News

Durham stem cell student commended at House of Commons

(23 May 2006)

A Hexham student studying for a PhD at Durham University has been given a prestigious award at a science event at the Houses of Parliament.

Victoria Christie, 26, has been carrying out stem cell research at Durham University to understand the bio-molecules involved in neural cell formation. Her work has been supported by ReInnervate, the Durham University spin out company given £450,000 of funding from CELS earlier this year. Victoria, through the CELS’ BioNEt Industrial Studentship scheme, was able to carry out her research and was among 170 people invited from 280 applications to attend the SET* for Britain event. The event exhibited the work of some of the UK’s brightest young bioscientists. She was one of only a handful of entrants to pick up a commendation for the presentation of her work. She said: “I was extremely proud to have been asked to attend this event, and grateful to CELS and BioNEt for providing the funding to make it possible. It was a great opportunity to meet other young bioscientists from all over the country, and to represent the good work coming out of the bioscience sector in the North East.” Dr Stefan Przyborski of Durham University’s School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences and Director of ReInnervate commented: “This is an outstanding achievement by a promising young scientist. Victoria’s work plays an important part in the development of new technology, in particular, the design of new and innovative ways to control stem cell differentiation and the production of human tissues for use in medical research.” Dr Ian Robson Business Development Director at CELS added: “Victoria’s commendation is a great indication of the high calibre of young scientists in the North East and the significance of the research being undertaken. The BioNEt network is of fundamental importance in our aim to grow the region’s healthcare and life sciences sector. We have the support of over 1000 research members and are dedicated to supporting students and encouraging them to stay in the region to develop their research.”