Nancy Rothwell talks about some of the skills needed to be successful as a research physiologist and the varied nature of her job.

What are the particularly rewarding aspects of working in physiology?

This is an easy question. Two things are really important. First, there is the joy of seeing an exciting result for the first time and trying to understand what it means. The second is training young scientists and clinician scientists and seeing them develop from somewhat nervous and naïve individuals to talented and questioning researchers. All the rest – papers, grants and other esteem indicators are important but definitely secondary.

Which skills and aptitudes do you need?

We use multiple approaches including molecular and cell biology, physiological measurements, animal models of CNS disease and many patient studies, on the causes and mediators of CNS diseases such as stroke and subarachnoid haemorrhage, testing new treatments and pharmacokinetic and epidemiological studies.

To pursue this diverse range of studies I need to try to keep at least a vague grasp of a very broad literature but, more importantly, I need to encourage and support a team of basic and clinical researchers who are each experts in their own projects. My role is to oversee the projects, to identify areas of synergy, to be as critical as possible of results and plans (hopefully in a supportive way) and to try to keep on top of the ‘next big idea’.

What does your typical day comprise?

Every day’s completely different. The day normally starts about 7 am – a quiet time when I try to get urgent things done before the day begins, but many in my lab also start early – their choice.

I have another job in addition to being Chair of Physiology, as Vice-President for Research for the University and as acting President/Vice-Chancellor when my boss is away. So days in Manchester are often split between dealing with correspondence, publications, reviewing grants, papers, preparing talks, seeing people in the lab and reviewing their data and things to do with my VP role. The latter may include meetings of the senior executive, visiting schools, dealing with major bids or discussing policy for research and graduate education.

I also have a number of external commitments, serving on various national and international boards, which normally means meetings in London. I try to attend at least a few scientific conferences each year and spend some time visiting schools and giving public presentations.

What are the current challenges and opportunities in your area of medical science?

The challenges are much the same as in any area of science – great competition for university positions and for funding, multiple pressures of research training, teaching, administration, etc., and trying to get known internationally. The opportunities are that, after a wave of success of molecular biology, genetics and genomics, everyone seems now to want physiologists. There’s a growing demand for scientists who understand whole organisms – particularly if they can span across the disciplines of biology.

What do people starting their careers ask you most often?

The most common questions are ‘Will I get a PhD in 3 years?' and ‘Will I get papers published?’. My answer is ‘Yes’ and so far I’ve been proven right.

A big question for many young scientists is ‘Do I need to spend a period overseas?’ At one time this was a huge advantage, but I think less so now. Much more important is to work in the best places and get diverse experience.

Other questions include – ‘Where should I do my post-doc?’ I first ask – ‘Do you have, for example, language, family or other commitments?’ then choose the very best lab (for science and mentorship) in any area even of vague interest to you.

Many also ask what does it take to get a lectureship/fellowship? The answer is simple – ‘high quality papers’. The rest is ‘icing on the cake’.

Where can you find funding for you work?

The most obvious ones are the research councils - MRC and BBSRC, medical charities such as the Wellcome Trust and those relevant to the disease areas of study, and the commercial sector. We’ve been funded by all at various times – either as major grants, small projects and PhD students. More challenging are ones such as the European Union and NIH.