Science in London (LIYSF)

Today proved a particularly special day for me. I had the honour of hearing from and working with Dr Alice Pyne: a physicist and engineer turned biological researcher. Her work focuses on understanding the complex nature of the DNA structure from the most fundamental level, and holds future impacts for antibiotic and cancer treatments. Dr … Read more

The University College London Mullard Space Science Laboratory is an unassuming group of old buildings in the middle of the British countryside, but the research being done inside its walls is nothing short of extraordinary. We were introduced to the facility by Dr Colin Forsyth, who researches the physics that governs our solar system.   … Read more

Professor Seth Love is a dementia researcher looking at the regulation of blood flow in the brain. This morning he shared his work in new ways of diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease based off of his unexpected research findings. After the lecture we spent the afternoon in Garden Park, eating lunch and watching the passersby. Later this … Read more

Today was spent exploring the Kensington and Chelsea area. The cobbled streets and brick buildings are so different from home. Dr Jason Nurse led the student debate this evening, juxtaposing the benefits of the internet with the challenges of misinformation. It was interesting to hear students speak about ways to manage online information, and how … Read more

Today I had the privilege of visiting the King’s College London Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine. The centre is a leading facility in cutting-edge research looking at developing effective cell therapies using stem cells. It was remarkable to tour the research laboratories, and to be introduced to scientists working in such an innovative … Read more

This morning all 500 LIYSF participants representing 77 countries gathered in the Royal Geographic Society Ondaatje Theatre for the LIYSF opening ceremony. The president’s address was given by Professor Clare Elwell: a past LIYSF participant and current medical physicist. She spoke to her experiences here as a student, and the forum’s value not only as … Read more

After a long flight from Vancouver to Heathrow, I have finally arrived in London! The day has been a whirlwind of new faces and introductions. Once I arrived I had some time to explore the university and surrounding city. The Imperial College of London where I am staying is absolutely beautiful and so full of … Read more