Growing future scientists: Dundee students attend Gatsby Summer School

Three second year Life Sciences undergraduate students were selected to participate in the Gatsby Plant Science Summer School (GPSSS), gaining hands-on research experience, networking with leading scientists, and exploring future careers in plant science. The annual week-long residential summer school brings together students from across the UK and is designed to encourage them to continue studying plant science courses in the future years of their degree. 

Experiences such as the Gatsby Plant Science Summer School help Dundee students build research skills, expand professional networks and explore future career pathways while studying for their degree. Two of our students, Oscar Baker and Jasmine Lota, who attended shared their experiences. 

Opportunity 

Broadening skills and their knowledge base in relation to plant sciences were key motivators for Oscar and Jasmine to apply for the GPSSS. 

Oscar said, “I wanted to learn more about plant science and learn about the opportunities available to those who pursued it.” For Jasmine, it was “not only to represent Dundee but also given my motivations to complete a PhD with an Immunology focus, I hoped to gain a broader set of skills regarding plants and their pharmacological significance and how we can make any research in any topic sustainable.” 

The experience 

Oscar said, “It was an incredible five days. Lectures from some of the brightest minds in plant science shed light on the sheer breadth of possibilities in the field. I learned about both the research and implementation of plant science from practicals. We also had the opportunity to network and connect with both researchers and industry professionals. It wasn’t all work and no play. There was a delightful social programme!” 

Jasmine added, “The GPSSS, has been a truly rewarding and unique experience. Not only did this go above expectations, but I was fortunate to have met some very enthusiastic and amazing people from all over the UK and beyond. From hilarious social activities to hands-on microscopic and pathology-related practicals and lectures from PhD students and a variety of talented professionals.” 

Highlight 

For Oscar, a lecture given by Professor Cristóbal Uauy from the John Innes Centre was a particular highlight. Professor Uauy’s lab focuses on using genetics and genomics to improve both yield and quality components in wheat. 

Oscar explained, “He highlighted the importance of maintaining biodiversity within a food crop. Focusing on wheat, he demonstrated the vital importance of conservation of seeds and wild relatives, highlighting the genetic bottleneck from current wheat varieties that may prevent adaptation. His talk also demonstrated the importance of cross-disciplinary cooperation and multicultural involvement in research.”  

Lasting impact 

Reflecting on his experience, Oscar said, “I would say the most important thing I gained from this experience was a new perspective on the possibility of a career in plant science. It has given me the push I needed to find more opportunities and to work harder to make it happen.” 

Final thought 

Jasmine concluded, “I would strongly recommend attending opportunities like these - you never know what will happen!”  

Further details: https://www.gatsby.org.uk/plant-science/activity/gatsby-plant-science-summer-school/