The Cambridge Biosciences BBSRC Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) welcomed students, staff and invited guests to Robinson College on Friday 17 July 2026 for its annual DTP Symposium, a vibrant day of scientific exchange, inspiration and celebration.
Bringing together the current DTP cohorts, EPLS summer interns and the incoming 2026 DTP cohort, the symposium provided an excellent opportunity to showcase cutting-edge research, celebrate achievements and strengthen connections across the Cambridge biosciences community.
The programme featured an outstanding line-up of keynote speakers from across academia, each offering unique insights into their research and career journeys. Professor Pietro Cicuta opened the day with a fascinating talk on Physics meets Biology in the Lungs, followed by inspiring presentations from Dr Kelly Nguyen, Dr Arantza Barrios and Dr Florence Young, covering topics ranging from sustainable bioeconomy and structural biology to neuroscience and science policy.
Alongside the keynote lectures, DTP students delivered excellent oral presentations showcasing the breadth and quality of research taking place across the programme.
The afternoon poster session generated lively conversations as students presented their work to peers, academics and guests, providing valuable opportunities for feedback, networking and interdisciplinary discussion. The symposium concluded with the announcement of the poster and presentation prize winners, recognising the exceptional quality of the students' research and communication skills.
Congratulations to:
- Freddie McNay (1st place Best Talk)
- Amy Davies (2nd place Best Talk)
- Faye Howlin (1st place Poster Competition)
- Haruhiko Omori (2nd place Poster Competition)
This year, the symposium was organised by second-year students: Isabella Sheldon, Octavia Bathurst, Sophie Blagg, Emma Steijvers and Joe Payne, who did an excellent job delivering a successful event.
The Cambridge Biosciences DTP extends its sincere thanks to the student organisers, keynote speakers, presenters, poster judges and everyone who contributed to making this year's symposium such a memorable and successful event. A special thanks goes to the sponsors:
- Integrated DNA Technologies Ltd (IDT)
- New England BioLabs UK Ltd (NEB)
- Thistle Scientific Ltd
- Vector Builder Ltd
- Fisher Scientific Ltd
- Thermo Fisher Scientific Ltd