Celebrating S&C's Women - Professor Charlotte Bevan

To celebrate Women at Imperial Week, we interviewed two of S&C’s outstanding female staff. In our first interview, we spoke to Professor Charlotte Bevan.

Behind every advance in medicine and science is a community of people who support, mentor and collaborate with one another. To celebrate International Women’s Day 2026 and Women at Imperial Week, we are spotlighting women from across the Department of Surgery and Cancer whose work and experiences reflect this year’s theme, Give to Gain.

Professor Charlotte Bevan reflects on her career journey, motivations and the role mentorship and collaboration have played in shaping her work.

Professor Charlotte Bevan - Consul for the Faculty of Medicine (non-clinical) and Professor of Cancer Biology

How would you describe your role?

I usually describe myself as a research scientist, but in reality, like so many of us, it is a mix of science, teaching, counselling, negotiating, politics and administration. The role has changed recently as I have become a Consul for the Faculty of Medicine and I am still discovering the many and varied aspects of Imperial life that the position involves.

What attracted you to this area of research?

I work in prostate cancer, but I started my research career studying hormones, specifically androgens, sometimes referred to as the “male” steroids, although women have them too. My early work explored these hormones in the context of a disorder of sexual development that results in babies being born with an intersex condition. 

That research was fascinating but very rare, and I wanted to use my knowledge of androgen signalling in a disease that affects more people. That is definitely prostate cancer, now the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in the UK.

What motivates you day to day?

Every day is different. My schedule changes constantly and unexpected things often arise. Sometimes they are challenges but often they are exciting developments such as a new lab result, a visiting speaker, a colleague joining the team, or progress on a paper or grant.

What’s a challenge you’ve faced and how did you overcome it?

Early in my career my PhD supervisor left academia to pursue a career in publishing. I was in the second year of my PhD in a small lab with no postdoctoral researchers, which felt very daunting. However, as often happens in academia, colleagues stepped in to support one another and the lab pulled together. That early experience of independence helped build resilience and has stood me in good stead throughout my career.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme is Give to Gain. How have giving and receiving support shaped your career journey, and can you share one example where generosity made a real difference for you?

A very tangible example of giving comes from the many stakeholders who support research. This includes fundraisers who organise events or run marathons to raise money, as well as patients who generously give their time and sometimes their tissues to contribute to research.

At present, men undergoing prostate surgery regularly consent for us to use tissue samples in our research. That generosity is incredibly important and is making a real difference to our understanding of the disease.

Who has supported or inspired you in your journey?

There have been many people, colleagues at every level. The curiosity and drive of students is a constant source of inspiration. In the lab we support one another, which is essential for getting through the challenges of research. More recently I have also found a fantastic and supportive network among my fellow Consuls.

Pursue the work that excites and interests you. The fact that you can follow your curiosity is one of the great privileges of this job. Professor Charlotte Bevan

What advice would you give to early career researchers?

First, pursue the work that excites and interests you. The fact that it is possible to follow your curiosity is one of the great privileges of this job. Second, remember that you often get back what you put in. Being helpful, collegiate and supportive benefits everyone.