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MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences

@mrc-lms.bsky.social
1.1K followers 154 following 275 posts

We take an interdisciplinary approach to understanding #ageing, #sexdifferences and #genetics​ Follow for research updates, lab insights and opportunities​ www.lms.mrc.ac.uk​

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MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences @mrc-lms.bsky.social · 19h
We are launching 12 new #PhD opportunities today! We have studentships spanning protein design, sex differences in immunity, GLP-1 medicines and metabolism, spatial genomics and 4D cancer imaging. 📆 Deadline: Thursday 18th November (9:00)  ✍️ Apply here: lms.mrc.ac.uk/work-and-stu...
lms.mrc.ac.uk
Studentships and PhD training
We have two core PhD programmes - traditional and transdisciplinary. Our PhD students are registered with Imperial and are embedded in our dedicated research facility.
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Vicki Metzis @vmetzis.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
How do DNA sequence features tune the timing, level or duration of gene expression? Join us for a 4 year PhD @mrc-lms.bsky.social with @perez-carrasco.bsky.social @jamesware.bsky.social to build models and help us better predict the impact of non-coding sequence variation #devbio #quantitativebio👇
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MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences @mrc-lms.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
If you would like to be a part of next year's cohort, applications open this week! Keep an eye on our website and social channels: lms.mrc.ac.uk/work-and-stu...
lms.mrc.ac.uk
Studentships and PhD training
We have two core PhD programmes - traditional and transdisciplinary. Our PhD students are registered with Imperial and are embedded in our dedicated research facility.
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MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences @mrc-lms.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Welcome to our new PhD and Science Technology Graduate students! 👋🎓 We’re delighted for this brilliant group of young scientists to join the LMS. Supporting the next generation of scientists is a key part of what we do, and we can’t wait to see what they discover. 🧬🔬
The new cohort of PhD and Science Graduate students stood on a staircase
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MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences @mrc-lms.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Reminder that this is the last week to vote for @omareltokhy.bsky.social to win!
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Helena Cocheme @cochemelab.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Thanks #UKRI for featuring our research on #Ageing! We show that direct activation of the energy sensor #AMPK extends #Lifespan in multiple pre-clinical models. This strong evolutionary conservation highlights potential for future #Translation. www.ukri.org/news/experts... doi.org/10.1111/acel...
ukri.org
Experts extend lives of animals by activating ‘energy saver’ mode
Scientists have successfully prolonged the lifespan of animals.
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MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences @mrc-lms.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
🔋 Scientists have extended lifespan in yeast, worms and flies by activating AMPK, the cells’ equivalent of an ‘energy saver’ mode. In some cases, animals lived over 25% longer. 🔗 Read the publication: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/... 🔗 Read our web story: lms.mrc.ac.uk/experts-sign...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
Direct Pharmacological Activation of <fc>AMPK</fc> Extends Lifespan in Yeast, Worms and Flies
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a key evolutionarily conserved sensor of energy homeostasis, which is implicated in metabolic health and disease, as well as in ageing. Here, we show that direc...
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MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences @mrc-lms.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
lms.mrc.ac.uk/new-ai-drive...
lms.mrc.ac.uk
New AI-driven tool could help find heart disease drugs faster
Researchers at the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences (LMS) and Imperial College London have developed a technology that integrates heart-imaging data with information from biological databases to unc...
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MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences @mrc-lms.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
lms.mrc.ac.uk/3d-genetic-m...
lms.mrc.ac.uk
First 3D genetic mapping of the heart uncovers genes implicated in sudden death
New research has identified previously unknown links between genes and heart shape. By analysing genetic data from over 40,000 UK Biobank participants, researchers at the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sci...
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MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences @mrc-lms.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
lms.mrc.ac.uk/professor-ja...
lms.mrc.ac.uk
Professor James Ware awarded American Heart Association 'Medal of Honor'
Professor James Ware, Head of the Cardiovascular Genomics and Precision Medicine Research Group at the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences, has been awarded the American Heart Association (AHA) “Genomi...
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MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences @mrc-lms.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
lms.mrc.ac.uk/lara-curran-...
lms.mrc.ac.uk
Dr Lara Curran awarded BHF Fellowship for research into inherited heart condition
Dr Lara Curran, a clinician scientist and cardiology trainee at the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences (LMS), has been awarded a Clinical Early Career Research Fellowship from the British Heart Founda...
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MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences @mrc-lms.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
lms.mrc.ac.uk/chronic-stre...
lms.mrc.ac.uk
Chronic stress may trigger hidden inflammation that damages the heart
Chronic stress from people’s everyday lives may be causing lasting structural changes to the heart, harming health and reducing life expectancy, according to new research from the MRC Laboratory of Me...
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MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences @mrc-lms.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
It’s #WorldHeartDay! ❤️🫀 From AI-powered drug discovery and 3D genetic mapping of the heart to research into inflammation and inherited heart disease, it’s been a busy year at the LMS. Here, we're looking back at some of our research highlights from the last 12 months. #HeartResearch #AI
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MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences @mrc-lms.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Research culture doesn't shift on its own, it takes people pushing for change. Our postdocs are improving data management at the LMS through the Beyond Open Research programme – mapping processes, shaping how good practice is recognised & building real momentum for change. #PostdocAppreciationWeek
A group of people of varying demographics stand on a staircase smiling for a photo
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MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences @mrc-lms.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
His research investigates how genetic changes found in people experiencing infertility disrupt the biological processes required for reproduction. This research complements his clinical career in Obstetrics & Gynaecology and his goal of translating fundamental science into better patient care.
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MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences @mrc-lms.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
We are thrilled to announce that Chain Florey Clinical Research Training Fellow @omareltokhy.bsky.social has been nominated for the 2026 UK Forty Under 40 Awards in the Science and Research category 🎉 🗳 If you would like to vote for Omar follow the link below!
gateoneevents.com
Forty Under 40 United Kingdom 2026
Public voting accounts for 20 percent of the final score.
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MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences @mrc-lms.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
IMS Solutions is developing new tests for adrenocortical carcinoma, a rare adrenal cancer & polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), a common hormone and metabolic condition. The goal is to support earlier diagnosis, better identification of health risks & more personalised care for patients
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MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences @mrc-lms.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
New company IMS Solutions has launched to bring innovative hormone testing technology closer to patients. Co-founded by Professor @wiebkearlt.bsky.social, the company is based at the @mrc-lms.bsky.social and is a joint spinout from @imperialcollegeldn.bsky.social and the @unibirmingham.bsky.social
lms.mrc.ac.uk
IMS Solutions: New LMS-based spinout aims to transform diagnosis of steroid hormone-related diseases
Professor Wiebke Arlt, Director of the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences (LMS) and Professor of Transdisciplinary Medicine at Imperial College London, is co-founder of a new spinout company developin...
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MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences @mrc-lms.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Could the stresses of everyday life leave a hidden mark on our hearts? New @mrc-lms.bsky.social and @imperialmed.bsky.social research links chronic inflammation with silent structural changes to the heart and a higher risk of heart attack and stroke.
lms.mrc.ac.uk
Chronic stress may trigger hidden inflammation that damages the heart
Chronic stress from people’s everyday lives may be causing lasting structural changes to the heart, harming health and reducing life expectancy, according to new research from the MRC Laboratory of Me...
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MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences @mrc-lms.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Millions of women worldwide are living with Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), but there are limited ways to monitor if treatments are working. To address this, our director @wiebkearlt.bsky.social has joined a major programme to develop continuous hormone monitoring technology.
lms.mrc.ac.uk
LMS partners with tech company Impli in €6M international challenge to transform hormone monitoring
Professor Wiebke Arlt, Director of the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences (LMS), is playing a key role in a major international programme funded by SPRIND to develop Impli’s continuous hormone monitor...
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Helena Cocheme @cochemelab.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
💚 Congrats to the lab on winning this year's #LMS #Greening competition! 💚 Thanks to everyone in the group for engaging with this initiative, particularly lab manager Andrea for leading our efforts, and postdoc Nsikan for collecting our prizes! 🌱🌵🌿 #ProudPI #Sustainability
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British Society for Immunology @britsocimm.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
How does the world around us influence immunity? 🌍 Join us at #LIG26 to explore how external factors, from microbes & diet to pollution, influence immunity. Featuring Prof Yasmine Belkaid, Prof Sheena Cruickshank and Prof Petter Brodin. Join us in central London next Friday!
Skyline of London with event details for an immunology conference.
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MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences @mrc-lms.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
We just wrapped up our annual Greening Competition 🌱 where teams compete to make their labs more sustainable. It ended in a tie! Congratulations to the Redox Metabolism Group and Bioinformatics and Genomics Groups, our joint Sustainability Champions. Thank you to all our groups who took part!
Four staff members from the LMS stand in front of a lab trolley with selection of plants on it.
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STCmicrobeblog @stcmicrobeblog.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
chromosome replicationists take note👇 christian speck's lab works on the of initiation of chromosome replication in 𝘚. 𝘤𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘢𝘦 (and 𝘌. 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘪) #MicroSky
eurekalert.org
Structural view of the MCM2-7 helicase with Sld3, Sld7 and Cdc45 bound at the site where Cdc45 is delivered. Structure derived from cryogenic electron microscopy data.
Structural view of the MCM2-7 helicase with Sld3, Sld7 and Cdc45 bound at the site where Cdc45 is delivered. Structure derived from cryogenic electron microscopy data. Noguchi et al., 2026.
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MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences @mrc-lms.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Hello Erik, could we be added to the contributor list? We are an MRC funded research organisation in London focussed on basic translational research. Our website is below :) lms.mrc.ac.uk
lms.mrc.ac.uk
MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences (LMS)
The LMS is a biomedical discovery research institute embedded within the Imperial College Campus at Hammersmith Hospital and funded by the Medical Research Council.
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MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences @mrc-lms.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
@imperialmed.bsky.social @mrc-lms.bsky.social @speck-lab.bsky.social
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MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences @mrc-lms.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Your cells copy 3 billion DNA letters every time they divide – and only when they're meant to. New research in Nature Communications reveals how a protein pair, Sld3 and Sld7, detects when the cell's DNA-copying machine is "switched on" and delivers the final piece needed to kick off replication.
lms.mrc.ac.uk
Study reveals key steps in switching on DNA replication
Researchers at the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences (LMS), Imperial College London and their collaborators have uncovered a crucial mechanism that cells use to control when to start DNA copying. Thi...
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Reposted by MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences
Mikhail Spivakov @mspivakov.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Very happy to see this story finally out (link in comments)! We used low-input Capture Hi-C to profile promoter-anchored chromosomal interactions in Type 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3s) - rare tissue-resident lymphocytes that lack antigen receptors and regulate barrier immunity.
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MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences @mrc-lms.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
This was a truly collaborative effort led by @mspivakov.bsky.social at the @mrc-lms.bsky.social and @imperialcollegeldn.bsky.social @imperialmed.bsky.social, with @viblifesciences.bsky.social, @labwaggoner.bsky.social @emilymiraldi.bsky.social from @cincyresearch.bsky.social, Erasmus MC + others 🌍
cincyresearch.bluesky.social
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MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences @mrc-lms.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Among these was CLN3 – a gene previously linked to a neurodegenerative disorder – now shown to help regulate inflammation in these immune cells. The study also developed new computational methods, useful for analysing other cell types.
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MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences @mrc-lms.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
New research published today in Nature Genetics uses a technique called mini-Capture Hi-C to map 3D DNA folding in rare ILC3 immune cells, linking 100+ genes to immune disease risk in this cell type 🧬
lms.mrc.ac.uk
Mapping the 3D genome in rare immune cells reveals new genes linked with autoimmune disease risk
Researchers from the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences (LMS) and Imperial College London, in collaboration with centres in Europe and the USA, have uncovered new genes linked to autoimmune conditions...
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MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences @mrc-lms.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Calling ambitious clinician scientists! Have an innovative research idea? The Chain Florey Advanced Postdoctoral Fellowship offers up to 24 months of protected research time, mentorship, and access to world-leading LMS expertise to help launch your path to research independence.
lms.mrc.ac.uk
Chain Florey Advanced Postdoctoral Fellowship for Clinician Scientists - MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences
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MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences @mrc-lms.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Our Director @wiebkearlt.bsky.social spoke at the opening of Pfizer's new London research centre (IMIC at Apex) this week, reflecting on decades of publicly-funded UK discovery science in obesity and cardiometabolic research and on the importance of long-term academic-industry collaboration 🧬
lms.mrc.ac.uk
LMS Director speaks at opening of Pfizer's new London research centre
Professor Wiebke Arlt, Director of the Medical Research Council Laboratory of Medical Sciences (MRC LMS), spoke at the opening of Pfizer's new London research centre, reflecting on decades of publicly...
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MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences @mrc-lms.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
A new study maps where dormant cancer cells hide in breast tumours: tucked into neighbourhoods of immune + support cells that may shield them from treatment. Understanding these hideouts could lead to new drug targets🧬 @mrc-lms.bsky.social @imperialmed.bsky.social @ucl.ac.uk
lms.mrc.ac.uk
Scientists map dormant cancer cells' hideouts, opening new targets for treatment
Researchers at the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences (LMS), Imperial College London and UCL Genetics Institute have created a detailed map of cells within breast tumours and identified distinct neigh...
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Reposted by MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences
Max Reuter @reuterlm.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
New paper out in Nature Communications! 🥳🧬🔬 We map the earliest DNA strand separation during MCM2-7 helicase activation at near base-pair resolution, revealing where origin melting begins and how DNA is routed through the Mcm2/5 gate. doi.org/10.1038/s414... #DNAReplication
doi.org
Mechanisms of MCM2–7 helicase activation and initial DNA melting at near base-pair resolution - Nature Communications
DNA replication begins when inactive helicases are switched on to unwind DNA. Here, the authors map this activation in yeast, revealing where DNA first melts and how helicase splitting, factor release...
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MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences @mrc-lms.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
New research has uncovered one of the earliest steps in DNA replication: the moment a cell first opens its DNA to begin making a copy of its genome. The findings reveal where DNA first starts to "unzip" inside living cells and identify a molecular gate that helps prepare DNA for copying.
lms.mrc.ac.uk
Scientists pinpoint where cells first begin copying DNA
Researchers at the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences (LMS) and collaborators have uncovered one of the earliest steps in DNA replication: the moment a cell first opens its DNA to begin making a copy ...
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MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences @mrc-lms.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Congratulations to Yu Liu, Alice Pollard, Anna Napolitano, Lindsay Keith and Thomas Wells!
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MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences @mrc-lms.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
This activity was created as part of a collaboration between Yu Liu, Research Operations Manager at the LMS, the LMS Engagement and Communications team, Alice Pollard, a Fellow at the LMS, and Anna Napolitano, Communications and 3Rs Programme Manager, with advice from Understanding Animal Research.
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MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences @mrc-lms.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
The LMS Gene Home attracted over 1,400 visitors and was voted the 3rd best activity at the festival. Its success demonstrated how conversations about animal research can resonate with the public.
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MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences @mrc-lms.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
We won the 2026 Provost’s Award for Excellence in Animal Research (Engagement) for our Animal Research Corner activity! Part of the LMS Gene Home at Great Exhibition Road Festival in 2025, this activity gave visitors the chance to explore the role of animals in medical research.
Yu Liu, Alice Pollard, Anna Napolitano, Lindsay Keith and Thomas Wells standing with their awardsA visitor interacts with Animal Research Corner at the LMS Gene Home while Yu Liu looks on
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MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences @mrc-lms.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
National research institutes are vital to the UK's research landscape. This month, the National Research Organisations (NRO) Group launched, bringing together 40+ organisations, including the LMS. Together, we'll help strengthen UK research and maximise its impact for patients and society.
lms.mrc.ac.uk
UK’s world-class research organisations launch new collective with LMS as a proud member
The National Research Organisations (NRO) Group officially launched this month. A first of its kind collective for the UK, the NRO brings together more than 40 of the UK's national science and researc...
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MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences @mrc-lms.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
We’re delighted to welcome Dr CK Wong to the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences as Head of the Endocrine Signalling in Inflammation Group. Read more about CK’s research, what inspires his work and why he joined the LMS below 👇 #MedicalResearch #Inflammation #GLP1 #Endocrinology
lms.mrc.ac.uk
Dr CK Wong joins the LMS as Head of the Endocrine Signalling in Inflammation Group
We’re delighted to welcome Dr CK Wong, who joins the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences (LMS) this month as Head of the Endocrine Signalling in Inflammation Group. His research explores how gut hormon...
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MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences @mrc-lms.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
LMS researchers have collaborated with Myricx since 2020 to explore the potential of NMT inhibitors as senolytic therapies, demonstrating how academic-industry partnerships can open up new therapeutic opportunities. @imperialmed.bsky.social @imperialenterprise.bsky.social @cancerresearchuk.org
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MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences @mrc-lms.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
Fundamental research can have impact far beyond its original application. Congratulations to Myricx Bio and @imperialcollegeldn.bsky.social on their acquisition by @novartis.bsky.social.
lms.mrc.ac.uk
Imperial cancer therapy spinout and LMS collaborator Myricx Bio agrees to be acquired by Novartis
Myricx Bio, a cancer therapy spinout from Imperial’s Department of Chemistry that has collaborated with researchers at the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences (LMS) since 2020, has announced it has rea...
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MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences @mrc-lms.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
Thank you to everyone involved, from our volunteers and mentors to the incredible staff at Youth Careers Collective and Ark Burlington Danes!
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MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences @mrc-lms.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
5 students have been matched with an LMS mentor for 1:1 mentoring over the coming weeks. Through this they will gain insight into the working world and gain experience and confidence vital for entering the job market.
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MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences @mrc-lms.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
This was followed with a workplace visit to the LMS. The students got to see the inside of labs from across the institute and chat to people from across the institute about their careers.
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MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences @mrc-lms.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
The programme started in May with a workshop at Ark Burlington Danes Academy. During this workshop 25 students got to interact with researchers from the LMS and develop their own research proposal based on real research.
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MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences @mrc-lms.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
13.5% of young people are not in work or education. That's why we’ve teamed up with @youthcareers.bsky.social to launch 1:1 mentoring as part of our Pathways Programme! This scheme matches 16-17-year-olds with our staff, helping them build confidence and develop employability skills.
Kids and a researcher working at a tableLMS staff outside Arc Burlington Danes Academy
Students watching a presentation
Students using a microscope
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MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences @mrc-lms.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
📢 Applications are open for our Science Technology Graduate Programme! We're looking for recent graduates (with no postgraduate degree) to join our Proteomics and Metabolomics facilities. If you're looking to gain experience in research, we'd love to hear from you. 🗓️ Applications close 9 August.
lms.mrc.ac.uk
Science technology graduate programme
Our Graduate Programme develops fresh science graduates into highly sought after technicians.
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