BNA Scholars Explore Career Pathways at UCB
Earlier this month, the BNA Scholars were welcomed by UCB UK and Ireland for an inspiring career development day. Our Scholars heard from a panel of UCB professionals who shared their diverse career journeys and the wide range of opportunities available across the pharmaceutical industry.
Phil Noble, Head of Single B Cell Antibody Discovery at UCB, explains his team's use of cutting-edge antibody discovery instruments to BNA Scholars (left to right: Maryam Haq, Cherelle Davis, Anna Verghese)
The session wrapped up with an in-depth discussion giving scholars the opportunity to ask questions and gain valuable career guidance. A highlight of the day was a guided tour of UCB’s laboratories, giving Scholars a unique insight into the daily life of a pharmaceutical scientist.
BNA Scholars reflected on the day:
Visiting UCB as a BNA Scholar gave me valuable insight into the science that take place in a commercial sector organisation – and one in which my twin interests of neurology and rare diseases are being explored... I also found it particularly useful to hear how UCB's patient centred approach in drug discovery and development works in practical terms.
I found the visit really insightful, particularly the discussion panel with different members of the company. Talking to them gave me the opportunity to ask any questions and understand what working in industry can be like. It was also interesting to see their lab faculties and how they differ from ones I’ve worked in within academia.
BNA Scholars (left to right: Dipa Begum, Neddy Kareha, Anna Verghese, Amina Begum, Maryam Haq, Cherelle Davis) at the entrance to UCB's laboratories, alongside UCB, ABPI and BNA staff
At UCB we are committed to raising the profile of STEM (science, technology, mathematics and engineering) careers, especially amongst talented and enthusiastic children and young people from less advantaged backgrounds. We were delighted to extend this to the BNA scholars to raise awareness of the important relationship between industry and academia. It was a real honour to welcome the BNA scholars, some of the brightest minds in neuroscience, to our campus and immerse them in life in the pharmaceutical industry. There is no doubt, it is different from academia, but not so different that there are not dozens of potential career opportunities for the scholars and others like them in industry. At UCB, difference of thought and experience is what drives our innovation, so we welcome colleagues from many different fields.
Career development experiences such as the UCB visit are made possible through the generosity of BNA Scholars Programme supporters and partners. We’re especially thankful to UCB for welcoming our scholars, and to our Scholar Supporter, ABPI, for their continued commitment to the programme.
Site visits like this offer students the opportunity to step out of their usual day to day and experience a day in the life of scientists working in industry and lab environments within commercial settings. The ABPI is proud to support the next generation of scientists coming into our industry and we are so pleased to be able to continue our partnership with the BNA through their Scholars programme.
If your organisation is passionate about advancing diversity and inclusion in neuroscience, contact the BNA team to find out more. By partnering with the BNA, you’ll play a vital role in ensuring talented early-career neuroscientists have access to the opportunities and networks to thrive in their neuroscience career.
