Record number of students at ARMI in 2020
The student body forms such an integral part of a research institute. Not only are they key participants in the work involved in scientific discovery, but also significant contributors to the overall fun of the laboratory; injecting youthful enthusiasm into the atmosphere, imparting invigorating energy in the lab, and sharing fresh ideas with the research cohort. With this, it is exciting to see a record number of Honours and PhD students starting at ARMI in 2020, in addition to our group of Master and UROP students.
“It is exciting to have 16 Honours students, 16 Masters and 14 new PhD students at ARMI this year. It is the largest cohort we have ever had, with students coming from all around the world, from Germany to China to Iran. Not to mention several new UROP students as well,” said Jane McCausland, ARMI’s Student Programs Manager.
Understanding stem cells and the complex processes that underpin development has always drawn some of science’s brightest young minds. However, with the acceleration of translating that knowledge over recent years, the attraction to regenerative medicine and stem cell research has grown. Developing regenerative medicine-based treatments for diseases, disorders and illnesses to change the lives of patients is now a reality. And it is this maturation of the field that has ignited the imagination of students seeking to help others through medical research. This sits alongside ARMI’s commitment to deepening relationships with industry and offering students the opportunity to engage with industry leaders early in their careers.
“It is exciting to have 16 Honours students, 16 Masters and 14 new PhD students at ARMI this year. It is the largest cohort we have ever had, with students coming from all around the world, from Germany to China to Iran. Not to mention several new UROP students as well.” – Jane McCausland
“As ARMI has grown over the first ten years of its existence, so has the spectrum of its research. This also has helped attract more students from around the world to the Institute,” explained Jane. Recruiting leading researchers using innovative techniques and tools, with access to the world-class facilities at Monash University, has made ARMI a top study destination. “There’s something for everyone, whether it be using animal models, bioinformatics, imaging across heart and muscle, neural or immunology research. To name a few!” added Jane.
It is a privilege to be fostering the next generation of regenerative medicine researchers and a duty ARMI takes seriously. With the recent appointment of Associate Professor Edwina McGlinn as Head of Inclusion, Diversity and Wellbeing, and an expansion of the ARMI social calendar, led by the student and postdoc committees, ARMI is dedicated to creating a safe and encouraging environment for all researchers. Science is often stressful, so looking after the health and wellbeing of our younger researchers and supporting them in their endeavours is of paramount importance.
“We look forward to welcoming all our new students to ARMI over the next few months, as they begin their exciting journey in regenerative medicine research,” said Jane. We warmly welcome the new student cohort for 2020 and are excited to see them flourish as scientists!