VOLUME 2 - ISSUE 4 - DAPHNE JACKSON TRUST

Tapping the talent pool for more qualified pharmacologists and bioscientists
The need to access the UK talent pool and get more scientifically trained graduates into science careers and, equally important, to keep them there, is being constantly highlighted by the media and in government reports. One major loss of talent and knowledge is when scientists (usually women) take career breaks for family reasons and then find it difficult to get back onto the career ladder due to changing technology, progressing research and loss of self confidence.

The late Daphne Jackson, Britain’s first woman professor of physics set up a Fellowship Scheme to help stem this waste of talent. After her death in 1991, the Daphne Jackson Trust was established to carry on her work. The Trust arranges flexible research fellowships throughout the UK to return women and men to careers in industry and academia. Suitably qualified individuals carry out a 1-2 year structured technical programme aimed at restoring skills and confidence. Support and funding come from the Daphne Jackson Trust, Funding Councils and company sponsorship.

So far, the Trust has awarded over 125 Fellowships held primarily at Universities throughout the UK, and is now extending the scheme to encourage more Fellowships to be carried out in industry. Jo Turner, who completed her Fellowship at Pfizer Ltd. in Discovery Biology  in 2003, spoke with great enthusiasm about her experience:

“The Daphne Jackson Fellowship has given me one of the greatest opportunities of my professional life. It has allowed me to prove to myself and others that I can still do a good job and have excellent skills to offer. The real, strong, confident Jo is back.”

If you would like more information about the opportunities for hosts and sponsors, or are an individual wanting to return to a scientific career, please contact the Daphne Jackson Trust, based at the University of Surrey on 01483 689166, e-mail or visit their web site

Val Alabaster
Industrial Advisor
Daphne Jackson Trust