Bethan Davies

MBio Biomedical Science, 2017

Programme Manager

What is your current job or area of study? Please give a brief description of what this entails.

I am a Programme Manager at the UKRI Medical Research Council (MRC). I support researchers looking for scientific funding in the application and awarding process. I also help the MRC identify and develop their research strategy and portfolio.

Why did you choose your degree subject and why did you choose Warwick?

I've always been fascinated by human biology; how things work under normal and diseased conditions and particularly by the mechanics and minutiae. So I was pleased that I could study biomedical science at a higher level. I chose Warwick because it felt such a homely campus and supportive environment and, at the time, it didn't require A-Level Chemistry (which I didn't have).

Tell us about your favourite memory of your degree

I really enjoyed participating in the summer research scheme (URSS) which supported me in a research placement in Brazil. I also particularly enjoyed my engaging lectures which left me feeling incredibly proud and privileged that I had the opportunity to learn about the human body in such detail.

How did you fill your time outside of your studies?

I was a Student Ambassador and was also the Steel Pans Coordinator at the Drumming Society. Aside from this, I enjoyed the rock night 'Crash' at the SU and film & game nights with my housemates.

Tell us about what happened after graduation. How did you get to your current role?

Leading on from my MBio industrial placements, I did a PhD in bone biology in London. I took time off to recover after open heart surgery and then did a postdoc in Leuven, Belgium. I really enjoyed research but struggled with the physical demands after my surgery so had to pivot into a new role.

I wanted a role that meant I was abreast of research and science whilst also applying my people skills. My role as a Programme Manager within the Medical Research Council enables this.

What’s your proudest achievement so far?

My proudest achievement was spearheading and developing a research project within my PhD that reduced analysis time by 80%. This work showed me that I can come up with ideas, test and develop them and produce an outcome in the form of a published paper and a resource that can be used by the wider research field.

How did your time at Warwick prepare you for life after university? Did you learn any valuable skills? How were you supported?

I was encouraged to keep asking questions and follow my nose. I was able to conduct research projects in academic labs over the summer periods which helped me gain skills and experience in a research environment. I took part in the Undergraduate Research Support Scheme for which I co-wrote a grant application, I asked lecturers questions after their lectures and was met with enthusiasm.

What are your top tips for someone considering a degree at Warwick?

Look at the modules on offer and decide whether they are of interest to you. Enquire about what alumni have gone on to do. Try and evaluate whether you are doing the subject because you want to.

What’s one piece of advice you wish you would have had when starting your degree?

Just because your study techniques worked during your A-Levels, doesn't mean that they'll work during the degree. Reach out to academic and disability services for support. I found out I had dyslexia at the end of my second year and received tutoring during my final year, which allowed me to approach my finals with the right strategies and support to succeed.