The Faculty of Medicine’s Inaugural Lecture Series presents Professor Nicola Englyst on her talk “Navigating life: nature, nurture, and seizing opportunities”.
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Biography of speaker:
Nicola Englyst has enjoyed every stage of her career and has navigated career development from research to medical education, whilst having family responsibilities. Having completed her PhD in Aberdeen, she moved to Cambridge to take up her first postdoctoral researcher position before moving to Southampton on a two year contract and then forgetting to leave! Pursuing her research interests through two fellowships, she also explored teaching opportunities before being appointed as a lecturer (the first shared lecturer’s post in the Faculty). Over time she has developed that love for education, created and run an MSc and a MOOC, held senior education leadership roles and contributed to the Faculty and University, including leading the Faculty Mentoring Scheme for about 20 years. Nicola firmly believes in the importance of providing an environment that allows people to grow, just as she has been supported to do by family, friends and colleagues throughout her career.
Synopsis of Presentation:
I really enjoy people watching, wondering who they are, how they got there, and where they are going next. During this talk I will be turning that lens on myself (I am terrified even writing that!). This year is the point when I have now spent exactly half my life in Southampton, and so I will consider how a unique blend of nature and nurture, planning and unexpected opportunities have shaped me, and how they will continue to take me in new directions. Part of my talk will be about what I have learnt during my career, spanning lab-based research to medical education, as well as leading the Faculty mentoring scheme and delivering staff development activities. Through all of this, I will be reflecting on my impact on other people and their impact on me, as we consider how to create a supportive environment for the future in what feels like uncertain times.
Date and time: Thursday 22 January 2026 16:45-19:00 (Lecture 17.15-18.15)
Venue: Online (link will be provided in advance of the event)