Undergraduate Summer Scholarship Scheme 

“My 8 weeks at the ICR [.....] has been an absolute joy and a privilege in so many ways. Under the supervision of a very supportive, generous, and fun team, I have had the opportunity to learn about new aspects of chemistry and biology and explore topics unlikely for me to have discovered in courses at university. Additionally, I had the chance to learn about topics beyond the scope of my project through team members in group meetings, lectures on projects from other departments within the ICR, and guest speakers, for example, chemoproteomics, fighting against drug resistance in cancer, and high-throughput automation in research and development. Researching at the ICR has not only allowed me to look at new and exciting science, giving perspective on where chemistry is at today and where it could be going, [.....]. My experience at the ICR has significantly improved my confidence in the laboratory: I have received extensive practice and [....] enabled me to analyse and process new types of data and in different ways, using new software. My summer placement has also improved my confidence outside of the lab: preparing for and presenting longer presentations independently, [.....] Conversing with colleagues and guest speakers has been equally valuable, gifting me insight into what it is like being a woman in research or industry, networking, and different possible career paths. This experience has made me consider doing a PhD and research as a career, [...], I am incredibly grateful for my time at the ICR; it has been an unforgettable experience, which I highly recommend.” - Alexandra Maughn

“My summer studentship was a transformative experience. From the first day, the welcoming and inclusive  environment allowed me to quickly feel integrated into the group. I was able to able to comfortably ask and provide my personal input, which was great for my learning. [....] I had the privilege to work on meaningful projects that had direct implications for cancer research.  The ability to contribute to projects with real-world impact not only made the experience rewarding but also motivated me to push the boundaries of my learning. Throughout the studentship, I developed strong skills in independent research, including critical thinking, literature review, and problem-solving. In conclusion, the summer studentship was an enriching experience that allowed me to develop both technical expertise and research independence, all while working in a collaborative and supportive environment. I would highly recommend the program for all students.”  - Jason Jiang

“[...] Dedicating these weeks to cancer research has provided me with a profound insight into what  a career in academic research entails. I was able to observe and participate in the daily activities of my team,  which included troubleshooting experimental issues, brainstorming new approaches, and critically analysing  data. The members of my group have been a great inspiration and excellent example of the importance of  collaboration to generate a supportive and comfortable environment, where creativity and communication can  lead to successful outcomes.  My time at the ICR has not only advanced my academic skills but has also been personally transformative.  I’ve learned the importance of resilience, patience, and creativity in research, and I have gained a clearer vision  of the path I wish to pursue when I finish my degree.  I believe my studentship has been a life-changing experience, and would sincerely recommend it to any student  who is thinking of pursuing a career in research, and who would like to learn new skills through a practical approach while having an amazing summer.”   - Cristina Sobrino Fernandez-Miranda

“My 8-week summer internship[...] has transformed me from practising a few biological skills to being confident in many techniques that will be invaluable in my future career, far beyond what could be learnt in an undergraduate degree.   The team gave me much more independence to learn new skills and plan experiments than I thought, providing me a safe space to make mistakes and ultimately gain more experience in troubleshooting and confidence in the tasks I was undertaking. [...] Hearing about the different journeys people take to reach their role in the ICR was so inspiring and the connections and career advice I have been given will be invaluable, especially now that I have decided I would like to do a PhD. [...]   The team have been so welcoming and encouraging of questions and improving my knowledge on the field that I genuinely feel part of the group and have made not just colleagues but friends in this experience. I would highly encourage anyone interested in cancer research to undertake a project at the ICR, this experience will be invaluable to my confidence, knowledge and skill as a biologist and I am so grateful for the opportunity.” - Melissa Biggs

“My time at the ICR has been instrumental in helping me decide what I would like to do with my degree once I graduate. Every new challenge I undertook made me more confident that research is for me. In just six weeks, I have gained an understanding of a field completely unfamiliar to me, as well as becoming acquainted with software tools that will assist me both in and outside of my degree. The placement has revealed how much I don’t know, but, as a result, how much I want to learn. The open-ended nature of the program allowed me to explore many different directions I could take the project, before settling on what I found most interesting. Concluding the experience with a presentation of my work felt incredibly rewarding, and I was pleased to see other members of the lab ask questions and suggest improvements. I greatly appreciate the support I received from my supervisors and colleagues, who were always happy to help whenever I had questions.[...] On top of that, my colleagues were friendly, which made my experience much more enjoyable than I had anticipated. [...] This has undoubtedly been the most important academic experience I’ve had, and I hope that, at some point in the future, I will have the opportunity to return.” - Ani Boja