By Cherry Ferrier Communications Manager, Institute of Genetics and Cancer   I recently spoke with the Institute’s Director of Teaching and Learning, Professor Lesley Stark (above), to reflect upon the first year of a new part-time online MSc programme in cancer biology and precision oncology at the University of Edinburgh. Lesley’s passion for the programme […]

As someone who has always been passionate about science and research, the opportunity to pursue a PhD at the Institute of Genetics and Cancer at the University of Edinburgh was a dream come true. However, the journey to get here was not without its challenges. One of the biggest challenges I faced was the application […]

As it is #FishInResearch week, I present a day in the life of a fish in research. Wild type shoal hanging out in their tank.   9AM sharp the sun bursts into life, almost as if it’s on a digital timer. Thousands of zebrafish are bright eyed for the sudden start. The fact that they […]

Background 42,886. This is the number of new bowel cancer cases in the UK every single year. One would think that the immense advancements in healthcare and the eradication of a plethora of diseases through vaccination would have also led to the “cancer cure.” While this sounds idealistic to the ears of a scientist, aware […]

The following is a conversation with Karolina Mąka, lab manager at Carbogenics, an Edinburgh-based startup which produces sustainable carbon adsorbents from difficult to recycle organic waste. I spoke to Karolina to find out more about the climate action work being done in and around Edinburgh, and her hopes and aspirations for this field. Sitting down […]

The path to becoming a scientist is littered with decisions and serendipitous events that shape a career. For young scientists it is next to impossible to decide which University, degree, and projects to go for. After all, the choices may feel equally good at times but could influence which position you find yourself in twenty […]

Dr Pleasantine Mill, an MRC Investigator at the IGMM and winner of the 2019 BSCB Early Career Medal for Women in Cell Biology, discusses her approach to understanding the genetic and molecular processes that underpin cilia biogenesis and cilia-associated human diseases. Her work is funded by the MRC and the ERC. Born in Canada, Pleasantine […]

It is clearer now more than ever of the importance of epidemiology, the study of the distribution and determinants of health and disease. Epidemiology is vital in shaping public health prevention and cancer control programmes by providing evidence of associated risk factors for the disease that, if modifiable, can be promoted and if not might […]