For the last 10 years, North West Cancer Research has funded a 6-week summer studentship at Lancaster University, allowing students undertaking a variety of science and medical based degrees the opportunity to gain valuable research experience.
In conjunction with professors and researchers at the university, the programme was designed to provide the chance for students to gain hands-on experience in the lab and make an informed decision ahead of pursuing master’s or PhD opportunities and choosing a career in cancer research.
Sarah Allinson, Professor of Genome Stability and Cancer said: “This is the 10th year that the programme has run, and it has supported almost 30 undergraduate students in taking their first steps in cancer research. Many of our past students have gone on to work in cancer and study for PhDs. The experience the programme offers is unique.”
This year, four students, studying a range of degrees including Biomedical Science and Biochemistry have untaken the studentship, each conducting a research project related to their current degree and areas of interest. Morgan Ward, who is currently studying Biochemistry at the University of Manchester, but grew up in Lancaster, conducted research into the effect of a variety of drugs on the growth of cancer cells over time.
Morgan said: “The studentship has provided valuable insight into what working in a lab entails and I am very happy with the experience I have gained. It has given me an extremely positive outlook on the pros of going into meaningful research like I have just completed with North West Cancer Research. I now plan to apply for a PhD next year.”
We look forward to continuing to fund more summer studentships at Lancaster University and furthering education for cancer research.
