Doctoral training schemes and a Team Science approach

Jeanette Woolard

Director of COMPARE

Abstract

Jeanette will introduce the Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE) and activities at the University of Nottingham aiming to promote Team Science: an initiative that focuses on creating a culture of collaboration, developing cross-institutional and multidisciplinary interactions, recognising the contribution of early-career researchers, and developing the careers of those who may be considered ‘outside’ the PI track. This Team Science approach has been well received by the Academy of Medical Sciences and the Royal Society in the UK, and by the European Laboratory Research and Innovation Group (ELRIG). Jeanette will then discuss the implementation of Team Science in the Wellcome Trust Doctoral Training Programme within a competitive academic environment. Jeanette will highlight some successes and consider the future challenges associated with this change in culture.

Biography

Jeanette Woolard is Professor of Cardiovascular Physiology and Pharmacology and Director of the Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE) at the University of Nottingham, UK. Her work has focused on elucidating the molecular pharmacology of growth factors involved in blood vessel growth during tumour development, where she has been involved in developing novel approaches to monitor ligand–receptor interactions. Prof Woolard has secured major external research grants for her lab, developed collaborative links with industry, and established international collaborations with research groups in Europe, the USA, and Australia. Jeanette is PI on a recently awarded £4.5 million Wellcome Trust grant to fund a four-year PhD programme on ‘Drug Discovery and Team Science’, and she is the University of Nottingham lead on a European Commission grant, funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, ITN INSPIRE: (INnovation in Safety Pharmacology for Integrated cardiovascular safety assessment to REduce adverse events and late stage drug attrition).