Ben Abbott is MHS Postgraduate Taught Student of the Year

08 Dec 2015

PhD student Ben, from the Institute of Cancer Sciences, has been recognised in the 2015 Distinguished Achievement Awards for his active participation in a wide range of extracurricular roles

St Mary’s Hospital based Ben, completed the MRes in Translational Medicine, gaining a Distinction. His research project was supervised by Kathryn Simpson.

He is a recipient of the President’s Doctoral Scholar Award, in support of his Manchester Cancer Research Centre PhD Studentship which he is now undertaking under the supervision of Professor Paul Townsend.

Associate Dean for Postgraduate Education, Professor Phil Padfield congratulated Ben on his award, commenting: “This award recognises the hard work and enthusiasm of our postgraduate students and their contribution both to their programme of study and to the wider University agenda.”

Ben, who is the second MRes Translational Medicine student to receive this award in consecutive years, said: “I learned an incredible amount during my MRes and I’m really happy that I took the course; it helped me to make sure that a PhD was the correct step to take next. It’s a privilege to be awarded the Distinguished Achievement medal, especially given the calibre of the other students in my year. Being recognised in this way is a good start to my research career.”

Throughout his studies, Ben has actively participated in extracurricular roles at the University. As an undergraduate student he was chair of the University’s Red Cross Society for two years and regularly volunteers with the Student Action street support team for the homeless.

He is a student member of the Society of Biology and British Pharmacological Society and has held voluntary roles at both The Christie NHS Foundation Trust and The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust.

Ben will be presented with the award by President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell at special ceremony in December.