Professor Wood is Professor of Immunology in Oxford University’s Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences where she runs the Transplantation Research Immunology Group. Her research focuses on transplantation, particularly the immune response that leads to rejection and immune regulation as a strategy to achieve immunological tolerance.
NDS: What does your position involve and how will you be contributing to the work at NUCOT?
KW: Over the past year, I have been undertaking a review of transplantation research in the hospital medical school and a series of research initiatives have emerged. I have been asked to help guide and start up these initiatives. So my role is strategic. I am helping NUCOT to think through what research questions they can address which are relevant in Singapore, a strategy based on the resources to enable them to deliver on the project. I will also be involved in advanced teaching for clinical trainees and transplant fellows.
NDS: How will the visiting professorship benefit you and your research at Oxford?
KW: NUCOT has access to molecular profiling for assessing patients receiving a transplant that isn’t as easily accessible here. It may allow us to introduce new approaches in the future to benefit the Oxford Transplant Centre. And, as I am representing Oxford, it will help to further develop our international profile, collaborations and relationships.
NDS: You have visited NUCOT three times over the past year. What have been your highlights so far?
Seeing the scope of the technology that is available, making new contacts and inspiring NUCOT to do great research.
NDS: How are you finding Singapore?
KW: It is a very different culture and environment. It is always good to explore different cultures yourself and to see the way people work. Gaining an understanding of different cultures means it is easier to welcome visitors and students from other countries and to help them settle in to Oxford.