Meet the new Head of the Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction

Professor Phil Bennett recently started his new role as Acting Head of the Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction.

We sat down with Professor Bennett to hear about his academic and professional journey, his vision for the Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction (MDR), and his reflections on the challenges and rewards of his work

Tell us a little about your background

I originally completed my undergraduate training at St George's Hospital Medical School. I was one of the last cohort to study at the old Hyde Park Corner site, which is now the Lanesborough Hotel. I graduated in 1982, but my interest in research began in 1979 when I did an intercalated BSc. While this is something that all Imperial students now do, at that time it wasn’t as common.

From early on, I was keen to pursue both clinical medicine and academia. I was fortunate to obtain a research fellowship at the old Royal Postgraduate Medical School, which eventually became part of the Imperial College Faculty of Medicine. This fellowship allowed me to develop my clinical skills and foster my passion for research. I completed an MD in the early 1980s and a PhD in the late 1980s at the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Queen Charlotte's Maternity Hospital. Since then, I’ve remained at Imperial, climbing the academic ladder from lecturer to professor.

My research focuses primarily on understanding the mechanisms of preterm birth and finding ways to predict and prevent it. Over the last decade, this has expanded to include other pregnancy complications, particularly miscarriage, with support from charities such as Tommy's in the UK and March of Dimes in the USA.

I became the director of the Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Biology (IRDB) in 2012, where I thoroughly enjoyed my time as director. Together with my colleagues, we created an excellent research institute with a great culture—both research and people-focused. I’m proud to have been a part of that journey.

What inspired you to pursue a career in medicine and research?

My journey into medicine was somewhat accidental—it came down to the A-levels I had, and medicine seemed like the right fit. I didn’t come from a medical background; in fact, I was originally interested in law! But when I first worked in obstetrics and gynaecology at Hammersmith, it felt like a breath of fresh air. The department combined clinical work with a wide range of research—basic science, translational, and clinical research—and I was drawn to the breadth and collaborative spirit there. The support from senior academics at Hammersmith such as Murdo Elder and Les Myatt also encouraged me down the academic path.

How did you feel about being asked to become Acting Head of Department?

Two years ago, I gave up clinical practice with plans to continue my research and have more time for personal pursuits. When I was asked to take on the role, I felt a strong sense of responsibility to the Department and the university. I’ve always felt Imperial is a fantastic place to build a career—I've had opportunities elsewhere but never wanted to leave. It felt like the right thing to do, and I see it as a nice way to eventually conclude my career here. 

What is your vision for the Department?

One of Imperial’s greatest strengths is its wide range of disciplines, both within the Faculty of Medicine and across the University. Over the past decade, I’ve seen that there are enormous untapped resources of people with expertise outside of my own area of research. My vision for the MDR is to expand collaboration beyond the Department itself and foster greater engagement across the University. There’s already a strong collaborative spirit within the Department, but I believe we can do more to connect with other faculties and capitalise on the incredible skills available at Imperial.

What kind of culture would you like to foster within MDR?

We already have a great culture, but like any large organisation, there are always areas to improve. I think mutual respect is key—everyone should respect each other’s abilities. Kindness and collaboration are also essential.

When people work together, not just for personal advancement but for the advancement of the science and each other, the entire Department thrives. I’ve seen how much better things work when we collaborate happily rather than siloing ourselves, and I want to continue fostering that spirit.

What do you find most enjoyable about your work in the Department?

I’m probably enjoying my research now more than ever because of the collaborative team I work with—clinicians and scientists all focused on the same goal. Our research meetings are always exciting, with new concepts and discoveries. It’s incredibly rewarding.

I’ve also found that in a leadership role, you have the opportunity to take a more strategic view and make decisions that can enhance the Department. During my time as Director of the IRDB, I was able to make several successful appointments that have strengthened the Institute, increased our research output, and improved our reputation.

What are the most challenging aspects of the role?

Finances are always a challenge. We’re constantly juggling funds and trying to find ways to keep research going and people employed. Managing interpersonal relationships can also be tricky—there are always going to be challenges when working with such a large group of people. But overall, I think we do well in overcoming these obstacles.

What makes Imperial special in your view?

Imperial has historically been one of the UK’s leading universities, with world-class researchers in a variety of disciplines. It’s a place where you can find someone to solve almost any problem you encounter in research.

Contrary to some reports, I’ve found Imperial to be very supportive of both staff and students. Collaboration is encouraged, and I think the mechanisms for cross-university collaboration have improved a lot in the past decade. The introduction of initiatives like the Schools of Convergence Science is a testament to that.

Outside of work, what are your interests?

I’m a big jazz fan and a member of Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club. I go there a couple of times a month, and I’m actually going tonight! I play keyboards once or twice a year at international conferences in a band with other women’s health researchers from across the globe called The Featles. I’m also a keen sailor and enjoy long-distance ocean cruising—something very different from my work in the department!

Any final thoughts on your new role?

I’ve been very fortunate over the past 10 years to have had excellent support from the department’s staff. My PA is fantastic, and more generally, the support staff across the Department are outstanding. They help make everything run smoothly, and I think that’s something we often overlook but should appreciate more.