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What does it take to build a meaningful career in robotics while navigating rejection, leadership, parenthood and the pressures of academia?

In this episode of The Human Stories Behind the Robots, John speaks with Dr Antonia Tzemanaki, Associate Professor in Robotics at the University of Bristol and leader of the Dexterous Manipulation and Wearable Robotics Group at Bristol Robotics Laboratory.

Antonia shares how curiosity and unexpected opportunities led her from electrical and computer engineering into medical robotics, haptics and teleoperation. She also reflects on becoming a research leader, redefining success, balancing academia with motherhood and learning to treat rejection as part of the journey.

What listeners will gain

Listeners will discover:

• How openness and cross-disciplinary collaboration can help researchers find their niche.
• Why meaningful research should be guided by real human and clinical needs.
• How success can evolve from personal achievement to helping a team flourish.
• Practical ways to learn from rejected papers and funding proposals.
• Why mentors, supportive colleagues and a sense of belonging matter.
• How parenthood can reshape boundaries, priorities and definitions of success.
• What early-career researchers should look for in a healthy workplace culture.

Key takeaway

Antonia’s story shows that a successful career does not require a perfect plan. Curiosity, resilience and the right people can open unexpected paths. Success is not only measured by grants and publications, but also by what you learn, the people you help and the environment you create for others.

The purpose of this podcast is to inspire students and early-career researchers, building our academic robotics community by sharing the human stories behind the robots.

Email: ​​uk-ras@manchester.ac.uk for questions or topic suggestions you may have for future episodes.

This show is brought to you by the UK-RAS network, you can follow us on X and Linkedin or visit our website to find out more www.https://uk-ras.org.uk/ Produced and directed by Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub Ltd and award-winning producer.

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; The UK-RAS network does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. If you enjoyed this podcast, please rate, review and subscribe with the podcast provider of your choice.