The Wales Cancer Research Centre (WCRC) was delighted to support the Sutton Trust Summer School on 8 July, welcoming 50 Year 12 students for an interactive introduction to the world of cancer research.
Working with Cardiff University’s Widening Participation Team, WCRC researchers delivered two engaging sessions designed to give students a taste of what it is like to work in cancer research and demonstrate how science, technology and data are helping researchers tackle cancer.
The students explored why DNA is so important in cancer research, before getting hands-on with a strawberry DNA extraction activity. They also had the opportunity to try their hand at coding, exploring how researchers use data and computational approaches to support new discoveries in cancer.
The sessions were delivered by WCRC researchers and alumni Dr Mat Clement, Dr Arron Lacey, Dr Kate Milward, Dr Laura Baker and Manon Jones, who shared their knowledge and experience while encouraging students to ask questions and consider the wide range of careers available within cancer research.
Dr Mat Clement said:
“Delighted to be a part of the activities with the Wales Cancer Research Centre and The Sutton Trust. The students were so engaged and asked really good questions, hopefully we have inspired some budding cancer immunologists amongst the group.”
The enthusiasm and curiosity of the students made the day particularly rewarding for the researchers, with lively discussions and plenty of thoughtful questions throughout the sessions.
The researchers said they were delighted to have the opportunity to share their experiences and help demonstrate that cancer research encompasses much more than laboratory science, with areas such as data analysis, coding and computational research playing an increasingly important role.
The WCRC would like to thank Cardiff University’s Widening Participation Team for inviting the Centre to take part, and The Sutton Trust for providing students with the opportunity to explore university subjects and potential careers.
By giving young people hands-on experience of cancer research and connecting them with researchers working in the field, initiatives such as the Sutton Trust Summer School provide an important opportunity to inspire the next generation of cancer scientists and researchers in Wales.