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Where will your career take you?

Case studies

  • Changing expectations conversation

    Dr Amber Griffiths

    Dr Amber Griffiths works at the interface between society, research, education and policy. 

    Explore Amber's career
  • Changing expectations conversation

    Bill Hinchen

    Now a science writer for biotech company Abcam, Bill explains the depth of skills and experiences he’s gained throughout his career and shares the challenges he’s overcome moving from the world of academia to editorial.

    Explore Bill's career
  • Changing expectations conversation

    Dr Darren Logan

    After many years raising his academic profile, Dr Darren Logan has now moved into industry as the Head of Research at Mars Petcare, but remains a visiting scientist at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute in Cambridge.

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  • Changing expectations conversation

    Dr Elizabeth Fullam

    Dr Elizabeth Fullam is a PricewaterhouseCoopers tax consultant turned researcher.

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  • Changing expectations conversation

    Dr Ellen McDonagh

    Dr Ellen McDonagh has forged her own scientific career path, pioneering a role as Head of Curation at Genomics England.

    Explore Ellen's career
  • Changing expectations conversation

    Dr Fleur Loveridge

    Dr Fleur Loveridge is a civil engineer who graduated into industry, but decided to return to university mid-career to complete a PhD and follow an academic pathway. 

    Explore Fleur's career
  • Changing expectations conversation

    Dr Graham Coates

    Dr Graham Coates first put aside thoughts of becoming a lecturer to take up a career in industry with British Aerospace. A mid-career reassessment then took him back into academia.

    Explore Graham's career
  • Changing expectations conversation

    Dr Graham Neill

    Dr Graham Neill followed a traditional academic career path before transferring into industry. He is now a Senior Medical Science Liaison working at the clinical interface between researchers and patients.

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  • Changing expectations conversation

    Dr Ina Colombo

    After more than 10 years’ experience working in the engineering industry and in research, Dr Ina Colombo is now a senior academic at the International Institute of Refrigeration in Paris.

    Explore Ina's career
  • Changing expectations conversation

    Dr Joe Flatman

    Now Head of Listing Programmes at Historic England, Joe’s previous experience from a braided career has proved to be highly valuable in his public-sector role.

    Explore Joe's career
  • Changing expectations conversation

    Dr Kenji Takeda

    Dr Kenji Takeda has worked across multiple sectors, and the strands of his braided career in academia, industry and policy continue to complement one another.

    Explore Kenji's career
  • Changing expectations conversation

    Dr Linda Bloomfield

    Dr Linda Bloomfield is a materials scientist turned potter. Following a successful early career in x-ray crystallography, she now combines her scientific expertise with her love of crafts to run a successful small business.

    Explore Linda's career
  • Changing expectations conversation

    Dr Maria Ocampo-Hafalla

    As Lab Manager for Education & Science Educator at the Francis Crick Institute, Dr Maria Ocampo-Hafalla stresses the importance of mobility, adaptability and mentorship throughout her career.

    Explore Maria's career
  • Changing expectations conversation

    Dr Mark Richards

    Dr Mark Richards has a track record of cutting across traditional academic boundaries to explore multidisciplinary research, education and outreach.

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  • Changing expectations conversation

    Dr Michael Clare

    Dr Michael Clare is a chartered geologist who recently completed his PhD and transitioned into academia, following a decade as a consultant to the offshore oil and gas, infrastructure and renewables industries.

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  • Changing expectations conversation

    Dr Nessa Carey

    Dr Nessa Carey was a Senior Lecturer at Imperial College when she decided to move to industry. She publishes popular science books, contributes to the Huffington Post and advocates the need for more cross-sector collaboration.

    Explore Nessa's career
  • Changing expectations conversation

    Dr Nigel Pickett

    Dr Nigel Pickett is co–founder of Nanoco Technologies and inventor of quantum dot scale-up technology. He spent his early academic career in the UK, Japan and the USA, where he transferred into industry and set up his own company.

    Explore Nigel's career
  • Changing expectations conversation

    Dr Stuart Cantrill

    After an academic career in both the UK and USA, Dr Stuart Cantrill joined the world of scientific publishing and is now Chief Editor of Nature Chemistry.

    Explore Stuart's career
  • Changing expectations conversation

    Dr Sudhakaran Prabakaran

    After working in medical research in the USA and UK for over a decade, Dr Sudhakaran Prabakaran now participates in a collaboration between the University of Cambridge, UK and the Government of India.

    Explore Sudhakaran's career
  • Changing expectations conversation

    Jess Smith

    Jess Smith was drawn into communications as a young research assistant, and is now a successful freelance science writer.

    Explore Jess' career
  • Changing expectations conversation

    Professor Graeme Reid

    Professor Graeme Reid is Chair of Science and Research Policy at University College London (UCL), who has worked at the National Engineering Laboratory (NEL) and as a senior civil servant.

    Explore Graeme's career
  • Changing expectations conversation

    Professor Graham Towl

    Professor Graham Towl was Chief Psychologist for HM Prison Services and a senior civil servant. He is now Professor of Forensic Psychology at the University of Durham.

    Explore Graham's career
  • Changing expectations conversation

    Professor Jane Clarke FRS

    Professor Jane Clarke FRS has built a global reputation in Molecular Biophysics thanks, she says, to the support of open-minded individuals with foresight.

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Dr Mark Richards, Changing Expectations case study subject
Dr Mark Richards, Imperial College London and Duvas Technologies - Changing Expectations case study subject

Changing Expectations investigates the evolving relationship between the research community and the wider research system. It draws on experiences of our past, and present, and explores potential futures.

The career case studies are the first stage of the Changing Expectations project, and inspire researchers to think differently about what success looks like in the present, to challenge ideas about what skills and achievements should be valued.

Read more about the case studies in our blog.

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