I am currently Head of Researcher Engagement at Springer Nature. With a background in biochemistry and cell biology, I now lead a global team that utilises digital platforms—such as blogs, communities, and social media—to facilitate meaningful engagement with cutting-edge scientific research. I’m passionate about enhancing science communication and empowering researchers to share their work with diverse audiences; making complex science accessible and engaging.
Can you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your career path?
I started out as a Biochemist and will forever be grateful to my A-level chemistry teacher for convincing me it was the best option for me! After my undergraduate degree I didn’t feel like I was finished with learning, so I decided to do a PhD in Cancer Biology. During my PhD I was lucky enough to be able to be involved in a number of outreach and engagement initiatives, including things like the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition and Pint of Science. I quickly realised that I enjoy talking about research a lot more than doing it.
Having learnt that about myself, I looked for engagement-focused roles and found my first job at the British Heart Foundation, where I truly fell in love with Science Communication. Alongside writing for and presenting to incredibly diverse audiences, my role has taken me from designing research-inspired games that make complex science accessible, to sharing the latest research with politicians, celebrities, and even royalty. It’s safe to say my experience of science comms has been diverse and (incredibly) fun!
Being interviewed by the BBC at Cheltenham Science Festival
I am currently Head of Researcher Engagement at Springer Nature, where work with a team of talented Communities and Engagement specialists to run several platforms that aim to widen the reach and visibility of research published in Springer Nature’s Books and Journals. I didn’t know roles like mine existed when I started my PhD!
What is your current role and what does it involve?
My role as Head of Researcher Engagement is to ensure our portfolio of programmes, projects and platforms run smoothly. This includes the Research Communities platform, as well as Research Seminars by Springer Nature and Nature Portfolio on Instagram.
My team are incredible, which allows me to be bit removed from the day-to-day running of our platforms. My focus is on creating strategies that make it easier for people to share their work, identifying and implementing projects to improve a researcher’s experience within our platforms, and listening to feedback to help improve them. All with the goal of widening accessibility and increasing the visibility if the latest research.
My working weeks can be highly variable but typically involve a lot of meetings! I enjoy the collaborative aspect of my role and working with teams across Springer Nature and beyond to showcase the incredible research that is being published. I also work part-time, balancing life as a working parent.
How has your working life changed throughout your career?
I’ve gone through two major transitions in my career so far; first moving from academia to engagement and then from full time to part time. Both changes have been immeasurably positive and helped to create a role that suits me - something I enjoy and that also works for me and my family.
What advice would you give to someone at the start of their career?
Many years ago – coincidentally at a Nature Careers conference! - I heard a speaker advise to find a job that matched your attention span. I’d take that a bit further – find a job that matches YOU.
Don’t force yourself into a role or a path just because it’s the most well-known or perceived as ‘successful’ route – look at where your personal strengths and interests lie and look for roles that exploit your strengths and challenge you in exciting ways.
How could someone find a role like yours?
All of my roles across the years are ones that have been shared in science communication and engagement mailing lists – things like the psci-Comm mailing list – I find they are a great resource for seeing current job opportunities in science communications and public engagement, and the kinds of experience and skills employers are looking for.
If you’re interested in exploring roles in science comms, outreach or public engagement, it’s really helpful to regularly practice communicating with different audiences and honing your communication skills. From local science festivals to sharing research on social media – there are lots of ways to demonstrate and build your skillset.
I’m not sure where my career will take me next! But, for now, I’m excited about the upcoming projects the team will be working on this year and into next – I can’t wait to share them with the Communities!