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NDM 2026
Despite significant progress, barriers to opportunity, progression and leadership remain across many areas of science. Addressing these challenges and supporting diverse perspectives in research is critical to ensuring scientific progress continues to benefit communities around the world.
The Nuffield Department of Medicine's (NDM) global collaborations bring together teams working across Africa, Asia, Europe and South America. These partnerships rely on diverse expertise and perspectives to address some of the world’s most pressing health challenges – if female representation is not in place at every decision point, the findings are at serious risk of not being useful and translational.
For Sarah Gilbert, Professor of Vaccinology and Deputy Head of the Nuffield Department of Medicine, diversity of perspective is fundamental to translational science. “The advancement of science relies on diverse perspectives and expertise. Women contribute to that progress at every level - from leading research to enabling it - but across the world there are still barriers to opportunity, progression and leadership. Addressing those challenges will strengthen science and ensure it better reflects a diverse global communities' needs.”
Across NDM, our international community of women research infectious disease, immunology, oncology, rare diseases, genomics and clinical science. They lead laboratories, direct international research programmes and support the complex scientific and operational work that enables discovery. They also lead in the delivery of day-to-day operations, from managing our buildings and campuses, to ensuring financial stability and accountability, and delivering against our governance strategy.
Bron Marguerie de Rotrou, Chief of Staff, Nuffield Department of Medicine also advocates for supporting the growth of female leaders in research and operations: “Scientific progress depends not only on brilliant research but on the people and systems that enable it. At NDM we’re committed to supporting women at every stage of their career - from early-career researchers and students to senior scientific and professional leaders. Through mentoring, leadership development, coaching, flexible working, and a strong culture of collaboration, we aim to create an environment where talented women can thrive and contribute fully to the science we deliver.”
As part of International Women’s Day, we are launching a new series profiling NDM leaders from diverse backgrounds, highlighting the challenges and opportunities they have encountered throughout their careers. In a separate feature, Professor Phaik Yeong Cheah Head of Bioethics and Engagement at the Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Nuffield Department of Medicine, based in Bangkok, shares her journey to becoming an Oxford Professor.
Behind the Title: Becoming an Oxford Professor, featuring Professor Phaik Yeong Cheah