Annual SLS Summer School closes with Symposium

54 students participated in a full-time placement over 8 weeks in labs across the Schools of Life Sciences and Medicine, and the James Hutton Institute. This allowed them to gain an insight into working in an academic laboratory setting and learn skills that they can take forward into their future working lives. 

At the Symposium, 43 students, most of whom had returned especially for the symposium even though their placements had ended, presented posters highlighting their research projects and findings. Prizes were awarded to Kodi Hunter (who was in Manu De Rycker’s lab) and Gabriella Saksono (who was in Ian Ganley’s), who were named joint winners, and both achieved perfect scores from two judges. The runner up was Emmanuel Laditi (who was in Li Kang’s lab at the School of Medicine).  

Paul Davies, Summer School Academic Lead said, “This year our summer school hosted 54 students, our biggest intake in the programmes history. Without exception, all the students engaged in excellent research projects, and this was highly apparent at the annual symposium where 43 posters were on display. The success of the programme is, as always, a result of our world-leading academics opening up their labs to these students and giving them this amazing opportunity.  The impact on the future careers of the participants cannot be understated, with all the students gaining invaluable research experience that will enhance their prospects following graduation.” 

Placements are awarded competitively with 196 applying for places this year. Applications normally open in December (after winter exams), depending on external funding deadlines. Students are asked to name 3 preferred supervisors in their application. Applications are shortlisted and applicants are interviewed by Paul Davies, Sheriar Hormuzdi and Constance Alabert. The summer school team schedules an informal discussion with the successful students and their preferred supervisors (where possible). If the student and supervisor are happy to go ahead a start date is arranged, normally between the end of May and July.  

Thanks go to the key people involved in the programme. They are Paul Davies, Academic Lead; Sheriar Hormuzdi, Programme Lead; and Constance Alabert who provides assistance with short listing and interviewing.  Admin support provided by Zoe Hirons, Fionna Shea, and Linda Cunningham. Finally, thanks to the 14 poster judges. 

The Summer School is supported with funding from the James Black Prize (SLS), MRCPPU, Medical Research Scotland, Wellcome, BARIToNE, Lister, and a few independently funded placements.