Georgina Ellison-Hughes
ABOUT GEORGINA:
Georgina is a world-leading female biomedical scientist from King’s College London. Her career has followed an upward trajectory and she has recently been promoted to Full Professor of Regenerative Muscle Physiology. She is the youngest Professor in the Faculty.
Georgina, we’re so excited to have you speaking at at TEDxRoyalTunbridgeWells. Can you tell us a little bit about your idea worth spreading?
My TEDx talk will be about how we all need a little more heart. I will describe my research that led to the discovery that the adult heart is a self-renewing organ and can grow new heart cells. Then, I will explain how readily available drugs and agents (i.e. flavonoids, present in fruit and vegetables) can be used to rejuvenate heart repair and regeneration, enabling people to live longer, fuller lives.
What was the main motivation for giving a TEDx talk?
My main motivation for giving a TEDx talk is to increase public awareness and understanding of research into heart repair and regeneration. With the research we are undertaking we have a very real chance of improving healthspan and lifespan. Plus, I also hope to project my passion for being a scientist, inspire future generations and empower women in Science.
What is the one thing you want the audience to take away from your TEDx talk?
The key take home message from my TEDx talk is simple. The heart has the ability to make new heart cells, but unfortunately this potential for regeneration declines as we age and with disease. My team are currently working on ways to prevent, alleviate or delay the effects of ageing, and rejuvenate the regenerative capacity of the heart.
What are some of your favourite TED or TEDx talks?
Dr. Sandrine Thuret, a neuroscientist, who describes how we can help our brains to better perform neurogenesis. The brain is similar to the heart in that it has a limited potential for regeneration. We are studying the effectiveness of similar agents and non-pharmacological interventions (exercise, nutrition) as those described by Dr. Thuret but in relation to the heart and specifically preventing the decline in regenerative capacity associated with aging. We can learn a lot from each other. Although it’s a deeply technical talk, Dr. Thuret has made it relevant, engaging and understandable.
Why gender equality is not just about women by Caroline Strachan at TEDxFolkestone. I can relate to a lot of what Caroline talks about. Like Caroline, I am an advocate for diversity, inclusion and equality. I work full-time in a high performance culture, have a young family and am in a dual career household.
And lastly, as a local resident, what do you love most about Tunbridge Wells?
I love that we live in such a pretty town with its history, all its convenience and amenities. But then a stone throw away there is countryside, fresh air, lovely walks and pubs. There is so much diversity in what you can do, and I’m all for diversity!
You can find Georgina on Twitter and more about her here.
Get tickets to see Georgina speak at TEDxRoyalTunbridgeWells today!
