Dr Karen Forbes is an Associate Professor of Molecular Endocrinology and Reproduction at the University of Leeds. Her research investigates how maternal factors-such as diet, microRNAs, and extracellular vesicles-impact placental function and fetal development across pregnancy complications, with a focus on diabetes. She leads a multidisciplinary programme integrating omics, imaging, and in-vivo models to uncover mechanisms of disease and identify new therapeutic targets. Dr Forbes collaborates widely across clinical and scientific teams and contributes to national scientific leadership through roles such as the Society for Endocrinology Science Committee.