Leading women in science: an interview with Professor Lynn Kamerlin
News, Dec 08 2025
Our Leading Women in Science campaign acknowledges the women sharing their incredible work, with thanks to our previous interviewees:
This month, we’re celebrating Professor Lynn Kamerlin who is a Research Scientist and a leading figure in protein evolution and engineering, dedicating her career to understanding and constructing novel proteins.
Lynn’s career is a fusion of curiosity, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to science and community.
We asked Lynn some questions about her journey.
Can you tell us about a most rewarding moment?
“Witnessing my students and postdocs succeed, their success is my biggest pride. Seeing them thrive, even long after they’ve left the group, feels incredibly rewarding.”
What has been the greatest challenge in your career so far?
“I live with a rare disease and have hidden disabilities. Hidden disabilities are often overlooked or dismissed, even by those of us who live with them. It can be easy to forget just how much they affect daily functioning. One of the most difficult aspects I’ve faced has been navigating infertility, which was a direct result of my condition.
The greatest challenge, however, has been my father’s health. We’ve always been incredibly close, and his final decade was extremely difficult. He spent that time in a long-term care facility in Austria and managing his care from far away was emotionally overwhelming.
However, from this I have learned valuable lessons about life, resilience, and the often-overlooked realities of aging. I’d like to advocate for more open dialogue, as caregiving responsibilities eventually affect many people, we need stronger community support to help ease the burden for those navigating these challenges alone.”
What challenges have you faced as a woman in STEM, and what does an inclusive academic environment look like to you?
“As a woman in STEM there is an awareness of gender biases that still persists. There is a persistent barrier, highlighted with the Mathilda Effect from the early 1990’s which reinforces the idea of systemic devaluation of women’s contributions. You have to work harder just to be seen as equal.
I remain hopeful despite the glass ceiling being moved higher. We just need to keep pushing.
When it comes to fostering equity and inclusion, I believe that treating everyone ‘the same’ is a mistake. True inclusivity means recognising that people have different needs and supporting them accordingly,
It’s not about uniformity—it’s about belonging and enabling everyone to succeed.”
Looking forward, Lynn is optimistic about the future of women in science. “We’re stronger as many than we are as one,” she says. “If we continue working together, we will break that ceiling. Together, we rise.”
