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.
School of Education 016
Tea and coffee will be served from 6.30pm and a complimentary drink will be available afterwards.
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Exton Park is centrally located in Chester, and accessible via the M53, A483, A41, A56, and public transport from the city centre.
Address
University of Chester, Parkgate Road, Chester, CH1 4BJThe Greenway Gate, accessible between 7am – 9pm with your University pass, is located at the back of the overflow car park and is the nearest point of access to the Millennium Greenway cycle path that connects to routes throughout the city.
Bache train station is a 15-minute walk from Exton Park and Chester railway station is a 20-minute walk. Arriva 1A and Arriva 1 run frequent services that stop with a short walk to Exton Park. All three Park and Ride routes, PR1, PR2 and PR3 have connections within walking distance to Exton Park.
Parking on campus is limited, so we recommend using public transport and/or walking if possible.