Personal Reflection: Initiating and Organising “Menopause in Focus” at Cardiff University
29 October 2025
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 in Focus event, which brought together research, support, and shared experiences in a truly meaningful way. Providing the initial spark of idea for the event, and being part of the organisational team alongside Dr Melissa Wright and Sarah Gregory from Cardiff University Staff wellbeing team, has been a very personal and rewarding journey.
The event was designed to spotlight the breadth of menopause-related research across Cardiff University, while also highlighting the support available to staff navigating perimenopause and menopause in the workplace. As someone who has long been an advocated for inclusive and person-centred approaches to health education, seeing this event come to fruition has helped me (re)focus and develop my academic interests further. Although it is 8 years since I left the lab, I am still finding my way on my journey from a postdoctoral researcher rooted in cancer research to a biomedical sciences lecturer. This transition has opened new and interesting directions, particularly in exploring person-centred health education and the social dimensions of menopause.
The idea for the event emerged from a growing recognition that menopause, despite affecting half the population, remains under-discussed and often misunderstood, particularly in professional and academic settings. I am fortunate enough to work alongside some passionate individuals, and we formed a multidisciplinary team who share a commitment to changing that narrative. From the outset, our goal was to create a space that was informative, inclusive, and empowering, not just for researchers and clinicians, but for all staff and students, or member of the public, who might be interested in the topic and wish to support those who are impacted by menopause directly or indirectly.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the process was curating the programme, which Melissa did superbly, after we tapped into our collective networks to find willing speakers. We were intentional about showcasing the diversity of research happening across the university, from neuroimaging studies on brain health to sociocultural explorations of menopause in everyday life. It was important to us that the event reflected the complexity of menopause, not just as a biological transition, but as a lived experience shaped by mental health, identity, workplace culture, and access to care. Having Dr Helen Bayliss present in session 2, was a real highlight of the event. Her expertise in comprehensive menopause care brought a clinical perspective that complemented the research and educational perspectives, creating a truly holistic discussion.
I was particularly proud to contribute with my presentation on “Beyond biology: teaching menopause as a person-centred equality issue in medical education.” This talk allowed me to share insights from my work in the School of Medicine, where we’ve been rethinking how menopause is taught. Tapping into Cardiff’s ethos of person-centred, equality-focused teaching, our aim is for student to see menopause not just as a clinical topic, but as a human experience that intersects with gender, age, and social justice. The positive response to this session reaffirmed the importance of framing menopause education in ways that resonate with learners and reflect the realities of those experiencing it.
The contributions from the Staff Wellbeing team and the EDI Hub helped ensure that the event wasn’t just about research, but also about real-world support and community-building. One of the most moving moments came during Session 4, in which Mair Rigby shared perspectives from the LGBTQ+ community on behalf of Enfys, the University our staff and postgraduate LGBTQ+ network. Also, the introduction to the EDI Hub by Venice Cowper helped to add depth and nuance to the conversation, reminding us that menopause is not a one-size-fits-all experience. These talks provided a powerful reminder of the importance of intersectionality in health discourse and the need to create spaces where all experiences are seen and valued.
Looking back, I feel a deep sense of pride in what we achieved. The event not only showcased Cardiff University’s leadership in menopause research and support, but also sparked conversations that I hope will lead to lasting change. Feedback from attendees highlighted how meaningful it was to see menopause addressed openly and respectfully in an academic setting.
As we consider future initiatives, I hope “Menopause in Focus” will serve as a model for how universities can engage with health topics in ways that are research-informed, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of their communities. I’m grateful to have played a part in this journey and look forward to continuing the work of making menopause visible, understood, and supported, both in education and in everyday life.
If anyone wishes to watch back the talks from this event, you can do so here:
Menopause in Focus – Cardiff University research, support and success – section 1
Menopause in Focus – Cardiff University research, support and success – section 2
Menopause in Focus – Cardiff University research, support and success – section 3
Menopause in Focus – Cardiff University research, support and success – section 4