Marie Holt
What is your current role?
I am an Assistant Professor and MRC career development fellow in Neuroscience. I spend a lot of my time running my research programme and mentoring trainees. I am also heavily involved in the MRC doctoral training programme, so I spend a lot of time talking to PhD students and organising career development events for them.
Nationality: Denmark
Which part of your role do you enjoy the most, and what are the biggest challenges?
I really love thinking about science! That includes designing experiments, interpreting data, and deciding on future directions. And I particularly enjoy it when I am doing it with a mentee. The biggest challenge is staying on top of all the paperwork associated with academia.
Who would you say is your role model in your personal and/or professional life?
I do not have a single role model, but try to learn from all the people around me. Some are excellent role models for interpersonal skills, some are excellent scientists, some are excellent administrators, and some are excellent teachers.
Which skills help you most in being able to perform your role?
Resilience! You have to keep going in the face of challenges and failures!
Time management! There are many balls in the air at once - I try not to drop any.
Communication. This is key when running a group.
What is your favourite place on campus and why?
Tocil Wood - especially when the bluebells are out!
What are your main interests or passions, outside of work?
I like to knit for friends and family.
March 2026