1 October 2024

Dr Nwaubani discusses his love of research and teaching, and the 'absolutely amazing' opportunity of having world-class partnership facilities and clinicians within easy reach of his office.

What is your role within King’s Health Partners?

I am currently an NIHR Academic Clinical Lecturer in Translational Therapeutics at the Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King’s College London. I have also recently been awarded a prestigious NIHR/ZINC Research Innovation Fellowship (2024/25).

I generally combine research with clinical practice and teaching. My research focus involves the identification of novel neuroimaging biomarkers for neuroinflammatory and chronic mental health conditions. I am currently one of the investigators on the ongoing MODEM study at King’s College London and lead on the analysis of components of the structural MRI data. My clinical interests are in neuropsychiatry and affective disorders.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I generally enjoy the ability to combine both clinical and academic activities, which gives me the opportunity to be part of translational research. It enables me to be involved in the development of new treatments, procedures and technologies that can ultimately benefit patients.

My interests in clinical neuroimaging and the neurosciences have meant an expansion of my knowledge base in academic aspects of neurology and neuropsychiatry, which I have thoroughly enjoyed. It has given me greater insight into the mechanisms and impact of multimorbidity. I have also enjoyed teaching and passing on knowledge to junior colleagues and postgraduate students.

What inspired you to get into this work?

My love for research, my desire to alleviate pain and suffering from complex pathological conditions, and my zeal to pass on knowledge to upcoming colleagues and students. Also, learning from fantastic mentors who were absolutely brilliant role models and gave exceptional advice.

What are the benefits of working in partnership?

The vast and varying highly specialist clinical services within King’s College Hospital, Guy’s and St Thomas’ hospitals, and the famous Maudsley Hospital - most of which are operating on a national level - combined with world class infrastructure and outstanding clinicians/researchers, all within easy access and located in the same vicinity, is absolutely amazing. I have been highly privileged to complete parts of my higher specialist training at the Maudsley and King’s College Hospital.

In addition, with my background in structural neuroimaging from my PhD research, I have been given access to the Centre for Neuroimaging Sciences which is only a short distance from the IoPPN. And I intend to form collaborations with the School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences with links to the LoCUS 7 Tesla MRI facility. There are only a few such facilities across the country.

What would be your career top tips?

A clinical academic career seems difficult at the beginning, but if you keep at it, seek help from established mentors who are willing to guide you and give advice, and remain as organised as you possibly can, then there will be no limits to what you can achieve. And if you are thinking of an integrated academic training path, don’t hesitate to come over to King’s College London.