Sharing Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Collaboration

Part of the UCL CIMEC Event Series:

Join us for the third event in our monthly series highlighting interdisciplinary research and collaboration across the UCL Faculty of Medical Sciences.

Our speaker, is a Professor of intensive Care Medicine at UCL, a world-renowned researcher, and an award-winning author. His career spans medicine, artificial intelligence, writing, and climate action, demonstrating firsthand how interdisciplinary work fuels innovation and impact. He led the discovery of the first 'gene for human fitness,' directed the Centre for Human Health and Performance at UCL, served as a key advisor during the COVID-19 pandemic, and co-chairs the 47-country Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change. Beyond academia, he has worked with DeepMind on AI in healthcare, contributed to international climate policy, written award-winning fiction, and even presented the Royal Institution Christmas Lectures.

Scientific careers are often associated with deep specialisation and a singular focus, but is that the only path to success? In this talk, Professor Montgomery will challenge conventional wisdom on career progression in science. He will explore why embracing multiple projects, working across disciplines, and collaborating with different teams and organisations can enhance innovation, impact, and personal fulfillment.

What to Expect

• 20-minute Presentation: Hugh will share key insights on the advantages of maintaining a broad and varied career, how interdisciplinary work fuels progress, and why stepping outside a single specialism can open unexpected doors.

• 20-minute Q&A: Your opportunity to ask questions and dive deeper into the discussion.

• 20-minute Informal Networking: Meet other attendees, exchange ideas, and grow your network.

Not a natural networker? Don’t worry—we’ll provide a guide to help you connect with ease and will be on hand to support these connections.

Why Attend?

• Gain new perspectives on how diverse career experiences can enhance creativity, adaptability, and impact in research.

• Challenge the traditional narrative of career specialisation and explore alternative paths to success.

• Connect with researchers, academics, and professionals across disciplines to explore potential collaborations.

This event is perfect for anyone currently involved in research, exploring opportunities to collaborate, or seeking inspiration to enhance their research journey.

Free Registration

This is a free in-person event. We encourage you to arrive early on the day to ensure your place and avoid disappointment. If your plans change and you can no longer attend, please let us know so we can offer your place to someone else.

Don’t miss the next session in this inspiring series designed to foster innovation, inclusivity, and collaboration in research at UCL. We look forward to seeing you there!

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected]

Bio

Professor Montgomery obtained a 1st class BSc (Cardiorespiratory Physiology/ Neuropharmacology) in 1984 and his medical Degree (1987). He completed specialist training in General Internal Medicine/Cardiology/Intensive Care Medicine (ICM), and is now a consultant Intensivist in North London.

He obtained his MDRes in 1997 and is now Professor of Intensive Care Medicine at University College London (UCL) where he also directs the Centre for Human Health and Performance. He reported the first 'gene for human fitness' and has published >800 papers, many related the physiological responses to extreme environments. He was science lead for the 2007 Caudwell Xtreme Everest Expedition, and has won >8 national and international awards. Hugh also consulted in the field of Artificial Intelligence as applied to Health, for DeepMind Health. He holds two patents.

He was a council member for the UK Intensive Care Society, and chaired the UK National Covid Critical Care Committee. Being a commissioner, and then co-lead, on two Lancet Commissions on Human Health and Climate Change, he now co-chairs the 47-country Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change. He has written and lectured extensively on the subject; was appointed London Leader by Greater London Authority’s Sustainable Development Commission; attended many of the international ‘COP’ negotiations; and leads the children’s climate education programme ‘Project Genie’. In 2023, he founded non-profit 'Real Zero' to take action on climate change.

Hugh has been a commercial and archaeological diver, and high-altitude mountaineer. He wrote the award-winning children’s book, ‘The Voyage of the Arctic Tern’ as well as ‘Cloudsailors’ (both by Walker Books/ Candlewick). His first thriller, Control, was published by Bonnier in 2019. He wrote and presented the five televised Royal Institution Christmas Lectures of 2007, and TV documentary ‘Who Sank the Mary Rose’ a year later. He initiated the international documentary ‘The Story of Us’, and another on climate change and flooding (2021). In 2023. he was awarded the OBE for services to Intensive Care and Climate Change.

Host or Publisher UCL Centre for International Medical Education Collaborations