your best efforts and long hours spent in the lab. Troubleshooting and optimisation can last what feels like forever without even the slightest step forward. Sometimes one tiny mistake or simply bad luck can cause a month worth of work go to waste irreversibly in a blink of an eye. On top of that there are tons of unsuccessful applications and deadlines around every corner to name a few. It really can get quite rough, and it is not easy to face without blaming or being harsh on oneself. I believe this hardship is unisex and therefore everyone without a single exception should be surrounded by a supportive and inclusive environment. It simply is invaluable, and no-one should ever be excluded, especially because of one's gender.
9 Nov 2021
Fiona Watt & Alice Vickers on Stem Cell Report Podcast
Professor Fiona Watt and recently graduated Alice Vickers joined the Stem Cell Report Podcast with Martin Pera to talk about uncovering the relationship between genetic variants and cellular behaviour. They recently developed a platform to quantify iPSC differentiation propensity to investigate the genetic contribution to phenotypic variability.
13 Jul 2021
Fiona Watt appointed as EMBO Director
Professor Fiona Watt has announced she will step down from the role as Executive Chair of the Medical Research Council in early 2022 to succeed current EMBO Director Maria Leptin. She has been a member of EMBL’s Scientific Advisory Committee since 2016.
15 Jan 2018
Professor Watt announced as government’s preferred candidate for Executive Chair of the Medical Research Council (MRC)
Professor Watt has been selected as the government’s preferred candidate to be the Executive Chair of the Medical Research Council (MRC) when it becomes a constituent part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) in April 2018.
15 May 2017
Professor Watt leads the stem cell and cell signalling spoke of Centre for Cellular Signal Patterns (CellPAT)
The National Danish Research Foundation has announced that it will give 61 million DKK (£7 million) to fund the Centre for Cellular Signal Patterns (CellPAT) led by Professor Jorgen Kjems.
15 Feb 2016
Professor Fiona Watt to receive Women in Science Award
Professor Watt has been announced as the winner of the 2016 FEBS | EMBO Women in Science Award. She's received the award for uncovering the mechanisms that control mammalian epidermal stem cell renewal and differentiation, and for discovering how these processes are deregulated in cancer, wound healing and inflammatory skin disorders; in addition to recognition for her commitment to gender issues, her leadership qualities and her active mentorship of junior scientists.
15 Jul 2015
Professor Watt encourages international young scientists in London
Professor Watt was delighted to deliver the keynote opening lecture at the 2015 London International Youth Science Forum. The two week residential event held at Imperial College London attracts over 400 of the world's leading young scientists aged 17 - 21 years old from more than 60 participating countries.
15 Nov 2014
Professor Watt links with industry 'down under'
When Professor Watt visited Australia to deliver a keynote speech for the Sydney Cancer Conference, she was also invited by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) Australia to give a seminar about one of the UK's '8 Great Technologies' - Regenerative Medicine, and opportunities for Australian companies working in this area.
15 Dec 2013
Watt Lab paper featured on cover of Nature
Professor Fiona Watt's lab has had a paper published in Nature – and is also featured on the cover. The paper is about fibroblasts – a type of cell found in the connective tissue of the body's organs, where they produce proteins such as collagen that provide structural support. It is widely believed that all fibroblasts are the same cell type.
15 Nov 2013
King's College London award for Professor Watt
Professor Fiona Watt's contribution to the promotion of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine research was recognised at KCL's annual "King's Awards" ceremony last night. Fiona was presented with her award for "Most Outstanding Contribution to Public Engagement" by KCL Principal, Professor Rick Trainor.
15 Sept 2013
Professor Watt on Radio 4's "Inside Science"
Professor Fiona Watt was delighted to be invited to take part in BBC Radio 4's "Inside Science" programme on Thursday 12th September. She spoke to presenter Adam Rutherford about the history of stem cell research and what the future holds for regenerative medicine.