Biotechnology Society: President

Hi there! I am Edwin. As a first-year Biological Sciences student passionate about biotechnology, I stand before you not only as a candidate for President, but as an advocate for this transformative field. I am driven to contribute meaningfully to our vibrant community and shape a thriving future for the Society. Here's my vision for our Society:

• Promoting interdisciplinary collaboration: I envision creating opportunities for members to collaborate with students from other STEM fields, fostering a dynamic and innovative environment.
• Enhancing industry engagement: I aim to actively seek partnerships with industry leaders to organise workshops, guest lectures, and research opportunities, providing invaluable exposure to the latest advancements and career paths in biotechnology.
• Empowering the next generation: I believe in supporting the next generation of biotechnologists by organising mentorship programs connecting senior students with new undergraduates, fostering knowledge sharing and career guidance.
• Building a strong community: I envision a welcoming and inclusive community within the Society. I propose organising social events and outreach initiatives to promote interaction, celebrate diversity, and ignite a passion for biotechnology among all students.

Together, we can shape the future of biotechnology at UCL. As President, I will strive to make the UCL Biotechnology Society a hub for scientific exploration, collaboration, and innovation.

I'd like to make the society a place for students to explore their scientific interests, have a platform to share their ideas, meet like-minded individuals, and have meaningful and thought-provoking discussions about cutting-edge advances in biotechnology!

As the Founder and Chair of the Science Research and Discussion Society in my sixth form, I held society meetings and organized regular scientific discussion sessions. I have also been the first-year representative of the UCL science magazine, a Project leader for the UCL Cancer Charity Alliance writing project, and have been a science tutor for more than 2 years now.

I hope to implement the following agenda:

→ Organise monthly academic talks and workshops with leading academics on their research with applications to biotechnology (since I’m a cancer biomedicine student I’m particularly keen to get the researchers from the UCL Cancer Institute involved)

→ Hold fortnightly journal club/discussion sessions on the latest research publications in the biotech field. I’m also hoping to make this an opportunity for students to discuss biotech developments they are particularly passionate about with each session dedicated to the topic most voted for

→ Set up a weekly newsletter to keep the members up to date with the latest exciting developments in the field

→ Advertise work experience opportunities and conferences in the biotech field

→ Hold thought-provoking debates on the controversial developments in the biotech field

Hi there, I’m Esther!

As a biochemical engineering student, involving myself in projects related to pluripotent stem cells for the production of novel meats and micro algae fermentation for Omega-3 production has affirmed my fascination with how biotechnology harnesses biological systems to create impactful, tangible products.

As president, my focus will be to foster a community of like-minded people, eager in learning and contributing to this field together. I would achieve this by organising social events amongst members along with panel sessions and networking events with entrepreneurs and industry professionals, for members to gain insights into current biotechnological advancements and career prospects. 

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions! :)

I am standing because I want to make this society great. I plan to implement workshops, speakers, hackathons and more and to give this society its own identity through a website and to connect it to industry through sponsors.