The annual Oxford International Biomedical Centre (OIBC) Symposium
On Wednesday 22nd January, St Edward’s School hosted the annual Oxford International Biomedical Centre (OIBC) Symposium, and welcomed three speakers from the University of Oxford to talk to pupils about their latest research.
Immy Allen, Lower Sixth pupil, reports:
‘Pupils from Teddies and neighbouring schools attended the event and were eager to hear what our guest speakers had to say. This year, we heard from Professor Eleanor Stride, Professor Elspeth Garman, and DPhil candidate Mr Kit Gallagher, all of whom are equipped with impressive academic backgrounds.
The first speaker was Professor Eleanor Stride of the Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics. Eleanor is involved in Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, and delved into the problem of increased antibiotic resistance and the challenges this is causing. She stated that by 2050 this antimicrobial resistance will kill more people than cancer. Though this seemed awfully perturbing, she reassured us that all is not lost. She explained that she and her team at Oxford University are working on a solution, a design for a new type of antibacterial drug which encapsulates antibiotics inside microscopic bubbles. Activated by ultrasound waves, these bubbles release high doses of the antibiotics at the site of infection, reducing the harmful side effects associated with antibiotics, and, most saliently, reducing antibiotic resistance. Eleanor’s talk was enlightening and revealed the nature of antibiotics and the measures that are being taken to prevent further development in antimicrobial resistance.
The second speaker was Max Perutz prize-winner Professor Elspeth Garman from the Department of Biochemistry. I was impressed to learn that she is also the namesake of the ‘Garman Limit’ which is a parameter for the maximum X-ray dose of a cryocooled protein crystal. Elspeth discussed the basic structure of viruses, focusing mainly on influenza but also exploring the bird flu, swine flu, and HIV. She shared that she had embarked on a trip to the Great Barrier Reef during which she tested bird excrement for the presence of the influenza virus. She went on to describe her efforts to combat influenza through drug design, specifically through the crystallography, which involves a high-resolution microscopy that enables scientists to examine RNA at an atomic level. Elspeth’s insights made for a brilliantly compelling presentation.
The third and final speaker, Kit Gallagher, is a member of the Mathematical Institute and the Moffitt Cancer Center. Kit expounded upon the efficacy of modern cancer treatments, using agricultural practices to further this concept of biological resistance. Drawing from historical developments and his own research as a DPhil candidate, Kit explained how we can use machine learning frameworks (AI) to predict the growth of multiple cell growth populations. This can allow patients’ lifespans to be extended and gives them time out of chemotherapy. He also explained how AI can predict how patients may respond to a treatment, helping to introduce methods for personalised treatment plans. Although a complex topic, Kit explained his team’s work on cancer treatment with clarity, using modern-day references, graphs, paradigms, and more to develop our interest and understanding.
Dr Narajos then welcomed all three speakers back to the stage for a discussion pertaining to the subjects they each studied, ranging from philosophy to chemistry, from Latin to art, sharing their respective educational journeys. They all affirmed that science is not limited to one field, showing the value of scientists with diverse and interdisciplinary subject backgrounds. The pupils from the Teddies and the partnership schools felt incredibly privileged to have had the opportunity to listen to such inspirational scientists, and we will remember all we learned that day.’