Women have been responsible for some of the greatest scientific breakthroughs, yet less than 30% of the world’s researchers are women whilst women comprise just 35% of students studying STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).
Investing in education underpins our research. Part of our research strategy involves developing young scientists who perform innovative research into increasing survival rates after a breast cancer diagnosis.
We spoke to two rising stars in our research team to find out what attracted them to careers in research.
Priyanka Hirani is studying tumour microenvironments at Barts Cancer Institute in London, her research is focussed on how to improve immunotherapy response for triple negative breast cancer patients.
“I am grateful to have the opportunity to complete by PhD through the funding from Against Breast Cancer and Bart’s Charity,” says Priyanka. “I am currently in the final year of my PhD and over the last few years I have been able to develop my skills as a researcher as well as contribute to the identification of new targets for treatment.”
Grace Hayes works at the University of Southampton as part of our team Therapeutic Antibody Programme, developing new therapies against secondary spread.
“I am incredibly grateful to Against Breast Cancer for funding my PhD and giving me the opportunity to research such a common disease that affects so many people,” she tells us. “I hope during the next four years I can help contribute to better treatment and diagnostics for secondary breast cancer.”
We have no doubt that supporting two such talented young scientists, each performing critical roles in breast cancer research, will accelerate the impact our research. We look forward to each seeing each of them fulfil their potential as they develop their careers, responding to patient priorities by performing world class research in what remains an area of unmet need.