The science behind medical research has been thrust into the spotlight throughout this year. While a unified response to the covid-19 pandemic has resulted in the collaboration of governments, scientists and researchers around the world, many labs have continued to work on critical research that delivers hope to so many people suffering from life changing conditions.
While my nephew Jack was studying in Australia a few years ago, our family would receive regular updates on the progress being made as part of his medical research team in Sydney. Now back in Scotland Jack is at the forefront of the advances being made in Genetics and Molecular Medicine at Edinburgh university. I caught up with him to see how the researchers have had to adapt during the prolonged restrictions and what has kept him motivated during this time.
Q. How has the pandemic affected medical research & how it will be funded in future - has any focus shifted from your research to Covid?
A. For us, we need to be in the lab. Being a scientist is about as 'hands-on' as you can get so the lockdown was really tough. The university and independent funding bodies allow us to do our research and they have supported us during this period and going forward. It was heartening to see such a fantastic response from scientists at the institute and across the university who put their names forward to help out with Covid testing. A number of labs were repurposed to increase the testing capacity in Scotland, which is a testament to the versatility of the labs and the drive of the scientific community to make a difference and do our part.
Q. How have you been keeping busy away from the lab?
A. We maintained the structure of the 'working week' with regular group and individual meetings, as well as seminars (all virtually, of course). There was plenty of data to analyse and we wrote a review, which has just recently been accepted for publication! So we kept busy, for sure. Away from the lab, I managed to keep fit with regular exercise and intermittent periods of healthy eating! Trying to keep as active as possible was really important.
Q. What has been your biggest challenge?
A. Not being able to be in the same room as my family, celebrate birthdays or look forward to seeing them on a weekend has been really hard.
Q. Where have you found strength at difficult times?
A. Myself and my partner, Alicia have gotten each other through the lockdown and subsequent restrictions. We've been a solid unit, which has given me all the strength I need.
Q. If you could go back to March & give yourself some advice - what would it be?
A. Don't watch the news so often.
Q. What have you learned about yourself?
A. I think the same as many people, that we can go through something like this and keep on moving. Resilience, I'd say.
Q. Did you pick up any new skills?
A. I tried to pick up the guitar and re-teach myself. It didn't last long. I think my conversational skills have dwindled but I hope that'll sort itself out.
Q. What have you missed most?
A. I've missed the football. It might not sound like the most important thing but, for me, it's everything that comes with it. Catching up with friends and family at the stadium and pulling the match apart over a couple of beers afterwards.
Q. What will be the biggest challenge facing medical research when we start to move out of lockdown?
A. Other than finding a 'cure' for the virus? I would say holding onto good scientists through tough times. It is and will be a struggle across the board, in all industries and disciplines but the biggest challenge has to be keeping people employed. People's livelihoods are the most important thing.
