Congratulations to Professor Karen Chapman, winner of the 2026 Outstanding Contribution Medal. We had the pleasure of catching up with Professor Chapman to learn more about her incredible work and the impact the Society has had on her professional journey.
Karen had an unusual route to endocrinology, as she completed her PhD in the field of DNA recombination and repair at the University of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne.
After that, Professor Chapman joined the Brain Metabolism Unit in Edinburgh where she started working on steroid receptors, before moving to the University of Edinburgh a few years later to continue researching on steroids. Subsequently, she progressed from a postdoctoral fellowship to Professor over a period of 17 years, that included 3 maternity leaves, retiring at the end of 2021 after over 30 years at the University.
- What do you enjoy most about your work?
The people – it’s incredibly stimulating and refreshing to work with so many of the brightest and best, especially the trainees I’ve been involved with over the years. I’ve had so many amazing colleagues and students in Edinburgh and elsewhere. Indeed, it is the many friendships and collaborative relationships – from research students to senior colleagues and members and staff at the Society for Endocrinology , that have made a career in endocrine research so rewarding and fulfilling.
- What are your biggest and/or most recent achievements?
The biggest and most recent was the SfE governance review, completed in late 2021. It was a tremendous privilege to be appointed to convene the review and extremely rewarding to work closely with the working group that carried out the review, as well as with the Society's office staff and the many members who contributed their views and experience to the process. I'm delighted that so many of the recommendations have now been implemented and that they are making a material difference to the Society and its members.
- What words of wisdom do you have for aspiring endocrinologists?
It is so important to be curious and open-minded. Sometimes unexpected (and even, at first glance disappointing) results can take you down a completely new avenue of research. If you get knocked down, or your grant isn't funded or that key paper accepted, don't give up – get up and try again. It will be all the better for the feedback, in the end. Also get involved with SfE - it will enrich your experience and support your career in so many ways.
- Why did you get involved with the Society, and why should other professionals working in endocrinology do the same?
My interest in steroid hormone action arose from my research on transcription factors, so it took me some time to realise that I was becoming an endocrinologist. It was when I joined the Hormone Group, a joint committee between the Biochemical Society and the Society for Endocrinology, that I first became involved with the Society. I really enjoyed the marriage of basic and clinical science that SfE thrives on and the approach to enabling and fostering that environment through conferences and symposia.
Ten years later, I played a more active role in shaping the conferences and symposia (including on my favourite topics!), first as a member of the Science Committee of SfE and later, on the Programme Organising Committee. Latterly, I particularly welcomed the opportunity to help shape the future of the Society for Endocrinology, both as General Secretary and through the SfE Governance Review. I have appreciated the welcoming and supportive community that SfE provides, with opportunities to meet and engaged with people from hugely diverse backgrounds and career paths. All I can say to other professionals working in endocrinology is – get involved, you won't regret it!
- Have you been to SfE BES before? If so, can you tell us about your experience of the event?
So many times, I've long lost count! SfE BES feels like a family get together because it is such a broad conference that provides a fantastic general overview and the chance to hear and meet some real stars of endocrinology. I have always been delighted by how interesting and relevant so much of it is to my own research, and it has been nice to be able to focus in depth on the symposia and keynote talks that are of direct relevance to my own research. I can't pull out any "special moments" but the thread through all of the SfE BES conferences I have attended has been the friendships and collaborations formed and reinforced through that vital and regular personal contact.
Each medallist and award winner brings a unique story of passion and dedication to the field. We are excited to be highlighting their efforts and look forward to showcasing more winners with you throughout the year. Their achievements will be formally recognised at our flagship event, the annual SfE BES Conference, where they will be presented with their awards in front of peers and leaders from across the endocrine community.
Tickets will be available for the SfE BES conference soon – don't miss out, register your interest. Join us from 2-4 March 2026 in Harrogate to celebrate the Society medallists and award winners successes, and connect and learn with our inspiring community.
