Young Scientist Day - Report
15 June 2011
The Department of Medicine held its first Young Scientist Day on 6 June 2011. The event was a great success attracting large numbers of research students, postdocs and academic staff who had the unique opportunity to hear and see the range of research being undertaken across the Department.
The event began in the early afternoon when Lecture Theatre 1 breakout space was buzzing with research students displaying their posters. A small Departmental panel judged the posters and awarded first, second and third prizes respectively to Helen Smith, Centre for Neuroscience, Kathryn Watson, Microbiology and Lavanya Thana, Centre for Mental Health. The event was formally opened at 2pm by Professor Gavin Screaton who welcomed everyone and presented the Department’s first annual teaching award to Dr Nicola Rogers in recognition of her extensive teaching commitments in both undergraduate and postgraduate Immunology. He also presented an extraordinary award for exceptional services to education to Professor Barbara Bain in recognition of her sustained dedication to the teaching of Haematology which has inspired and enthused thousands of students and enhanced the international reputation of the College over many years.
The floor was then handed to eight postdocs, from across the Department, who in turn orally presented their research. Professor Marina Botto expertly Chaired the afternoon, introducing the postdocs’ high quality scientific presentations and awarding a book token to each postdoc in recognition of their hard work for the event. Dr Liz Elvidge, Manager, Postdoc Development Centre, then drew everyone’s attention to the Postdoc Development Centre and the ongoing support and development opportunities it offers to postdocs.
At the end of the afternoon, refreshments were served in the breakout space providing an opportunity for networking and poster viewing. Thanks go to everyone who supported this event and made it a success. Special thanks to the Postdoc Development Centre for financially supporting the event. Plans are now underway to build upon its strengths and make it an annual event.
