Neuroscientist Dame Nancy Rothwell's journey from fat cells to university leadership

MANCHESTER, England, UK, 28 January 2025 - In a comprehensive Genomic Press Interview published today in Brain Medicine, Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, distinguished neuroscientist and former Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Manchester, offers a rare glimpse into her remarkable career spanning groundbreaking research and institutional leadership.

The interview, part of the journal's Innovators and Ideas series, traces Nancy’s scientific journey from her early work on fat metabolism to her pivotal research on brain inflammation in stroke. It also delves into her unexpected transition to university leadership, culminating in her 14-year tenure as the University of Manchester's first female President and Vice-Chancellor.

Nancy’s research career began with a fascination for fat cells and thermogenesis, providing crucial insights into obesity and cachexia. "I was quickly hooked on research," she recalls in the interview. "A pivotal moment was securing funding from the Royal Society for a 10-year University Research fellowship, which gave me the freedom to pursue any research, move institutions, and change fields."

This freedom led to a significant shift in her research focus. After moving to Manchester in 1987, she made a serendipitous discovery that would define the next phase of her career. While investigating the impact of infection on metabolism, she stumbled upon the role of the cytokine interleukin-1 (IL-1) in brain damage following stroke.

"From that moment on, I chose to leave the field of metabolism and research neuroimmunology and brain inflammation," Nancy explains. This pivot proved to be a turning point, leading to pioneering work that bridged the gap between basic biology and clinical applications in stroke research.

Nancy’s contributions to neuroscience have been widely recognized, earning her a Fellowship in the Royal Society. But how might her work on brain inflammation inform our understanding of other neurological conditions? Could there be unexpected connections between metabolic disorders and brain health that warrant further exploration?

The interview also sheds light on her transition to academic leadership, a path she had not initially envisioned for herself. "I have never had any plans to take on any leadership roles," she admits. Yet, her scientific acumen and strategic vision led her to increasingly influential positions, culminating in her role as President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Manchester from 2010 to 2024.

During her tenure, she steered one of Britain's largest universities through a period of significant growth and transformation. Her leadership style, characterized by the same curiosity and determination that drove her research, helped position Manchester as a global powerhouse in higher education.

"Honesty, integrity, and openness," Nancy cites as the key values she developed during her academic career and maintained throughout her life. These principles underpinned both her scientific work and her approach to university leadership.

The Genomic Press Interview format provides a unique platform for exploring the human side of scientific achievement. Through Nancy’s reflections, readers gain insight into the personal motivations and pivotal moments that shape a scientific career. How might this deeper understanding of scientists' journeys inspire the next generation of researchers and leaders?

Nancy’s career trajectory raises intriguing questions about the relationship between scientific expertise and effective leadership in academia. What role does a background in research play in navigating the complex challenges of university administration? How can institutions better prepare scientists for leadership roles?

The interview also touches on broader issues in science and academia. Nancy notes, "The scientific community still lacks diversity. Gender balance has improved since I was training, at least in biology, but the diversity of ethnicity, background, and geography is still poor." This observation prompts consideration of how scientific institutions can foster greater inclusivity and diversity in both research and leadership positions.

As Nancy reflects on her career, she emphasizes the importance of mentorship and training young scientists. "Undoubtedly, training young scientists and clinician scientists [has been most enjoyable]," she says. "I have supervised over 50 PhD students, several of whom are now research leaders and professors." This commitment to nurturing talent raises questions about the most effective ways to support early-career scientists and ensure a robust pipeline of future innovators.

The Genomic Press Interview with Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell offers a compelling narrative of scientific discovery, unexpected career turns, and the challenges of academic leadership. It invites readers to consider the complex interplay between research, innovation, and institutional governance in shaping the future of science and higher education. This Genomic Press interview is part of a larger series that highlights the people behind today’s most influential scientific ideas. Each interview in the series offers a blend of cutting-edge research and personal reflections, providing readers with a comprehensive view of the scientists shaping the future. By combining a focus on professional achievements with personal insights, this interview style invites a richer narrative that both engages and educates readers. This format provides an ideal starting point for profiles that delve into the scientist’s impact on the field, while also touching on broader human themes. More information on the research leaders and research rising stars featured by Genomic Press can be found in our publication website: https://genomicpress.kglmeridian.com/.

The full Genomic Press Interview, titled “Nancy Jane Rothwell: Brain inflammation and the path to leadership,” is available on 28 January 2025 in Brain Medicine, offering readers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the thoughts and experiences of one of the most influential minds in neuroscience and neurobiology of brain disorders. The article is freely available online at  https://doi.org/10.61373/bm025k.0002.

About Brain Medicine: Brain Medicine (ISSN: 2997-2639) is a peer-reviewed medical research journal published by Genomic Press, New York. Brain Medicine is a new home for the cross-disciplinary pathway from innovation in fundamental neuroscience to translational initiatives in brain medicine. The journal’s scope includes the underlying science, causes, outcomes, treatments, and societal impact of brain disorders, across all clinical disciplines and their interface.