‘What it Takes’ to get into Research and Innovation

The ‘What It Takes’ series is targeted at current students and recent graduates, and features a range of exciting and innovative alumni speakers sharing their experience on an array of topics. The event also focuses on employability, personal and professional development. On 16 November, ‘What It Takes’ featured speakers that discussed the different career pathways into research and what it means to be a good innovator.

The talk featured a panel chair of successful alumni speakers: Professor Sarah Main, Penny Clark, Natalia Sali, and Dr Lem Ngongalah.

Professor Sarah Main is the Executive Director of the Campaign for Science and Engineering, and represents the interests of CaSE members in the media and in high-level discussions with Government Ministers, Parliamentary Committees, Chief Scientific Advisors and senior civil servants. 

Penny Clark is a co-founder of Conscious Coliving, a start-up which supports impact-driven shared living businesses and communities to embed social, environmental and financial value through research-based content, education and consulting. She is currently completing a PhD at Westminster, which measures and explores environmental sustainability in shared living communities. 

Natalia Sali is an Engagement Manager in Healthwatch Lambeth, a voluntary organisation championing the voice of residents in health and social care. In her role, she conducts small research studies and recommends how people can have better experience of care. 

Dr Lem Ngongalah is a researcher with a background in Population Health and Nutrition, with a PhD in Public Health and a Masters degree in Public Health Nutrition. Lem is also a founder of CORE Africa, a research organisation that aims to increase awareness on the importance of research in Africa. 

The talk included the speakers demystifying careers in research and defining what it means to be innovative, offering insights into how to start a career as a researcher, and how to find professional opportunities. This particular event was done in partnership with the Westminster Enterprise Network.

One hundred students and recent graduates attended the event, and left some of the following comments:

“It was very inspiring and insightful to hear from the panel. I feel much better informed and equipped to take on the journey to become a researcher. Thank you for your time and sharing your valuable experience.”

“The session was really insightful. Thanks!”

“I think this event was very interesting and I would be happy to attend it again because I would like to learn more.”

The next What It Takes event will be ‘What it Takes to Overcome Imposter Syndrome’ on 25 November.

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