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In the Space ;

5 minutes with Irene Di Giulio

Dr Irene Di Giulio is a Senior Lecturer in the Centre for Human & Applied Physiological Sciences in our School of Basic & Medical Biosciences (BMBS). She is also the School’s People & Culture Lead, working with the wider People & Culture Committee to drive the Faculty’s equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives. We spoke to Irene to find out more about her career, current projects and variety of interests outside of work – including Argentine tango!

Irene Di Giulio

Briefly, tell us about your background and career up to this point?

I trained as a Biomedical Engineer in Italy before moving to the UK to pursue a PhD in Manchester. I then worked as a post-doc for seven years, first in Manchester and later at UCL. In 2017, I joined King’s as a Lecturer in Anatomy and Biomechanics and was promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2024. Since April 2025, I have been serving as the BMBS School (Academic) Lead for People & Culture.

Do you have any current projects that you’d like to tell us about?
I am currently involved in several research projects. One that may be of particular interest is our work on space accessibility. Our team is supporting the first mission involving an astronaut with a physical impairment. To ensure this becomes the first of many such missions, we are collaborating with the King’s College London Space4All community and Aerobility to advance our scientific work. We are also running the Space4All Challenge, a public competition designed to sustain and expand the impact of our research.

What advice would you give to your 18-year-old self?

It can be scary, but it should not stop you from doing it.

What do you do with your time outside academia/work?

I have lots of interests. I try to exercise regularly, running, hiking, yoga and swimming are my favourite activities. I like dancing, especially Argentine tango. I love going to the theatre or to a football match.

What are you most looking forward to this year?

This year, I’m especially looking forward to working with our People & Culture Committee to support our staff and create opportunities to recruit new talent.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

I had not really thought about it until I read someone congratulating migrants for living in a different country, adapting to a new culture, and communicating in another language. While I consider myself a privileged migrant, every day brings challenges that often take more time and effort to navigate (for example, writing a paper or grant in another language, or balancing work with missing important traditional holidays). I suppose I am proud of these small, daily accomplishments.

What is your favourite thing about working at King’s?

I love how international King’s is

QUICK-FIRE:

Favourite season: Spring

Favourite book: 1984

Favourite scientist: A tough call, probably Galileo

Favourite cuisine: I am boring, Italian

Coffee order: Chai Latte

Most-used emoji: Facepalm. I make mistakes all the time.

 

In this story

Irene Di Giulio

Senior Lecturer

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