Our Engagement Stories
At the ICR, public engagement is more than a tick-box exercise - it’s a way to share our science, connect with communities, and inspire future generations.
In Our Engagement Stories, we speak to staff across the organisation who are helping bring research to life through engagement. We ask what drives them, what impact it has, and how it shapes their sense of connection and purpose at work.
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Engagement Story
For Professor Emma Hall, Director of the ICR’s Clinical Trials and Statistics Unit, speaking with students at local careers events has become a powerful reminder of why she works in clinical trials and statistics. It gives her the chance to broaden young people’s understanding of science and the many paths that lead into cancer research.
"What always strikes me is the potential in the room: the curiosity, the intelligence, and the willingness to ask 'could that be me?'"
Engagement Story
For Iona Ferguson, a PhD student in the Cell Death and Immunity team, public engagement has been one of the most enjoyable and meaningful parts of her first year at the ICR.
“Listening to scientists talk about their work and seeing their enthusiasm for discovery made me want to be part of that world. Now that I’m here, I want to do the same for others.”
Engagement Story
Katie Begg is a Postdoctoral Training Fellow in Jessica Down’s lab, the Genome Stability Group. This is what she shared about her experience of doing public engagement.
"It gives us a chance to frame our research in the context of society and see the big picture"
Engagement Story
Erica Oliveira is a Senior Scientific Officer in the Genomics and Evolutionary Dynamics team. For her, public engagement is about more than explaining science. It is about representation, inclusion, and building meaningful connections.
“Just go for it. You do not need to have all the answers. People value your passion and your story, and often the most meaningful thing you can do is simply listen.”
Engagement Story
Shakil Khan is a Higher Scientific Officer in the Induced Proximity Therapeutics Group. This is what he shared about his experience of doing public engagement.
"These experiences [...] have made me feel more connected to the ICR, and more motivated in my day-to-day work."