Professor Padam Simkhada Inaugural Lecture - IN PERSON booking

From a Village in Nepal: Reflections on Research, Leadership and Social Change

How does a young student from rural Nepal become a Professor and Dean at a British university? In this inaugural lecture, Professor Padam Simkhada reflects on a personal and professional journey shaped by education, opportunity, research, and a commitment to improving lives.

Drawing on experiences spanning Nepal, the United Kingdom, and collaborations across the globe, Professor Simkhada explores how research, education, and international partnerships can address some of the most pressing challenges facing society today. From global health and health inequalities to migration, sustainability, and social development, the lecture highlights the power of research to create meaningful change and deliver real-world impact.

At the heart of this journey is a commitment to inspiring and developing others. Throughout his career, Professor Simkhada has supervised doctoral researchers, mentored early-career academics, supported institutional development, and contributed to strengthening research capacity in low- and middle-income countries. He will reflect on the lessons learned from working with students, colleagues, communities, and international partners, and argue that one of the most important contributions of a university is not simply the generation of knowledge, but the development of people who go on to make a difference in the world.

Combining personal reflections with professional insights, this lecture explores how inspiration, international collaboration, and impact have shaped a career and continue to guide a vision for the future. Looking ahead, Professor Simkhada will share his aspirations for the University of Chester as a globally connected institution that nurtures talent, advances research excellence, and creates lasting positive impact locally, nationally, and internationally.

Tea and coffee will be served from 6pm and a complimentary drink will be available afterwards.