Between 2-5 April, students studying in the School of Life Sciences had the opportunity to learn from clinicians and scientists about Medical genetics, Cytogenetics, Biostatistics and Neuroscience at the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics in Nicosia, Cyprus. The trip was generously funded by the Quintin Hogg Trust.
During the trip, twelve Westminster students attended a PhD Day Symposium where they had the opportunity to listen to Professor Nektarios Tavernarakis, Professor of Molecular Systems Biology at the Medical School of the University of Crete, who shed light on the pathophysiological mechanisms behind ageing and neurodegeneration. He was joined by a range of PhD students who gave presentations on their work, discussing the importance of research and its role in informing teaching, public health and medical practices.
Students were later given a tour around the Institute where they explored the work being undertaken there. They were shown around the Neuroscience, Molecular Genetics Thalassaemia, Cytogenetics, and Genomics and Bioinformatics departments, finding out about these fields and their importance for supporting public health.
Bushra Choudhury, who studies on the Biochemistry BSc Honours course, said: “This field trip has been pivotal for my academic and personal growth. It has enhanced my understanding of neurology and genetics, given me a greater appreciation of the importance of science communication and further inspired and excited me to pursue research post-graduation.”
Giulia Cavallo, a Biomedical Science BSc Honours student, also wrote: “This field trip was a rewarding and enriching experience, which left an indelible mark on both my academic and personal self. I look forward to applying the knowledge I have gained during this experience in my current studies, with a more aware and ‘complete’ perception of the scientific world outside my University.”
The trip was led by Dr Joan Liu, Senior Lecturer in Cellular Pathology, Dr Adele McCormick, Senior Lecturer in Molecular Biology, and Dr Maria Neofytou, Lecturer in the School of Life Sciences.
About the trip, Dr Neofytou said: "This trip was organised with the purpose of inspiring students by giving them a firsthand experience of the clinical research environment. The CING is unique, offering high-level diagnostic services for Cypriots and the Mediterranean region and engaging in cutting-edge research. The students were exposed to new and innovative developments that they had only heard about in their everyday lectures, such as next-generation sequencing methods, prenatal and postnatal diagnostics, gene therapy and biostatistics. These areas have true potential and I hope that some of the students will be inspired to follow these paths in their future careers as scientists.”
This trip directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Find out more about the School of Life Sciences at the University of Westminster.
