Jamie Mallinson

Start date: October 2009

Division: Cancer Therapeutics

Supervisor: Dr Ian Collins

Jamie began his PhD entitled 'Functionalised macrocycles as scaffolds for the discovery of novel protein kinase inhibitors' at the ICR in 2009 under the supervision of Dr Ian Collins in the Division of Cancer Therapeutics. In January 2010, Jamie was voted Student President of the ICR Student Committee; he is also a student representative on the Ups Club committee.

After spending time in industry labs as an undergraduate, Jamie’s comparative impression of the facilities and research at the ICR helped make his decision to apply for his PhD. "The labs at the ICR are of the highest standard, and are comparable to those found in industry. They are very well equipped and have the latest technologies" he explains. Jamie was impressed by the scope of research being undertaken at the ICR: "I think being exposed to both academic research and drug discovery at the ICR really prepares you for the future."

Along with his challenging PhD project, Jamie has taken on the responsibilities of Student President where he "makes sure that the student opinion is listened to." Since being voted in to the role by other students in the annual elections, he has organised and chaired various meetings for the Student Committee – the student run organisation which mediates communication between students and the ICR.

"The Student Committee represents all students at the ICR, and is involved in decision making at all levels." Jamie explains. "The Committee is always involved in major decisions that affect students, for example, we were involved in the discussions and debates about the introduction of plagiarism detection software."

As well as helping students to have their say on academic matters, Jamie helps coordinate the sports and social activities available at the ICR’s Ups Club, including the Mini-Olympics Finals night party: "There are many students from varied backgrounds, and all are really friendly. We have loads of great scientific discussions, but also a lot of fun socially."