ONLINE EXHIBITION
Women in Science
Professor Francesca Spagnoli
I am a Professor at King's College London where I lead a research group working on stem cell therapies for curing diabetes. After graduating from Medical School in Rome, I received my Ph.D. in Genetics from the Pasteur Institute in Paris, France. I then did a postdoc at The Rockefeller University, New York, USA. In 2008, I established my research group at the Max Delbrück Center in Berlin, Germany, where I initiated new lines of investigation on the control of pancreatic cell identity. More recently, I relocated with my laboratory to London to join the Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine at King's College London. I am also the coordinator of a European consortium on bioengineering pancreatic tissue and the Director of a Wellcome Trust PhD programme.
About my personal experience as ‘woman in science’: when I was young, I didn't think much of being a girl in STEM. I wasn't different or unusual. I had working parents (one is an academic) who raised me as there were no distinction between men and women—both genders are equally driven by their passion. So, I consider myself as a scientist who happens to be female.
That said, there is no doubt that being a woman in science nowadays is much better than before. When I look at group pictures of old conferences, I am always shocked by the number (very few!) of women in those pictures. In the past 2-3 decades, the situation has improved and evolved dramatically, nevertheless there are still challenges to overcome. These obstacles and prejudices are more global, systemic and apply not only to gender but also race, ethnicity, nationality, class, language, disabilities. I believe the only recipe is to bring in diversity and increase openness into academia - this will eliminate sexism and gender bias and other forms of discrimination.
I have never thought much about the ‘imposter syndrome’. Never had to cope with it. I recently read a very interesting article about it in the Harvard Business Review magazine. In this piece, the journalists suggested to stop misdiagnosing women with ‘imposter syndrome’. We have the tendency to misinterpret confidence with competence and with leadership. This is wrong and women / scientists who may have a different style in talking in public or answering questions, which do not conform with the typical very self-confident-biased social styles, might be told they have ‘imposter syndrome’. So, using this misdiagnosis of ‘imposter syndrome’ we direct our efforts toward fixing women at work instead of fixing the places where women work. I think the solution is not to fix individuals but to create a diverse environment that fosters a variety of leadership styles.
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.