Dublin students complete innovative European postgraduate exchange programmeA Trinity College Dublin (TCD) led programme set up for postgraduate students to promote scholar exchange between six prestigious European institutions has been heralded a success. Two students, both MSc in Molecular Medicine, took part - Lauren Averill undertook part of her research study at the University of Barcelona, Spain, while Maeve McArdle went to the Karolinska Institute in Sweden. Commenting on the programme, Professor Dermot Kelleher, Head of the School of Medicine, TCD and Chairperson of Eurolife emphasised the importance of this initiative. ‘Exposing Trinity students to high quality research laboratories within premier European institutions provides an excellent opportunity for their development as research scientists, allowing them access to particular expertise that will complement their skills developed while at TCD. It reflects our commitment to high quality postgraduate training, preparing and mentoring our young researchers in their career development as future research leaders.’ The students undertook a period of research of 3-6 months at the partner institution, in a project that is discussed in advance between student, TCD mentor and partner university mentor, so that it is tailored to their particular research area and requirements, while also reflecting the complimentary expertise of the partner institution. ‘It has been a truly enhancing experience, both for the students themselves and for the university,’ stated Professor Mark Lawler, School of Medicine, TCD and Chairperson of the JPTEM Committee which initiated this innovative programme. ‘It provides the students with a unique opportunity to widen their research experience and to develop valuable contacts that can enhance their future careers, while from the university perspective, it helps cement the development of complimentary research partnerships.’ ‘This programme represents the type of cutting edge research and technology with international visibility that we wish our students to engage in and master so that they can contribute to the knowledge and innovation based society of the future, both internationally and here in Ireland,’ said Professor Carol O’Sullivan, Dean of Graduate Studies, TCD, emphasising how graduate programmes can benefit from a period of international exchange. ‘Exposing students to a European dimension in their research training significantly enhances their portfolio of skills and makes them competitive in their future careers,’ added Professor Lawler. This programme is now available to two students per year as part of the MSc in Molecular Medicine Programme. ‘The JPTEM provides an extra dimension to our MSc in Molecular Medicine, enabling our students to avail of research training in some of the most prestigious universities in Europe while also encouraging the exchange of best practice and the establishment of a common Eurolife standard in the provision of postgraduate education,’ said Dr Ross McManus, Director of the TCD Molecular To find out how the first two students enjoyed their overseas experiences click here. Content added 23rd September 2009. |
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