Dr Oli Steele
Brighton and Sussex Medical School
Dr Oli Steele is an Assistant Professor of Physiology at Brighton & Sussex Medical School, where they hold roles as Deputy Discipline Lead for Physiology and Academic Lead for Widening Participation. Oli’s two research themes are around interrogating the neurophysiology of glutamatergic ion channels, and understanding factors influencing access to, and success within, higher education. Oli then teaches across the first two years of the BM BS programme on a range of topics from gastroenterology to endocrinology.
We interviewed Oli as part of our 150 voices of physiology series.
What first inspired you to go into physiology or your area of research?
It’s the science of life. Watching synapses fire and action potentials trigger in real time through electrophysiology is unlike anything else—it’s seeing life unfold at its most fundamental level. I’m passionate about applying these techniques to conditions like Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s, and equally driven to improve how we teach physiology to inspire future generations.
Can you share a project you’ve worked on that you’re especially proud of?
Towards the end of my PhD, we showed for the first time that apolipoprotein E isoforms can influence neuronal firing—and that drugs like ketamine might modulate this effect therapeutically. More recently, I’m proud to be launching a project with brilliant colleagues to better support Early Career Educators in physiology, a group that’s often overlooked but vital to the future of our field.
Who or what has inspired you most during your career?
Professors Paul Kemp and Daniela Riccardi (Cardiff) for instilling curiosity and perseverance in research, and the art of engaging communication in technical fields – as well as so many other things. In short, without their influence and generosity, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Dr’s Francesco Tamagnini (Exeter/Reading), Christian Schnell (Cardiff) and Andrew Penn (Sussex) for helping me appreciate the value of experiments that don’t go as expected and encouraging me to carve out a path that works for me.
Why do you think physiology is such an important science today?
Physiology reveals the hidden mechanisms behind health and disease, making it foundational to both research and clinical practice. It drives innovation, informs treatment, and enhances clinician-patient communication by grounding it in real biological understanding.
How did you first get involved with the Physiological Society?
I joined as a PhD student, keen to share my neurophysiology research. I’d heard it was a welcoming space for early career researchers—and it absolutely was. The opportunity to share research on a similar platform to those infinitely more experienced and distinguished in their career was transformative so early on.
What impact has being part of the Society had on your career?
Invaluable. The teaching community has been a source of collaboration, motivation, and support, especially as my career has evolved to blend research and education.
What does “the future of physiology” mean to you?
To me, the future of physiology lies in its ability to integrate molecular insights with whole-body understanding, bridging the gap between lab discoveries and clinical realities. It’s about using cutting-edge tools—from AI to advanced imaging—to decode the invisible processes that drive health and disease. Physiology will continue to be the science that makes medicine smarter, more precise, and more human-centred.
Where do you hope to see the field — and the Society — 50 years from now?
I’d love to see the Physiological Society leading global collaborations, championing open science, and nurturing the next generation of thinkers who see physiology not just as a subject, but as a way of solving problems. It should be a hub for innovation, inclusion, and interdisciplinary dialogue.
What makes you most hopeful about the next chapter for physiology?
I’m most hopeful about the energy and curiosity I see in students and early-career educators and researchers alike. They’re asking bold questions, embracing new technologies, and challenging traditional boundaries. That curiosity and boldness, combined with the increasing accessibility of data and tools, is an exciting mix for the transformative potential of the next chapter of physiology.
What advice would you give to students or early career researchers starting out in physiology?
Stay curious and don’t be afraid to ask the “why” question at every level—from molecules to systems. Physiology rewards those who think across disciplines, so build bridges with people in other disciplines and step outside of your silo. And most importantly, find joy in the process—because understanding how life works, and igniting that passion in others is one of the most exciting and rewarding adventures possible.