From the mating behaviour of flies to Cystic Fibrosis; my journey from student to postdoc

My name is Matt Coates, I am a post-doc researcher with Professor Jane Davies in the Cystic Fibrosis and Chronic Lung Infection group. I was recently lucky enough to be awarded the European Cystic Fibrosis Society (ECFS) and CF Europe (CFE) post-doctoral research fellowship, and now plan to spend the next two years, and hopefully more, […]

Brompton and NHLI: a respiratory perspective

The formal opening of The Institute for Diseases of the Chest as a postgraduate centre for research was announced in a Lancet editorial in November 1949. At the opening ceremony Sir John Anderson, chairman of the British Postgraduate Medical Federation, said that ‘if the public were to have, as it was entitled to have, through […]

How are doctors taught? Reflections on the MERU conference

How are doctors taught? This is an interesting question, one that I with my fundamental science background was not sure I know the answer to. So, seeking more answers I recently attend the sixth annual Medical Education Research Unit (MERU) Conference. The conference was an interesting afternoon and it broadened my knowledge of medical education […]

Gender re-balance: NHLI Women in Science Wikithon

At the end of June, I hosted the first National Heart and Lung Institute’s virtual Wikithon. The aim was to train participants on how to write and edit Wikipedia pages, with a view to increase the number of pages dedicated to women. Currently, less than 25% of all wiki pages on scientists are about women. […]

And I would walk 500km…for the Alzheimer’s Society

For around three years I have been raising money for Alzheimer’s Society as they give really good support to those suffering as well as supporting research, but during this time of COVID-19 there are so many people with Alzheimer’s who are very isolated and need additional support. Alzheimer’s Society are having to take on a […]

Lessons from lockdown: a student’s view

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, most postgraduate research (PGR) students have had to start working differently. Those who usually spent time in labs, clinics and offices on campus had to adapt to try and continue with their PhDs. This time has taught us a lot about how we can work best, be productive, […]

#BlackLivesMatter

I am writing this blog as the NHLI Lead for Equality, but first and foremost I am writing this as a mother, a wife and a fellow human being. It’s been a difficult week, after months of Lockdown recent events in the US have really crushed me, I’m feeling mentally drained. My in-laws are part […]

Celebrating the International Day of Girls and Women in Science

On 11th February 2020, we celebrated the International Day of Girls and Women in Science. Imperial women scientists and leaders in STEM, shared their career paths, role models, successes, failures, internationally recognised expertise and – most importantly – their love of science with over 350 school girls. Speakers shared pieces of advice they would give […]

Inspiring the next generation of Women in Science

PhD student Lauren Headley returned to her former school to talk to current pupils about what it’s like to be a woman in science and what an important role it is for everyone. I am an old girl. By which I mean I am part of the alumni group at my old secondary school. I […]

Bullying and Harassment in research: time for change

Last Wednesday’s Guardian revealed that researchers are facing shocking levels of stress. The article reveals that discrimination and bullying and harassment are major contributors to these high stress levels. In a survey undertaken by the Wellcome Trust, two thirds of those who took part had witnessed bullying or harassment. This type of toxic culture has […]