Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic ScienceOur students make a huge contribution to the scientific and social life of the IMS-MRL.
Students in the IMS-MRL study towards a PhD or MPhil degree in Clinical Biochemistry with a project in metabolism and they are all under the supervision of a Principal Investigator (PI).
They learn a wide range of scientific techniques while they are with us and receive outstanding scientific training, which equips them for diverse careers internationally. Our students join a vibrant network of junior scientists in the department and across the Biomedical Campus.
Students in Cambridge benefit from affiliation to a College, who provide access to a wide range of academic, social, emotional and practical support. In addition, the University’s ‘Reach Out’ programme signposts to various resources to help students deal with a range of issues including academic concerns, financial worries, mental health issues or other health concerns, disability, and sexual harassment. Students also benefit from our Doctoral Training Programme and Researcher Development Programme.
We have a range of events in the IMS-MRL which are designed to support our students’ development. This includes mentoring from Principal investigators and Graduate Advisors, who can help them navigate the different steps and requirements of their degree. There are also various interactive work-in-progress and seminar series and regular networking events such as the IMS-MRL summer garden party which provide formal and informal opportunities to talk to senior colleagues for mentorship, support and careers advice.
There is a very active Student Committee that coordinates communication between students and other researchers as well as organising regular networking events. There are also opportunities for getting involved in public engagement activities with support from our departmental public engagement team.
I am from a town around 20 miles from Belfast, and lived there until I moved to Cambridge in 2018. I was the first person in my family to do A-Levels (state school) or go to University. When I was 18 years old, I did not consider being a scientist as a potential career!
Sam Lockhart, PhD student
The aim of my PhD project is to identify targetable signalling pathways which could improve the differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells into brown adipocytes. I find this work inspiring because of its enormous potential to improve metabolic health and develop new cures for metabolic disease in future.
Possawee Prasertsuk, PhD student
I’ve been in Cambridge since 2021 and have grown tremendously as a student, scientist, and overall individual, thanks to the mentorship of Steve O’Rahilly and Tony Coll.
Jack Kincaid, past MPhil student
Studying in Sue Ozanne’s lab at the IMS-MRL has enabled me to contribute to increasing our knowledge about the impact of maternal obesity during pregnancy on cardiovascular health – something that I find both fascinating and rewarding. Beyond my research, one of the great things about studying at the IMS-MRL is the brilliant student community.
Phoebe Wilsmore, PhD student
