A level students contribute to cancer research

Last month the University of Salford teamed up with the Nuffield Foundation which encourages young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

The Nuffield Science Bursaries scheme is a highly prestigious scheme for A-level students interested in studying STEM and medical subjects at university and allows them to spend a 4-6 week period on a relevant research project.

Three A level students were placed in the School of Environment and Life Sciences where they worked on a research project on the synthesis of a range of potential anti-bacterial and anti-cancer molecules.

The placement was so successful that the university is submitting the results of the anti-cancer molecule research to the international Journal of Chemical Education.

Josh Brierley from Oldham College, Beth Columbine from Bury College and Akanskha Mathur from Clitheroe Grammar will go on to study biochemistry, biomedical science, medicine and natural science at university.

Nadia Bhagoo of Salford City College also contributed to the research. She was one of seven students from the college who were independently sponsored by the university to carry out project work.

Dr Steve Rossington said: “Research placements are often more productive than work experience as they are well defined and create real benefits for students and the organisations they are placed with. They are also an excellent stepping stone to university.”