Becky Wallwork

Research Office – Autism and the workplace

“I spent my life in a world that was confusing and difficult to navigate. After receiving an autism diagnosis at the age of 37, I have learned to accept my neurological difference and understand that I am not a ‘failed’ human just for running a different operating system to most people. I may not be the fastest person to pick up on social cues or sarcasm but I work extra hard to try and mask difficulties in this area. This masking or ‘camouflage’ is subconscious and brought about from a lifetime of trying to blend in and conform to societal ‘norms’. My role within the University requires attention to detail and logical thinking, whilst there are certainly times when being autistic presents significant challenges, I feel that some of my autistic traits are beneficial to my work.

I believe there is work to be done before society truly accepts autistic people but I’m very grateful to the University for the work that they are doing in making the invisible visible and creating a safe environment where differences are valued and often considered to be an asset.”

Kirsten Corder

MRC Epidemiology Unit, Senior Investigator Scientist

Kirsten has used the funding help she received from the Clinical School’s Returning Carers Fund to attend an international conference by providing funding for her daughter and a carer to travel with her, and to organise a conference symposium. Read more …

Jane Goodall

Department of Medicine, Arthritis Research UK Senior Research Fellow

Jane has used the funding help she received from the Clinical School’s Athena SWAN programme both to enhance her own communication skills and also to reach out to others. She has showcased the skills she has learnt by holding a number of workshops within and outside the Clinical School. Read more …

John James

Department of Medicine, Group Leader (Sir Henry Dale Fellow)

John and a group of colleagues used the resources and support offered by the Clinical School to form a peer-support network for researchers trying to make the transition to independence. They have an email network which provides the basis for discussion and regularly organise career development and social events. Read more …

Nazim Pathan

Department of Paediatrics, University Lecturer and Honorary Consultant in Paediatric Critical Care

Nazima has used the funding help she received from the Clinical School’s Returning Carers Fund to pump prime her research study and progress her career. Read more …

Loes Rutten-Jacobs

Department of Clinical Neurosciences, British Heart Foundation Immediate Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Loes has used the funding help she received from the University’s Returning Carers Fund several times to attend conferences and strengthen collaborations to progress her career. Read more …

Robinson Lab

Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR)

Professor Margaret (Scottie) Robinson and Principal Research Associate Dr Jennifer (Jenny) Hirst have been involved in public engagement for over 10 years. Read more …

Elizabeth Oduala

MRC Epidemiology Unit, The Black Interns Scheme

Elizabeth heard about the Health Data Research (HDR) black intern programme at the beginning of her MSc programme in AI and Data Analytics at the University of Bradford, and since she switched to a new career in Data Science, it sounded like the perfect opportunity to gain professional experience.