Imperial College London: Seeing signalling: cells, receptors, and metabolism

Professor Alejandra Tomas Catala, Professor of Cell Biology at Imperial College London, presents an inaugural lecture on how cells detect and respond to signals in their environment. The talk explores the hidden processes that control growth, energy use and survival, and explains why understanding these molecular conversations matters for human health and disease.

Drawing on research in cell biology and metabolism, the lecture looks at receptors, intracellular signalling networks and the ways cells translate information into functional responses. It also highlights the role of new technologies, including advanced imaging and quantitative approaches, in revealing processes that are normally invisible to the naked eye.

The event is part of Imperial Inaugurals, a term-time lecture series that celebrates Imperial’s newest professors and showcases their research. Attendees can join in person or follow via the live stream, and the lecture is open to all who are interested in cell biology, metabolism and the development of new treatments for metabolic disease.