Published on 05 July 2018
Harry Carr has been awarded the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) President’s Prize at this week’s graduation ceremonies at the Stadium of Light, having achieved a First-Class Applied Biomedical Sciences degree for his project, proving himself an outstanding student.
The President's Prize of £100, plus certificate, is awarded to one student graduating from an IBMS accredited BSc Hons programme who has achieved academic distinction in a particular year who is also a member of the Institute.
Harry said: “It was a wonderful surprise to receive the award, it’s nice to be recognised for the work I’ve done over the past year. I was happy enough to graduate with a First, so this prize is an amazing extra!”
Harry’s project, based on research by Dr Noel Carter, a Reader in Molecular Biology at Sunderland, focuses on transplantation and basic cell biology. Organs intended for transplant can be damaged when the donor dies or during the transplantation process. The damage can accelerate the process of organ rejection, Noel’s work is currently focused on understanding one of the mechanisms which underpin this acceleration, with the hope of interfering with it to slow or stop it. Harry’s role was to help in finding a way of reliably producing one of the protein involved so it could be studied more effectively.
Harry said: “We were successful in this aim, and produced a workflow which can be used for future research. I found the experience very rewarding and learned a lot from working with Noel.”
Harry, whose love of science was inspired by a desire to improve people’s lives, added: “I wanted to work within science in a way which could have a direct impact on people’s lives, a biomedical scientist plays a critical role in diagnosing and monitoring patients, that’s what drew me to this area of study.”
Noel commented: “Harry has excelled in his project, he proved himself invaluable in the lab, and produced a thoroughly written up project which has led to his much deserved first class degree.
“It has been a pleasure to see him develop into a skilled and conscientious Biomedical Scientist.”
The 25-year-old, from Gateshead, received his award from Debra Padgett FIBMS, CSci, MSc IBMS North East Regional Representative to Council IBMS Chair of Membership and Marketing Infection Sciences Operational Manager, NCUH NHS TRUST, during the graduation ceremony.
“Achieving this accolade certainly gives Harry opportunities, not only to highlight the academic excellence from the university but also the real-life workplace experience.”
Harry’s receive the honour after achieving the highest academic mark on completion of his dissertation and degree. Debra Padgett said: “It is an honour to present Harry with the Presidents prize on behalf of the Institute and look forward to having him as part of our profession as his career develops.”
As well as taking full advantage of the opportunities available at Sunderland, Harry secured a 12-month placement in clinical biochemistry at the University Hospital of North Tees in his third year. He says it was an excellent learning experience, and even though there were challenges, the placement enhanced his employability.
He said: “Overall the placement was positive and informative. I completed my IBMS registration portfolio during my placement, this has enhanced my employment prospects and allows me to apply for HCPC registration immediately on completion of my degree.”
Harry now plans to work within the area of biomedicine, either within the NHS or industry. He also plans to return to higher education at some point to undertake a masters or PhD to further his research skills.
The Institute of Biomedical Science Presidents Prize is an award for graduates from IBMS accredited BSc Honours degree courses
The President's Prize of £100 plus certificate is awarded to one student graduating from an IBMS accredited BSc Hons programme who has achieved academic distinction in a particular year who is also a member of the Institute. They must be registered as a current member of the Institute at the time of the application and have achieved a first class honours degree.