Distinguished Lecture: Kate Lancaster

The Challenges and Opportunities in Women's Health

This lecture explores the key challenges and opportunities shaping women’s health, examining disparities and progress both globally and within the UK, highlighting how social, economic, and systemic factors influence health outcomes and access to care.

The session will also consider the growing role of industry in addressing unmet needs and driving innovation. Attendees can expect to gain a clearer understanding of health inequities, the data behind them, and the practical opportunities to create meaningful change.

Kate Lancaster

Kate is the Chief Executive of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) in London, a global organisation working to improve the health of women and girls across more than 100 countries.

She has led efforts to expand international partnerships and establish the women’s health hub at RCOG, bringing together a collaborative community of organisations including the Royal College of Midwives. Prior to joining RCOG in 2019, Kate held several Board Director roles across the NHS in England and Scotland, including positions at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, and NHS Forth Valley. She also held senior leadership roles within Cambridge University Health Partners and the Eastern Academic Health Science Network, building partnerships across healthcare, academia, and industry.

Passionate about advancing women’s health, she has a strong interest in the role of technology, including femtech and AI, in addressing persistent healthcare challenges. In addition to her executive role, Kate serves as Senior Non-Executive Director of the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Academic Health Science Network and is an experienced mentor, qualified leadership coach, and Associate Alumni of the Judge Business School at the University of Cambridge.

Event Details

Wednesday 17 June 2026
12.00pm - 1.00pm
MTC Lecture Theatre, Medical Teaching Centre, Gibbet Hill, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL. The lecture will also be streamed on Teams.

Parking

There is ample parking on main campus, which is a brisk 10 minute walk from the Medical School. Information on where to park and paying for parking can be found here.