Meet our new President: interview with Professor Dame Julia Goodfellow

I loved science and maths at school, which led to an undergraduate degree in physics. Through a final-year project was introduced the biosciences. From undertaking this first research getting publication from it, hooked – especially on understanding how structure of macromolecules linked their function.I had typical academic career but very different institutions Open University, Stanford University Birkbeck, London. began take leadership roles as head department crystallography then deputy so able wider perspective than just my own area science. This increased even further when became (the woman) run council liaise between academia government. spent last 10 years full-time Vice Chancellor Kent.During time, have always taken support sector national level Council for Science Technology, President Universities UK, Royal Society Biology or Chair British Association.On retirement, few non-executive including Public Health England member NHS England/I board. Currently, am board trustee HEPI Higher Education Policy Institute).I mainly academia. During that benefitted learned societies Biochemical Society. As progressed realized much role others, earlier careers, whether within group, university level. Taking role, can continue biosciences hopefully provide opportunities others flourish.First, impressed by inclusive way strategy developed under Professor Sir Peter Downes. Bringing Portland Press closer together is important time change, well aiming make more embedding equality diversity across all strands.The importance supporting development key ensuring thriving sustainable community. The need community come discuss ensure be published disseminated widely are also strands strategy.So lot thought debate has gone into strategy. We now put it action!Like those who communicate through publishing journals, we rightly moving fully open access publications. takes forward positively thinking about far easy implement topic. So evolving will opportunity challenge.We embedded EDI aspects Society’s new where active interest starting earliest stages one women studying physics think challenging bring our ambitions diverse practice, committed.Finally, colleagues these difficult uncertain times early careers seen molecular cellular society scientists contributed control COVID pandemic. encourage entering sciences.A flourishing scientists.Further evolution publications.Ensuring look outward excellent essential well-being over years.Finally, realize not said anything employees Press. They talented group people Kate Baillie. Neither mentioned Trustees members various Boards, Committees Panels. been with expertise commitment. working you all.