Aspiring young scientists get stuck in at cancer research laboratories
Budding young scientists are trying out their skills in the lab this week (15-19 July 2024) as they carry out experiments with researchers from Cancer Research UK’s City of London Centre.
Nearly fifty A level students from schools around London are taking part in a week’s work experience to learn how to carry out techniques being used in real-life cancer research projects. They are finding out about everything from sequencing genomes and understanding how gene mutations lead to cancer, to using cutting edge CAR-T cell therapy to enhance the immune system’s ability to recognise and destroy cancer.
The Science Training for Aspiring Research Scientists (STARS) programme aims to support young people from schools with historically low university attendance. Participants are given hands-on experience in a working laboratory, as well as the opportunity to meet researchers and find about their career path. The students will also have a session with a university admissions team to provide advice on the application process, and budgeting for life at university.
Professor John Marshall, a senior researcher at Barts Cancer Institute and the driving force behind STARS, said:
“Pursuing a career in science is exhilarating, challenging, and enables you to make a real difference to the world. But in some schools, really bright, promising young people feel that science isn’t for them. I developed the STARS programme to inspire future researchers – whatever their background – so that together, we can improve health for all.”
The Cancer Research UK City of London Centre has provided £20,000 funding to expand the STARS programme to include laboratories across University College London (UCL) and King’s College London (KCL) for the very first time. STARS began at the Barts Cancer Institute at Queen Mary University of London (Queen Mary) in 2013.
The City of London Centre exists to support ground-breaking research into new cancer therapies, and foster collaboration among scientists across London at Queen Mary, UCL, KCL and the Francis Crick Institute. It has a commitment to championing equality, diversity and inclusion in scientific research.
Professor Tariq Enver, Cancer Research UK City of London Centre Director, said:
“The City of London Centre’s vision is to be at the forefront of biotherapeutics, in order to help people with cancer live longer, better lives. At the heart of this vision is our commitment to diversity and inclusion – we need the best researchers from all walks to of life to bring a range of perspectives to the challenge. I am proud to support STARS, and so excited to see what these impressive young scientists will do next.”
This year, twenty-five STARS students will be placed at Queen Mary, ten at UCL and twelve at KCL. They have been drawn from schools including Brampton Manor Academy, The Elmgreen School, and Hammersmith Academy.
Previous participants have highlighted how valuable it is to undertake practical laboratory work, giving them a deeper understanding of research as a career.
Muhammad Umer, a 2016 STARS participant, said:
“STARS made such a difference to me. The careers advice and hands-on lab experience was invaluable, and I got a real insight into how science underpins the study of medicine. This encouraged me to read Biomedical Sciences as my first degree.
“I’m now in my final year of medical school, and almost a qualified doctor. I hope this year’s STARS cohort will also grasp this wonderful opportunity to make their career aspirations a reality.”
As well as having the opportunity to meet senior researchers like Professor Marshall, students participating in STARS are mentored by PhD students. This gives participants the opportunity to find out more about potential career paths, and to meet scientists from diverse backgrounds. For mentors, it’s a chance to improve their teaching and science communication skills, and to see their work from a new perspective.
The majority of participants are selected through the Mayor’s Fund for London, a charity that champions opportunities for young Londoners facing the biggest barriers.