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Research lectureship: helping young scientists
We’ve granted £6 million to The Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry at Queen Mary University of London (FMD) to fund their 2019 ‘Rising Stars’ research lectureship programme. The programme is designed to support the growth of some of the world’s best young researchers.
Currently, FMD is ranked fourth in the world for the quality of its research, despite being significantly smaller than many of the other leading medical schools. With the Rising Stars programme, FMD will be able to fund 16 new lectureships. Our funding will be used to establish a new generation of researchers who will shape the next decade of research.
Our Chief Executive Fiona Miller Smith says, “planning for the future of research is fundamental to the future of innovation in London and the UK. We are proud to be able to contribute to this by supporting FMD to grow their talent base by investing in Rising Star researchers.”
Former 'Rising Star' Carles Gaston-Massuet
"We look forward to working with talented scientists to build the future of medical research."Mauro Peretti, Dean of Research
A model for success
The Rising Stars programme aims to repeat the success of a similar scheme FMD ran in 2013. Then, 18 early career researchers were recruited. As of 2019, 14 of these researchers are still at FMD in tenured positions. These researchers have published dozens of research papers and have secured millions of pounds in additional funding.
Mauro Peretti, Dean of Research at FMD, says, “We are very excited about this programme of recruitment generously supported by Barts Charity. The Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry at Queen Mary University is an excellent place to start a successful academic career. We foster talent and invest in our people, ensuring that their reach their full potential. We look forward to working with talented scientists to build the future of medical research. The ultimate aim is to deliver cutting edge science to improve healthcare outcomes for people in London, the nation and globally.”
Building the future of medical research
Peer support
It is unusual for so many young researchers to be recruited at the same time in this way. However, a key benefit of the programme will be the ready-made cohort of peers. They will be able to provide challenge to academic ideas but also provide much-needed personal support. Both are vital during the start of a researcher’s career.
Trevor Graham, who received one of the 2013 awards and is now a professor at the Barts Cancer Institute, reflected on the benefits of the programme, “Starting your own lab is tough. Overnight I went from focusing only on doing my science to writing grants, managing staff and juggling all of the other responsibilities that come with being a faculty member.
“Having a good start-up package was a tremendous help. I could hire a team, fund their experiments and kick-starting our lab. It was also invaluable to be part of a group of new lecturers all dealing with similar issues at the same time. We have become valued colleagues and friends.”
