Joan Marsh
1. When you were at Brighton & Hove High School, and what is your fondest memory of school?
I was at BHHS Junior school from Transition, then Senior School 1972-1979. Fondest memories include our ski trip in the Sixth form, playing super-keen with a trainee history teacher and singing outside the science labs.
2. Who was your favourite teacher and why?
Mrs Nicholls, who taught German. She was so enthusiastic, talking to us in German at all times, including on the stairs. She organised two exchange trips to Germany during my school years.
3. What were the benefits of being in an all-girls school?
No boys! There was enough pressure and competition among the girls, both academically and socially.
4. What did you want to be when you ‘grew-up’?
A biological research scientist.
5. What do you do now, and what are the most rewarding and challenging parts of your job?
I did a PhD in molecular biology, during which I soon learned that I’m not cut out to do practical research – which my classmates in practical classes at Cambridge had already told me. I still loved science and luckily discovered that I also love words and that the job of science editor combines both. I worked at a small foundation, editing conference proceedings with contributions from leading scientists from around the world, and organising some of the conferences. After some time off, I worked for a commercial science publisher, John Wiley & Sons, then moved to The Lancet group 10 years ago to help launch The Lancet Psychiatry. For the past 2 years, I have been the Editor in Chief of what has become one of the best psychiatry journals globally.
6. What are you most proud of so far?
Some of the conferences I organised for the Foundation, which brought together biologists from diverse backgrounds working on similar problems. Helping to make Lancet Psychiatry a leading journal, not just in psychiatry but in medicine, with projects such as engaging people with lived experience in the publishing process and training potential Editorial Board members from low- and middle-income countries.
7. What was the best piece of advice you were given whilst at Brighton?
The worst advice I remember more clearly! Our biology teacher wanted me to be a vet: that was advice I ignored. I was also advised, in Junior School, not to socialise with my best friend, Frances Stead – she ended up as Head Girl.
8. What advice would you give to your 18 year old self?
Go for it: trust your instinct and take as many opportunities as you can.
9. What book, film or piece of music would you recommend to your younger self and to your fellow alumnae?
Stiff Little Fingers, Inflammatory Material. Many people won’t like it, but seeing them play it live in Brighton in 1978 opened up a whole new world.
10. How would you like to be remembered?
With a smile.
