Student becomes first recipient of unique Strathclyde degree with GSK

University of Strathclyde GSK graduate Suzanne Davies

A student has become the first to graduate from a landmark research programme run by the University of Strathclyde in collaboration with pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline.

University of Strathclyde GSK graduate Suzanne Davies

Suzanne Davies, who works in GSK Stevenage’s process chemistry division, was awarded an MPhil degree yesterday, offered as part of the unique collaboration between the company and Strathclyde.

Suzanne, who joined GSK in 2005, recalled her keenness to undertake the MPhil – and told how she believes it will benefit her career, and her employer, in the long term. She said: “I heard about the MPhil programme from my line manager and it was immediately clear that this would be a fantastic opportunity for the continuation of my personal development at GSK.

“In addition to the chance to improve key skills such as communication, the potential for collaboration with academia was a notable bonus. As a result of the programme, I have expanded my knowledge of organic chemistry, visited the University of Strathclyde to speak to PhD students about process chemistry, and enhanced many transferrable skills.

“Most importantly, I have gained a qualification from a respected academic establishment, which will be recognised across the chemical industry. Looking forward, I intend to continue to learn and develop myself throughout my career at GSK by seeking out new opportunities. The application of the skills I obtained during the MPhil programme will also directly contribute to the development of new medicines for GSK’s portfolio.”

The University and GSK have created a unique, bespoke framework for collaborative research degree programmes – and jointly set up a Postgraduate Doctoral Training Centre, based at Strathclyde – which enables the firm’s employees and other hosted researchers, working in drug discovery and development, to obtain MPhil and PhD research degrees through their work-based projects.

Programme Director Professor William Kerr, of Strathclyde’s Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry – who acted as Suzanne’s academic supervisor – said: “This programme facilitates and catalyses the performance and delivery of industrially-focused collaborative research. The expertise in core chemistry of our academic supervisors complement the skills within GSK and the flow of ideas broaden thinking and practice on both sides to enhance and accelerate drug discovery processes.

“At Strathclyde we have strong, mutually-beneficial links with industry and this programme with GSK is an ideal example of this. Additionally, this provides further evidence of Strathclyde’s growing status as an internationally-leading technological university.”

Fellow Programme Director Dr Harry Kelly, Chemistry Operations Manager at GSK Stevenage, said: “We are delighted to partner with the University of Strathclyde on this initiative, which is unique within the UK and is now producing leading higher research degree graduates.

“Through this partnership, our chemists working on their drug discovery programs benefit from being exposed to alternative research strategies and methods from the University of Strathclyde academics, whilst being co-supervised by a member of GSK staff who is experienced in drug discovery or drug development. In this way, both GSK and the university gain from the knowledge exchange between higher education and industry, and GSK have more motivated chemists striving for greater scientific excellence in their drug discovery research.”