20/08/2014
Today we’re delighted to host the winners of the UK’s Young Scientists of the Year competition, Ameeta and Aneeta Kumar. Ameeta and Aneeta, twin sisters from Reading, jointly won the competition for their project to develop a diagnostic method for the early detection of cancerous tumours.
Part of their prize included a day’s visit to the Babraham Institute and we’re very proud to host such talented young scientists. Ameeta and Aneeta will spend their day experiencing the Institute’s research first hand, with a spotlight on the science and facilities of most relevance to their project. They’ll spend the morning as honorary members of Dr Simon Cook’s research group, discussing the group’s latest scientific findings and getting involved in some lab work.
The group's research focuses on understanding the signalling pathways involved in modulating ageing. The same pathways are frequently de-regulated in diseases such as cancer. In the afternoon, Ameeta and Aneeta will visit Cancer Research Technologies, a campus-based commercialisation company. They will be able to discuss the steps involved in theoretically developing their research project into a real-life diagnostic tool. The afternoon will conclude with a tour of some of the Babraham Institute’s state-of-the-art research facilities.
Contact: Louisa Wood, Communications Manager The Babraham Institute Babraham Research Campus Cambridge CB22 3AT United Kingdom Notes to Editors: About the Babraham Institute: The Babraham Institute undertakes world-class life sciences research to generate new knowledge of biological mechanisms underpinning ageing, development and the maintenance of health. Our research focuses on cellular signalling, gene regulation and the impact of epigenetic regulation at different stages of life. By determining how the body reacts to dietary and environmental stimuli and manages microbial and viral interactions, we aim to improve wellbeing and support healthier ageing. The Institute is strategically funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), part of UK Research and Innovation, through an Institute Core Capability Grant and also receives funding from other UK research councils, charitable foundations, the EU and medical charities. Website: www.babraham.ac.uk The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) is the UK funding agency for research in the life sciences. Sponsored by Government, BBSRC annually invests around £450 million in a wide range of research that makes a significant contribution to the quality of life for UK citizens and supports a number of important industrial stakeholders including the agriculture, food, chemical, health and well-being and pharmaceutical sectors. BBSRC carries out its mission by funding internationally competitive research, providing training in the biosciences, fostering opportunities for knowledge transfer and innovation and promoting interaction with the public and other stakeholders on issues of scientific interest in universities, centres and institutes. Website: bbsrc.ukri.org/
20 August 2014