CVVS runs a Summer Student Programme as part of the larger School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences programme.  Typically, 8-10 students will be selected each year on the basis of a competitive application process.  These students will spend 8 weeks working in a laboratory in CVVS under the supervision of one of the CVVS investigators.  A stipend of £150 per week is provided. Additional opportunities for students supported by Diabetes UK, The Biochemical Society and The Physiological Society exist.

See below for some testimonials from the students who participated in the 2013 Summer Studentship Scheme:

 

Emer Hackett from Molecular Medicine Year 3, Trinity College Dublin, CVVS Summer Student 2013 

'My experience of the CVVS summer studentship programme was entirely positive and I would recommend any student considering a future in research to take part. I spent my 8 weeks in the laboratory of Dr. Derek Brazil, working on a Wellcome Trust Vacation scholarship-sponsored project to examine the responses of vascular stem cells to hypoxia, which could have future applications in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy. It was really rewarding to contribute to the on-going research in the lab and get some of my results included in a paper. I learnt a lot of practical skills such as planning an experiment, carrying out the necessary techniques, data analysis, and finally presenting my results. I was surprised at how much responsibility I was given - it has definitely given me more confidence in my own capabilities. I was also surprised at how much fun I had, there was always something going on in the centre and I met so many new people - it was a brilliant opportunity'.

Emer Hackett, Summer 2013

 

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Aaron Chong, 2nd year Medicine Student at QUB and CVVS Summer Student 2013

'I spent my 8 weeks of the 2013 CVVS Summer Studentship working with the lab group of Dr. David Grieve, and I must say it was a fruitful and amazing experience!  I was given the opportunity to pursue my own project where I investigated the effects of the diabetic drug glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) on cardiac inflammation, which could have future treatment applications in diabetic patients with cardiac comorbidities. I had to culture and treat my own cells and examine gene expression by employing real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Everyone in the lab was affable, supportive and very helpful in teaching me research techniques and guiding me on my experiments. It is amazing how much you can learn about research in 8 weeks, and it is rewarding to know that the experiments you do are important and relevant to the ongoing research carried out by the lab. I would highly recommend the studentship to anyone who wish to know more about research, and to those who desire an enjoyable and fruitful summer.'

Aaron Chong, Summer 2013

 

And here are some testimonials from the students who participated in the 2012 Summer Studentship Scheme:

'I believe that the Summer Studentships are a great way for students to get a taster for what research is like.  Whether you are thinking about applying for an intercalated degree as a medical student or interested in science/academia long term, the summer studentships allow you to further develop an interest in a particular area of science.  My experience of the CVVS Summer Student Programme has been great.  From the 2 studentships I have been involved in in CVVS I have become really interested in molecular biology from the invaluable experience I gained... and despite the experiments not always working!!

Everyone in the centre from Office Staff to PhD to Post-doc to PI were all really welcoming and always on hand to help you if you were lost or unsure what to do.  More importantly, you dont just stand around and watch but get hands on experience and develop essential skills that you can use in other settings be it in or out of the lab.  Plus you get to make contacts and friends that you can keep in touch with long after your studentship has finished.  An experience I would definitely recommend to anyone'.

Nathan Cantley, Queen’s University Medical Student, Summer 2011 & 2012

 

    

 Linda Guo, Summer Student from Imperial College London, CVVS Summer Student 2012

'My Summer 2012 studentship was an amazing experience which allowed me to explore my passion for research and ophthalmology. The academics are friendly, supportive and excellent at teaching, and I was able to learn many new skills. During part of my 10 weeks, I worked on a project investigating the side effects of intraocular injection therapy, focussing on a specific theme that has not been previously explored. I was granted the responsibility of carrying out some experiments independently, and it is a very rewarding feeling knowing that the results from your experiments will be included in a published paper eventually. Thanks to the studentship, I learnt a lot about the development, structure and functions of the eye, and had a real taste of what research is like. I plan to pursue a career in ophthalmology and do more research in the future, and would highly recommend other students to apply for this studentship!"

                                                                                                                                                                              Linda Guo, Summer 2012

 

'My experience at the CVVS has been great! I have found that I really enjoy the lab environment and have had the chance to practice techniques that I am now using in my final year research project. The students and staff are friendly, welcoming and always willing to help out. The events and talks that have taken place have also helped me explore more career options. I definitely recommend the summer studentships at CVVS!'

                                                                                                                                                                              Bailey Camp, Summer 2012

 

'Taking part in a summer studentship at the CVVS was an extremely beneficial experience and I strongly recommend applying; especially if you are about to embark on level 3 of your Biomedical Science or Human biology degree, or hoping to intercalate as a Medical student. A summer project will teach you many transferable skills, provide you with an insight into the lab-based environment at a research centre, and allow you to become acquainted with the members of staff, all of which will be useful when working on your Honours project.' 

Jaime Collins, Summer 2012