Aspiring young scientists explore cancer research at the BCI and beyond
This month, Queen Mary's Barts Cancer Institute (BCI) opened its doors to budding young scientists and gave them the opportunity to try out their lab skills side-by-side with our researchers.
Nearly fifty A-level students from schools around London took part in the week-long Science Training for Aspiring Research Scientists (STARS) programme. This work experience programme was founded at the BCI and this year has expanded to include laboratories at University College London (UCL) and King’s College London (KCL) for the very first time, thanks to funding from the Cancer Research UK City of London Centre.
The Science Training for Aspiring Research Scientists (STARS) programme aims to support young people from schools with historically low university attendance. Participants received hands-on experience in a working laboratory, learning techniques used in real-life cancer research projects. They explored a range of topics, 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 cells.
Students also had the opportunity to meet researchers and learn about their career paths, and to hear from a university admissions team, who provided advice on applying for and budgeting for university.
Professor John Marshall, Tumour Biology Centre Lead 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.”
"I developed the STARS programme to inspire future researchers – whatever their background – so that together, we can improve health for all."
— Professor John Marshall
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 were placed at Queen Mary's, ten at UCL and twelve at KCL. They have been drawn from schools including Brampton Manor Academy, The Elmgreen School, and Hammersmith Academy.
Photo gallery: students and researchers together in the BCI's labs for the 2024 STARS programme
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 career advice and hands-on lab experience were 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.”
"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."
— Muhammad Umer, 2016 STARS participant
As well as having the opportunity to meet senior researchers like Professor Marshall, students participating in STARS were mentored by PhD students. This gave participants the opportunity to find out more about potential career paths, and to meet scientists from diverse backgrounds. For mentors, it was a chance to improve their teaching and science communication skills, and to see their work from a new perspective.
The majority of participants were selected through the Mayor’s Fund for London, a charity that champions opportunities for young Londoners facing the biggest barriers.
Category: Events, General News
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