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On the occasion of her Inaugural Lecture on 11 February 2025, we spoke to Alice Davidson, Professor of Molecular Genetics.
Tell us a bit about your work
Throughout my scientific career, I have strived to discover how changes to our genetic code cause visual impairment. Currently, my lab is focused on a group of inherited conditions that affect the cornea, the clear window at the front of the eye. We aim to identify the genetic changes that cause disease and understand why they cause dysfunction and disease at a cellular level.
Why is your research important?
By understanding how and why different types of genetic changes have detrimental effects on vision we can find more accurate ways to diagnose patients and to develop new ways to treat or preferably prevent disease.
What inspires you in your work?
I feel so lucky to wake up in the morning and know I am going to work to do a job I love. I work with an inspiring group of people and every day holds the promise of a new discovery which is very motivating.
What has been your most memorable career moment so far?
I find it hard to single out any one key moment, but there have certainly been lots of highlights along the way. There is something very special about identifying new genetic causes of disease, something I have been privileged to do on several occasions. It is so exciting to know your efforts have yielded new knowledge that can explain why a particular disease arises and has the potential to impact the future care of patients.
One memorable occasion that stands out for me is an informal meeting with Professor Alison Hardcastle and Mike Cheetham, back in early 2015, in which they flagged a Fight for Sight Early Career Investigator Award and encouraged me to apply, which was a real turning point for my career trajectory. Their encouragement and enthusiasm gave me the permission I needed to allow myself to entertain the concept of scientific independence. Once this idea had been seeded in my mind, there was no turning back for me. I could not contain my excitement and over the subsequent weeks and months, I began to develop a series of ideas that to this day has served as a solid foundation for me to build an independent research program.
What do you like to do outside work?
I love spending time with my family and friends. I have a 4-year-old daughter and an 8-year-old son; often my happy place is pottering in the kitchen cooking on a Sunday morning and drinking coffee whilst they watch cartoons or play. I also love fashion, art and delicious food. Nothing gives me more pleasure than going out for a lovely meal and mooching around some interesting shops or a gallery with my mum, husband or friends.
What book is currently on your bedside table?
I love reading, but I often find now that I am too exhausted to read at the end of the day to pick up a novel, but I have been enjoying a collection of short stories entitled ‘Cork Stories’, set in County Cork, Ireland where my husband is from and a place I’ve got to know well in recent years. I also find audiobooks a great source of escapism, especially on my commute to work when I do not need to catch up on work. Over the past week, I have enjoyed listening to ‘Frankie’ by Graham Norton, an amusing feel-good novel and ‘Water’ by John Boyne, a poignant and reflective novel about motherhood amongst other things.
Professor Alice Davidson delivered her Inaugural Lecture on 11 February 2025. You can now watch the recording.
Watch Professor Alice Davidson's Inaugural lecture