A BUDDING biologist from Highworth has been praised for his pioneering approach to molecular research.

At an event held at the Royal College of Surgeons Oxford University PHD student Nicholas Pearce was awarded second runner-up prize for his work using X-ray crystallography to streamline the drug development process by enabling researchers to identify weak molecules and discount them early.

The event, held by biopharmaceutical company UCB, was held to promote collaboration between leading universities in the UK and the wider industry, allowing them to share best practice and world class skills training for the next generation of science leaders.

The UCB networking day gives PhD students the chance to meet with and learn from both their peers and world leading academics.

Each student had the chance to present their research project, which is hoped will equip them with vital presentation and communication skills.

“I’m delighted to have been shortlisted and to have had the opportunity to present my research in front of my peers and my industrial advisers,” said Nicholas.

“Having the input from UCB has been really useful for guiding my research and for providing real-life data sets that would normally be unavailable to me.

“The networking day has also been extremely valuable for strengthening my career prospects by allowing me to meet researchers in related fields and to expand my professional network. ”