ONLINE EXHIBITION
Women in Science
Dr Christina Philippeos
I am a senior post-doctoral cell biologist in Professor Fiona Watt’s lab at the Centre for Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, King’s College London. My current research focuses on different subpopulations of fibroblasts in human skin and using these cells to develop a fibroblast cell therapy for wound healing, resolving scar formation and as a potential treatment for various skin diseases.
Although a great gender disparity exists in science, I feel fortunate to be a woman in science today. I obtained a BSc. in Natural and Environmental Sciences from Rand Afrikaans University in South Africa, and after gaining an MSc. in Biochemistry from the University of Johannesburg, I moved to London and obtained my PhD in Cell Biology at King’s College London. I have had strong female role models throughout my science career as all my supervisors to date have been very successful women. I believe these women inspired me to be the scientist I am today. Credit is also due to my parents, who raised me without any gender stereotyping. For example, I particularly remember my father teaching me how to change a flat tyre on my car. All these experiences culminated in a mindset that I could do anything my male colleagues could.
Unfortunately, despite starting from an even gender balance in undergraduate degrees, women make up less of the research workforce as they move up the academic career path; a phenomenon known as the ‘leaky pipeline’. The most significant barrier seems to be the transition from postdoctoral researcher to principal investigator (PI). This period usually coincides with the age at which women have children. Science can be a demanding career with limited job security (fix term contracts), limited PI positions and the pressures to publish in high impact journals. Successive breaks for maternity leave and subsequently working part time makes women less competitive in the field, particularly for making the step to PI. The lack of job security is also concerning when you have a family to support. It was only recently, in becoming a mother myself, that this resonated with me. I underestimated how difficult it would be to balance a demanding science career and a busy home with a toddler. I now realise the importance of having a supportive team (in both environments) for this to successfully happen. I believe that flexibility is fundamental to managing this balance and a combination of self-belief, female role models and a strong support structure are key to correcting the gender inequality in STEM.
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.