Proteins have to fold to the correct structure if they are to function and avoid misfolding. Most eukaryotic proteins contain more than one independently folding domain. Since the local concentration of domains is high, how do natural proteins avoid misfolding?
At least half of the students studying natural sciences in the early years at university are women, and yet few make it to the top. What can we do to avoid such a waste of talent? What can we do to ensure that women can enjoy what is the most satisfying of careers?
In my talk I will show that nature, through evolution, has developed strategies that ensure misfolding is rare. Similarly, I will show that we can develop both personal and institutional strategies to help women reach the top.
