International Women’s Day: Get to Know the NBIC Operational Team
International Women’s Day is a time for us all to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of women worldwide.
To mark this awareness day, we thought it would be a perfect opportunity to introduce some of the women who work in the NBIC Operational Team and ask them to share their career journey’s to help inspire other women to explore similar roles within the science community.
Professor Jo Slater-Jefferies – CEO
“I’ve always been driven by a curiosity about how science can solve real-world problems. With a BSc and PhD in Molecular Biology from the University of Portsmouth, my early research focused on genetics and epigenetics. I then moved into industry, working at Sciona Ltd, a university spin-out that pioneered genetic testing for personalised health. From there, I transitioned to leadership roles in research governance, strategy, and enterprise at the University of Southampton, where I also served as Associate Dean of Enterprise in the Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences.”
“Currently, I’m the CEO of the National Biofilms Innovation Centre (NBIC). NBIC connects academia and industry to drive innovation in biofilms, which impact everything from healthcare to infrastructure. I oversee strategic planning, partnerships, and funding, aiming to create a global ecosystem that transforms research into tangible solutions.”
“What excites me most about my role is seeing ideas move from the lab to real-world applications that benefit society. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness how collaboration between disciplines and sectors can spark innovation.”
“For anyone pursuing a similar career, I’d advise embracing a multidisciplinary mindset, staying curious, and learning to translate complex science into practical solutions. Building relationships and seizing opportunities to connect research with industry is key to making a lasting impact.”
Dr Natalia Romo Catalan – Operational Manager
“My journey into Microbiology began in 2010 while studying Pharmacy in Chile. My curiosity about the micro-world led me to focus my thesis on Pseudomonas aeruginosa at the Universidad de Valparaíso. Fascinated by Quorum sensing, I pursued a PhD in Microbiology at the University of Nottingham.”
“After completing my PhD, I joined NBIC as a post-doctoral researcher with Professor Miguel Camara. During this time, I developed a data management system for NBIC Nottingham, which sparked my interest in operational roles and ultimately led me to my current position as Operational Manager at NBIC.”
“Currently based at the University of Southampton, I work closely with NBIC’s CEO and Operational Team to manage day-to-day operations. My responsibilities include overseeing funding calls and ensuring effective implementation of NBIC’s Data and IP Management plans, among others. I aim to drive operational efficiency and support NBIC’s continued expansion and high-quality results.”
“One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is the interdisciplinary nature of the work. The collaborative environment at NBIC inspires me to continuously learn and grow. I must also emphasise that the support of the Operational team has been key to my enjoyment of this role.”
“My advice to those considering a similar career shift is to stay curious, open-minded, and willing to redirect when needed.”
Ines Foidl – Policy Engagement Officer
“As the NBIC Policy Engagement Officer based at the University of Edinburgh, I bring a diverse educational background with an MA (Hons) in History and International Relations from the University of Dundee and a Master of Advanced International Studies from the University of Vienna and the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna. I’ve worked in international and non-governmental organisations, including the EU Delegation to the UN in Vienna and the European Law Institute. Now, I’m pursuing a Master in Public Policy to support my role at NBIC.”
“Working in a science-policy-mobilisation role is incredibly fulfilling and interesting. I cherish the opportunity to learn about biofilms and support researchers in their policy engagement efforts. NBIC is exceptional at harnessing everyone’s skills, supporting career development, and encouraging diverse ambitions. With a non-linear career path like mine, my advice is to focus on doing what you love, both intellectually and personally. I’ve often found myself in roles that interested me and made them align with my strengths. It’s also vital to enjoy working with your colleagues, as they’re the ones you spend most of your time with. A positive work environment and good work-life balance are crucial.”
Dr Paulina Rakowska – Biofilms Standards & Regulatory Programme Manager
“From when I was little, I always knew I wanted a job that involved wearing a white coat – be a doctor, pharmacist, or forensic pathologist. Funnily enough, I never considered becoming a scientist. I always had a passion for studying STEM subjects, which led me to choose a university course in biotechnological processes. After finishing my MSc at the Wroclaw University of Technology in Poland, I initially planned to work as an engineer constructing bioreactors.”
“However, I felt the pull of adventure, so I decided to move to another country to experience a different culture and properly learn a new language. I came to the UK and found a role as a research scientist at the National Physical Laboratory, where I stayed for the next 14 years! This ‘short adventure’ turned into a long-term commitment. During those years, I worked in metrology – the science of measurement – developing and applying physical methods to analyse complex biological samples. Through one of my projects, I encountered biofilms for the first time.”
“I moved to NBIC over 4 years ago, to steer my career in a slightly different direction. Coming from a precision measurement background, it quickly struck me how little coherence exists in biofilm research methods. There are virtually no standards or standardised procedures and protocols for researchers in academia or industry to refer to. For someone involved for many years in the development of measurement standards that was hard to accept.”
“From there, I now lead an NBIC programme on Biofilms Standards and Regulations, supporting the biofilm community in the UK and worldwide to reach a consensus and drive standards development. Ultimately, the goal is to establish clear guidelines that can help researchers and businesses measure and analyse biofilms more reliably.”
“I love working with people, both within NBIC and across the broader biofilm community. Whether it’s brainstorming ideas, taking part in collaborative projects, or sharing knowledge, I genuinely enjoy building networks and connecting individuals. It’s inspiring to see how these relationships spark new ideas and often lead to new projects and progress in a given field.”
“Working in science is extremely rewarding, though many people have an outdated image of a wild-haired scientist in a white coat mixing mysterious potions. While that stereotype might exist in some corners, in reality, the role of a scientist is incredibly varied and can’t be illustrated by just one picture.”
“For me, two things stand out. First, as a scientist, you’re always learning. You need to stay on top of the latest developments, collaborate with others, and continuously expand your expertise. Second, science rarely happens in isolation. It is a team effort that brings together people with different skills, knowledge, equipment… And you get to travel the world! – This is something nobody tells you when you first consider going into science. It is an amazing, ever-evolving career that can open doors you never knew existed.”
Natasha Nater – Communications Manager
“I graduated from university in 2011 with a degree in Television Production, but at the time, I found myself lacking a clear sense of direction for my career. I began working in administration at the University of Southampton, taking on various roles within the organisation. Over time, I realised that I wanted to pursue a career in Marketing, a field that sparked my interest but also felt intimidating given my lack of relevant qualifications. While still working full-time, I enrolled for a course with the Chartered Institute of Marketing, which helped me gain the skills and confidence I needed to carve out a new career.”
“I landed a job at the University of Southampton’s on-campus start-up platform and business accelerator, Future Worlds where I led on the development and implementation of a communications strategy specifically tailored to the medical sector. My work involved crafting targeted messaging to ensure that the university’s groundbreaking research and innovations in healthcare were communicated to a wider audience, including investors, healthcare professionals, and the general public.”
“I was also responsible for organising and producing a variety of enterprise-focused events designed to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing among researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals. Using the knowledge and skills I gained from my university degree, I worked on creating engaging video content that highlighted the work of researchers and featured success stories of start-ups and spinouts, providing them with the visibility and recognition needed to attract investment and partnerships.”
“As Communications Manager for the National Biofilms Innovation Centre (NBIC), my main goal is to share NBIC’s successes and highlight the work of our researchers. By ensuring NBIC’s innovative research and breakthroughs are communicated in a clear and engaging way, I work to help build a stronger connection between NBIC, the scientific community, and the public.”
“I love working in this field because it allows me to be at the intersection of innovation, research, and entrepreneurship, where I can (in a small way) contribute to the development of groundbreaking ideas that have the potential to make a real-world impact. I’m passionate about communicating complex scientific ideas in a way that resonates with diverse audiences, and I find great fulfilment in supporting researchers and entrepreneurs as they navigate the challenges of translating their research innovations into practical applications and identifying solutions to address unmet needs.”
“The ability to help elevate impactful research, while fostering collaboration and growth, truly motivates me and makes my work both meaningful and exciting. I’m fortunate to work alongside a group of incredibly talented and dedicated individuals, who are a constant source of inspiration. It’s truly a privilege to contribute to such a dynamic team, and their enthusiasm and expertise motivate me to keep striving to make the work we do together known and appreciated”.