If you asked me what I expected to gain from being a Laidlaw Scholar, I would have simply said: becoming a more independent researcher, coupled with gaining some leadership skills. Whilst this response already holds a lot of significance in a young scientist’s life, the skills and experiences I have gained, and the leader I have become could never have been achieved without being facilitated by the Laidlaw Scholarship.

I remember first finding out about the Laidlaw Foundation and thinking this was my one-time chance of proving my ability. At that moment, I knew I owed it to myself to apply and, at the very least, try my hardest to enter the interview process. I then remember coming up with my own proposal (due to the lack of pre-proposed chemistry projects) with a professor that barely knew who I was. Although I did not know if I would ever be able to put this proposal to action, I knew I did not want to do my research proposal half-heartedly. After the interview had surpassed, I realized that even if I did not manage to secure the scholarship, at the very least, I made incredible connections with my professor, and found a research topic that sparked so much interest and curiosity in me.

Then, one day, as I sat in the library with my friend, an email confirming my selection as one of the 25 Laidlaw Scholars, representing Durham University, came through. I remember being so elated to be part of such a competitive scholarship and was excited to start my journey. Ever since, the Laidlaw foundation has enabled me to meet exceptionally successful people, who have treated me as their equal and advised me in the right direction. I have managed to not only advance my networking and communication skills, but also become confident, resilient and intuitive. Now, here I am, writing this blog post from my lab office in Hoffmann La-Roche, Basel, Switzerland. I believe the research and life experience through the Laidlaw Scholarship was vital to me being awarded the opportunity to work in one of the biggest pharmaceutical giants in the world. If someone told me 2 years ago that the evolution and advancement of my skills, as a Laidlaw scholar, will have a significant contribution in my industrial placement process, I would have never believed it.

Start of the LAIDLAW Scholarship journey:

One of the first events we started with was Pete Rigg (a residential weekend at the Yorkshire Moors). It was a way of develop our leadership skills by enjoying living in the moment, keeping away from any social media and electronic devices. Immediately, it became clear that every single scholar had sensational skills and there was much to learn from. Whilst we all led some activities, two moments stuck with me. The first moment when I was leading our caving excavation. As a leader, it was important to recognize that not all people would be comfortable with small, claustrophic spaces. Therefore, I ensured that everyone stayed in little teams and no one was felt left behind. This strategic thing allowed 15 out of 17 people in our team to go around the whole cave. The second moment that stuck with me was when my fear of heights prevented me from being able to zip line. However, my team’s support, encouragement and patience allowed me to overcome my fear. These beautiful memories made me realise that a good leader should not only be able to delegate tasks, but also ensure that everyone in their team feels supported and heard.

The Laidlaw conference at London School of Economics was the pivotal moment in boosting my confidence. I was selected to conduct a five min presentation on my research project in front of 500 people, in London and Boston. Although speaking in front of that many people was extremely nerve racking, I am proud of myself for gaining the courage to represent a project and university I feel very connected with. My presentations ever since the conference have been more thoughtful, well-presented and eloquent; the confidence growth I have amassed is down to this conference.

Research Summer 1: Battery research

                Being part of a research group at university has been so rewarding. Working on a well-respected group as a young scientist and has allowed me to become an independent researcher with experience in working with air-sensitive compounds. Following lab protocol when using the glove box was extremely exciting and has allowed me to mature into a better scientist. The lab and communication skills I have gained have been unmatched to other undergrads and the relationship I have been able to advance with my supervisor has helped me ever since. Connecting with such a helpful, kind and caring person who I would not class a mentor has been the best part of my research and I am elated I had such an opportunity to work under her, in order to grow my passion for science further.

Leadership in Action Summer 2: Sri Lanka

                I have already covered some of the skills and experiences I was able to gain in my previous post. I worked at a turtle community-driven conservation center that aimed to preserve the sea turtles diversity. Being able to work for such a great cause, whilst communicating with the locals and young kids, has allowed us to make a significant difference in Hikkaduwa. The language barrier made it slightly difficult to communicate with the locals, but our sense of urgency to care for the community allowed us to collaborate and grow together, as a team. Working with such a diverse range of young people also exposed me to cultures outside that of Sri Lanka; it was lovely learning about other peoples’ past and future plans.

Future plans:

                As someone who wants to continue in industrial research, applying for PhDs is my highest priority. However, my international exposure to India, United Kingdom, Sri Lanka and now Switzerland has made me want to apply to universities abroad too. Visiting and living in a country are very different things: it is one thing to go around tourist hotspots, but another to work in a country and delve into the culture and traditions. In my eyes, exposing myself to the world’s diversity is extremely important to gain some life lessons and experiences. I cannot wait to continue my journey, for now, in Switzerland, and perhaps, another country in the future. Whilst there is no doubt that pharma is one of the most profitable industries, it is also common knowledge that someone working within this industry has to be ethical, righteous, and noble. I am extremely grateful to the Laidlaw Foundation for providing me the opportunity to develop these qualities further.

Special Thanks:

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the staff at the Laidlaw foundation: Kelci Jacoby and Chantelle Cumming for their continuous support, patience and persistence with my Laidlaw Journey, and I cannot wait for my transition from a Scholar to an Alumni, so that hopefully I can help other students on the programme with their projects or further education. Finally, I extend my thanks to my remarkable supervisor, Karen E. Johnston’s exceedingly supportive, down-to-earth and caring nature. So thank you, Karen, for advising and being there for me, not just for the Research and Leadership in-Action projects, but throughout my last 2 years at academia – it has been a pleasure to be able to work under you and I cannot wait to keep you updated about my future PhD/industrial career experiences.