Developing Talent To Support Impactful Research
In summer 2022, VTCT Foundation announced the first two award recipients of its new clinical fellowship funding stream; Cynthia de Courcey (working on behalf of Action Medical Research /Swansea University), and Heather Vedovato dos Santos (with the MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine at the University of Oxford). We caught up with them at the July Showcase Event to see what the research investment programme has helped them achieve, both personally and professionally.
What skills have you learned as part of your fellowship process?
[Heather] In this area of genetics, the low hanging fruit is gone. So we’re trying to find the remainder and new mechanisms of disease that could lead to new treatment down the road.
Having had a strong clinical background, I’m now also learning research skills in a fantastic research institute, meaning I’m exposed to and inspired by work in other areas every day. The training here is incredible. With the research I’m doing now, I’ll be able to apply what I’m learning to almost any rare genetic disorder, which is where my interest lies.
[Cynthia] I’ve definitely been able to develop personally thanks to the award. My role has given me a lot of opportunities to present at charity events, conferences, at times with a patient and public involvement element. This makes me think about ways I can communicate more effectively with each audience. As a researcher, being able to translate complex science into everyday language is a core skill and a challenge. These outreach and presentation opportunities have been particularly enjoyable, and already proved invaluable.
What are you proudest of about the research you’re working on and the impact your work is having in the visible difference world?
[Heather] Despite interactions with numerous experts, patients have often gone 50 years without a diagnosis and around half of the patients remain without a diagnosis. I saw this as a clinician but needed the research training to really help them. Having the name of the disorder identified is extremely important for families, and for helping people live their life. It’s rewarding to know my research is playing a role within that.
[Cynthia] In the tissue engineering arena, there are many jigsaw pieces that need to fall into place before clinical translation. It is rewarding to build upon previous work and continue to refine the bio-ink formulation used for 3D-printing cartilage for facial reconstruction. I also learnt of the 3Rs of animal research which looks to improve animal welfare in research and reduce the number of animals used. Developing an advanced 3D in vitro model for biocompatibility testing aligns with this aim, and I hope the research will be of benefit both locally and to the wider scientific community.
How might the fellowship help your career progression?
[Cynthia] For me, the fellowship has not just been about developing my scientific knowledge and critical thinking, but equally important is being a part of the wider research network. The research infrastructure is best learnt by being involved. I thoroughly enjoyed and had learnt so much from being through the peer review process, working with experts and honing my academic and soft skills as a researcher.
The prestige of the award could also be a springboard for future research development opportunities.
[Heather] My three-year studentship is essential to my career, and the start of a PhD. And the Clinical Genetics Group is the perfect lab for me, as it’s a direct continuation of the research I had done before, while further developing my research skills. I’m fortunate to be working in a lab that has discovered some of the most important craniosynostosis genes, meaning there’s always someone to help with expertise.
Brazil, where I’m from, has the fewest number of genetic specialists – only around 300. But molecular genetics is essential to where genetics is heading, so this fellowship gives me an opportunity to broaden and refine my skills. My natural path is as a physician scientist, where I can devote some time to clinical practice as well as research, so this role is a springboard to further opportunities.
How does attending events like the London Showcase benefit your research?
[Cynthia] I really enjoy the vibrancy and dynamic energy at these meetings. I find it really helpful to see how the wide range of interventions for visible differences – from understanding the science and genetic causes to psychosocial interventions – all serving to increase an individual’s quality of life. This broad perspective helps ensure that future research has a greater repertoire of tools to make a meaningful impact.
[Heather] I wasn’t sure what to expect as I hadn’t been before, but it was nice to talk to people at the event and get a better understanding of the audience – including parents – as well as to meet other recipients. It’s also great to have the opportunity to practice and improve my presentation skills to different audiences, especially given a lot of VTCT attendees have family members who may benefit from the work we’re doing into the role of the BCL11B gene.
A third round of Career Development Awards has just been launched for 2024. To find out more about what we fund through the Career Development Programme and how to apply, visit https://vtctfoundation.org.uk/what-we-fund/career-development/