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Career development

What can researchers learn from elite sportspersons?

Posted on 17 June 2026 by Karen Reed

I am, by professional training, a research scientist. My early career was grounded in cancer biology, using molecular genetic techniques to explore what I prefer to call fundamental science (a […]

epigenetics

Epigenetics: How our environment shapes our genes, and why it matters – learning from students.

Posted on 24 May 2026 by Karen Reed

Each year, I have the privilege of working with Year 1 medical students on their first literature review project. The topic I provided to them, “Epigenetics: How our environment shapes […]

WCRC conference

WCRC 2026: Reflections on Learning, Listening, and the Power of Community

Posted on 25 March 2026 by Karen Reed

The joy of the WCRC conference is twofold. First the science, which is always impressive, along with the innovation, ambition and a desire to push boundaries which is shared there. […]

Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), Equality

Why Tackling Gender Inequality Still Matters

Posted on 8 March 2026 by Karen Reed

Every year, Women’s History Month offers us an opportunity to pause, take stock, and ask whose stories we have been exposed to and hence remember well, and whose stories have […]

 

Diabetes & Menopause: What Everyone Should Know (and Why Oestrogen Matters)

Posted on 7 December 2025 by Karen Reed

It is Sunday 7th December as I write this, and given that last week, and next week, that is the last 2 weeks of teaching of 2025, I have been […]

Personal Reflection: Initiating and Organising “Menopause in Focus” at Cardiff University

Posted on 29 October 2025 by Karen Reed

As October draws to a close and we mark the end of Menopause Awareness Month, I’ve taken a moment to reflect on one of its highlights, the Cardiff University Menopause […]

Supporting introverted medical students.

Posted on 20 September 2025 by Karen Reed

The most recent trigger for this blog was a conversation at the most recent open day with an introverted individual who was apprehensive about medicine.  Prior to this, my interest […]

From Maternity Leave to EDI Lead: A Journey I Never Planned

Posted on 9 September 2025 by Karen Reed

If someone had told me 20 years ago that I’d end up chairing committees focused on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), and working under titles that include the words “EDI […]

Resilience is a measure of privileged

Posted on 15 August 2025 by Karen Reed

"Resilience is a measure of privileged" a quote from Alex from the ADHD adults podcast. Blimey this got me thinking 🤔 Resilience is seen as a good thing, a superpower […]

Mindful menopause: making moments matter

Posted on 31 October 2024 by Karen Reed

I write this on October 31st, Halloween, and the historical links between menopause and witches is apt. Check out this positive pause post if you want to know more about […]