Lucy Chappell, an NIHR Research Professor in Obstetrics at King’s College London, is an exemplar of a successful woman in clinical research, bringing a wealth of experience in women’s health research and clinical practice. She is internationally recognised for her contribution to obstetrics through carefully planned and executed randomised controlled trials. Building on previous research demonstrating the usefulness of a biomarker test in pre-eclampsia management, her recent definitive trial led to accelerated adoption into NHS practice. She has made a remarkable and lasting contribution to women’s health and is now applying her expertise to address maternal mortality and morbidity in low and middle-income countries.