Catarina Vicente
Science Strategy and Projects Manager
Sir William Dunn School of Pathology
Tell us a bit about your role
My story in Medical Sciences at Oxford started many years ago, when I did my DPhil at the Dunn School. I have since embarked on a career in communications and public engagement in a variety of settings, inside and outside the University.
My current role brings together my academic, communication and project management experience to support research at the Dunn School at a strategic level. My job fits a specific niche in the department, at the interface between research and administration.
What is the most meaningful aspect of your work?
The most meaningful aspect of my work is to know that I can really help our researchers by bringing a unique set of skills to the department. I also really value how my job allows me to meet and work with people at all levels. I can see on a daily basis that world-leading research requires a collaborative environment where all roles, from administration to services and research, are valued.
Can you tell us about something you've done, contributed to that you're most proud of?
I started my job in the Dunn School two weeks before the first lockdown. This meant that the first few months of my job turned very quickly from scientific strategic planning to pandemic crisis management! I am extremely proud of the work that the action team in our department, of which I am part, has done since March, keeping the department moving forward during these difficult times.
What changes would you most like to see in the Medical Sciences in the next 100 years?
I would like Medical Sciences to be more inclusive, not just reflecting the diversity we see in society in our own staff and students, but also engaging meaningfully with the world at large. This would make research fairer, more relevant and undoubtedly richer.