Endowed by Dr. John O’Shea, Co-Founding Faculty Member and Long-time Supporter of the NIH Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program
We are thrilled to announce Asmay Gharia as the recipient of the 2024 John and Alice O’Shea Innovation Award for Novel Solutions in Biology or Medicine. This esteemed award recognizes groundbreaking discoveries that utilize new or unusual methods, paradigms, or approaches to solve critical problems in biology or medicine.
About the Award
Commencing in 2023, the John and Alice O’Shea Innovation Award has been endowed by Dr. John O’Shea, the Scientific Director of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. This award honors discoveries of unusual importance, application, or magnitude that make significant contributions to the fields of biology or medicine through innovative approaches.
Meet the Winner: Asmay Gharia
Asmay Gharia has invented a groundbreaking method for cellular electroporation with the potential to revolutionize the field of biomedical science. His innovative work has already attracted significant interest and acclaim within the scientific community.
Key Achievements:
Innovative Method: Asmay has developed a novel technique for cellular electroporation that promises to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of gene modification.
Industry Interest: A global leader in electroporation technology has expressed interest in licensing Asmay’s groundbreaking technology.
Published Research: A manuscript detailing his work has been favorably reviewed by Science Advances, highlighting the significant impact of his research.
Cancer Therapy Applications: Asmay aimed to develop a technique to more easily modify macrophages for cancer therapy applications. He successfully created a device that demonstrates efficient CRISPR-based gene perturbation in macrophage cell models and consistent primary cell transfection.
Macrophage Polarization: His research has shown that specific gene perturbations using his device can induce pro-inflammatory or immunosuppressive macrophage polarization states in an in vitro tumor model, demonstrating its potential for advancing cancer therapies.
Asmay shared, “It is an incredible honor to receive the John and Alice O’Shea Innovation Award in recognition of my research in high-efficiency bioelectronic cell-engineering systems. My long-standing goal has been, and continues to be, reshaping manufacturing of personalized therapies to accelerate their development and promote accessibility. I would not have been able to pursue this dream without the opportunities provided to me through the NIH OxCam Program and could not have done this without the wisdom, guidance, and support of my supervisors Drs. Iain Fraser and George Malliaras.”
Recognizing Excellence
IBRA and the NIH Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program extend heartfelt congratulations to Asmay Gharia for his remarkable achievements. His innovative contributions to cellular electroporation and cancer therapy applications make him a deserving recipient of the John and Alice O’Shea Innovation Award for Novel Solutions in Biology or Medicine.
We also commend the other nominees, Dalton Hermans, Henry Taylor, Jacob Gordon, Shreya Chappidi, Tung Nguyen, and Zoe Wong, for their exceptional contributions to the field of biology and medicine.
Stay tuned for more updates and news on groundbreaking research from the NIH Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program. For more information on Asmay Gharia’s work and the John and Alice O’Shea Innovation Award, please visit our website.
Endowed by Dr. Richard Siegel, Co-Founder and long-time Director of the NIH Oxford-Cambridge Scholars MD/PhD Program, and his wife, Vera Siegel.
We are proud to announce Sooraj Achar as the recipient of the 2024 Dr. Richard and Vera Siegel Translational Award for Advances in Medical Science. This prestigious award recognizes outstanding contributions in the field of medical science that translate fundamental discoveries from the bench to the bedside.
About the Award
The Translational Award for Advances in Medical Science, endowed by Dr. Richard Siegel and his wife, Vera Siegel, honors researchers who have made significant strides in bridging the gap between basic research and clinical application. This award celebrates advancements that have the potential to improve patient care and treatment outcomes.
Meet the Winner: Sooraj Achar
Sooraj Achar’s innovative work in the lab has led to remarkable advancements in the field of medical science. His contributions exemplify the essence of translational research, moving groundbreaking discoveries from the laboratory to clinical applications.
Advanced Research: Building on this success, Sooraj investigated the crosstalk between the endogenous T cell receptor (TCR) and the chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) in CAR-T cells. His research explored how TCR signals can be leveraged to enhance the specificity of CAR-T cells by engineering signal antagonism when interacting with self-tissues and synergism when targeting neo-antigens.
Collaborative Effort: Sooraj’s research is characterized by its comprehensive, highly collaborative, and translational nature, making significant contributions to the field of immunotherapy and cancer treatment.
Sooraj commented, “I am honored to have been awarded the Dr. Richard and Vera Siegel Translational Award at the 2024 NIH Global Doctoral Partnerships Annual Workshop Awards Ceremony for my work on improving the precision of cancer immunotherapy. I would like to thank my mentors Dr. Gregoire Altan-Bonnet at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and Prof. Michael Dustin at Oxford University, as well as my collaborators at the University of Montreal and the Pediatric Oncology Branch at the NCI, for their efforts in helping translate our biological discovery of T cell receptor mediated inhibition of chimeric antigen receptor activation into a commercially viable method of reducing off-target toxicity of healthy tissue during immunotherapy. It has been immensely gratifying to be able to work on a project that draws upon fundamental advances in theoretical and basic science to design more effective clinical therapeutics, and I firmly believe that this interdisciplinary, collaborative model of conducting research represents the future of biomedical science.”
Recognizing Excellence
IBRA and the NIH Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program extend heartfelt congratulations to Sooraj Achar for his outstanding achievements. His dedication to advancing medical science and his innovative contributions make him a deserving recipient of the Translational Award for Advances in Medical Science.
We also commend the other nominees, Asmay Gharia, Dalton Hermans, James Anibal, Jasmine Mack, Stanley Fayn, and Zoe Wong, for their exceptional contributions to the field of medical science.
Stay tuned for more updates and news on groundbreaking research from the NIH Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program. For more information on Sooraj Achar’s work and the Dr. Richard and Vera Siegel Translational Award for Advances in Medical Science, please visit our website.
The 2024 NIH Global Doctoral Partnerships Research Colloquium, hosted by the International Biomedical Research Alliance and the NIH Oxford-Cambridge (OxCam) Scholars Program, from July 15-18 at the Washington College of Law, American University, Washington DC, was a landmark event for the biomedical research community. This year’s Colloquium brought together Scholars, Alumni, faculty mentors, Board Directors, and industry leaders for a week of engaging presentations, keynote talks, and networking opportunities.
The event commenced with Dr. Lyric Jorgenson, PhD, and staff from the NIH Office of Science Policy, who delivered an insightful Science Policy Address. Following this talk, Poorva Jain and NIH OxCam Scientific Director Mary Dasso, PhD, welcome guests and emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation in biomedical research. Following the introductions, Research!America’s Jenny Luray, a leading voice in science policy, delivered an inspiring keynote address that highlighted the intersection of research, policy, and public health. The first day also featured Class of 2024 introductions and 2022 Scholar Oral Presentations on Immunology and Cancer. The day concluded with a Research Participants Perspectives Panel featuring NIH investigators, study participants, and family members of patients.
On the second day, the Class of 2023 opened the session with the three-minute thesis, with Scholar Jessica Phan being recognized for the best thesis talk. Ana Penman-Aguilar, PhD, MPH, and Keisha Ray, PhD, led a thought-provoking session on diversity, equity, and inclusion in biomedical research. This was followed by town hall discussions and poster sessions, where attendees explored innovative research presented by the Class of 2022. Scholar Stanley Fayn was named the best poster presentation winner. These sessions provided a platform for in-depth discussions and networking among participants.
The third day continued with Oral Presentations by the Class of 2022 with the topics of Cancer and Neuroscience as well as Computational Biology. Scholars Henry Taylor and Cristina Contreras Burrola were recognized for their outstanding presentations.
An alumni panel, featuring distinguished Alumni Jeanette Beaudry, MD/DPhil, Ryan Harrison, DPhil, Tamara Litwin, PhD, MPH, and Geoffrey Lynn, MD/DPhil (who recently joined the IBRA Board of Directors) shared their career journeys and insights with current Scholars. The day concluded with an elegant awards gala, where Michael Lenardo, MD, and Peter Marks, MD, PhD, delivered closing remarks, celebrating the achievements of the biomedical community.
Throughout the Colloquium, attendees had numerous opportunities for networking, skill development, and exploring career pathways. The event not only showcased the remarkable work of young researchers but also reinforced the importance of collaboration and community in driving scientific progress.
For more information about the event and upcoming activities, please contact Alexandra Ambrico at ajambrico@biomedalliance.org.
The International Biomedical Research Alliance invited esteemed guests to University College London (UCL) to commemorate the eminent achievements of our 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, Professor Jonathan Roiser.
Event Highlights:
Attendees had the opportunity to engage in a guided tour of UCL, offering a fascinating glimpse into the institution’s rich history and innovative endeavors. This event brought together alumni, faculty, and notable guests alike. Following the tour, attendees partook in a delightful lunch, fostering camaraderie and networking opportunities.
About Professor Jonathan Roiser:
Professor Jonathan Roiser stands as a beacon of excellence, exemplifying the transformative impact of interdisciplinary research and academic pursuit. Graduating as the first Scholar from the University of Cambridge arm of the NIH Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program in 2005, Professor Roiser’s journey has been marked by profound dedication and groundbreaking contributions to the field of neuroscience.
Under the mentorship of Prof. Barbara Sahakian and Dr. Wayne Drevets, Professor Roiser embarked on a pioneering exploration into the neurobiological underpinnings of emotion processing in depression. His groundbreaking psychopharmacological neuroimaging experiment paved the way for a deeper understanding of serotonin modulation in the brain, charting new pathways for innovative treatments.
Following his graduation, Professor Roiser embarked on a post-doctoral position at the Wellcome Trust Centre for Neuroimaging at University College London (UCL). Guided by world-renowned experts in neuroimaging, Professor Roiser swiftly ascended to a faculty position at the UCL Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, where he established the Neuroscience and Mental Health group—a testament to his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence.
In 2013, Professor Roiser’s pioneering contributions were further recognized when he became the youngest ever Wellcome Trust Senior Investigator, receiving a £1 million grant to spearhead extensive research programs focused on motivational dysfunction in depression and innovative treatment modalities. His groundbreaking work in computational psychiatry has cemented his status as a global leader in the field of biological psychiatry, shaping the trajectory of research and innovation for generations to come.
Professor Roiser’s enduring legacy extends beyond his research endeavors, as he continues to mentor and inspire future generations of scholars. His instrumental role in founding and directing two prestigious PhD programs—the UCL-NIMH Joint Doctoral Training Program in Neuroscience and the UCL-Wellcome 4-year PhD in Mental Health Science—underscores his unwavering commitment to nurturing the next wave of scientific innovators.
Join Us:
Join us in celebrating the remarkable achievements of Professor Jonathan Roiser—an exemplary scholar, visionary leader, and tireless advocate for scientific excellence. Together, let us honor his legacy and chart new pathways toward a future defined by innovation, collaboration, and discovery.
In an era defined by rapid advancements in biomedical research and innovation, cultivating the next generation of scientific leaders has never been more crucial. Recognizing this imperative, we designed a Career Development and Exploration Initiative for the NIH Oxford-Cambridge, Gates-Cambridge, and Rhodes Scholars to AstraZeneca. This Initiative aimed to empower Scholars to showcase their research, foster interdisciplinary collaborations, and chart bold new pathways in biomedical research and industry.
A Day of Insight and Inspiration:
Against the backdrop of AstraZeneca’s state-of-the-art facilities in Cambridge, UK, eleven exceptional Scholars embarked on an engaging journey of exploration and enlightenment. Dr. Richard Goodwin, Principal Scientist & Mass Spectrometry Imaging Lead at AstraZeneca, set the tone with an illuminating overview of the company’s mission, values, and pioneering initiatives. As the Scholars absorbed his insights, their anticipation for the day’s events grew.
The highlight of the morning was a mesmerizing tour of the Discovery Centre (DISC), where Scholars were immersed in a world of scientific wonder. Led by alumna and IBRA Alumni Director Dr. Coralie Viollet and Dr. Andreas Dannhorn, the tour offered a firsthand look at AstraZeneca’s innovative research efforts.
Following a luncheon, the Scholars took center stage, showcasing their research prowess through captivating presentations. Each Scholar’s project offered a unique window into the vast landscape of biomedical inquiry, underscoring the depth and diversity of talent within the NIH Oxford-Cambridge, Gates-Cambridge, and Rhodes Scholars Programs.
As the day progressed, Scholars delved into the realm of postdoctoral opportunities, guided by esteemed professionals whose personal anecdotes and sage advice illuminated the path forward. The afternoon session culminated in a riveting discussion featuring AstraZeneca’s Early Career Scientists, who shared their invaluable insights and firsthand experiences, inspiring Scholars to pursue their aspirations with vigor and determination.
Fostering Connections and Collaboration:
Scholars seized the opportunity to forge meaningful connections during a vibrant networking session. Bonds were forged, ideas were exchanged, and aspirations were nurtured, laying the groundwork for future collaborations and partnerships.
As the day drew to a close, Scholars departed AstraZeneca feeling inspired and hopeful about the possibilities ahead. The transformative experiences of the day served as catalysts for growth and exploration, propelling Scholars toward a future defined by innovation, collaboration, and scientific excellence.
Charting a Course for the Future:
The collaboration between IBRA, the Scholars and AstraZeneca signifies a significant advancement in the field of biomedical research with academia, nonprofits, and industry. Through immersive experiences, insightful discussions, and valuable networking opportunities, Scholars are equipped to realize their full potential and undertake meaningful journeys of discovery. This partnership lays the groundwork for future advancements in biomedical innovation. With a strong commitment to excellence, today’s Scholars are well-positioned to contribute to scientific progress and shape the future of the industry.
For Further Information:
For further information about the Career Development and Exploration Initiative or upcoming events, please visit our website or contact our Director of Communication, Education, and Professional Development, Alexandra Ambrico, directly at ajambrico@biomedalliance.org. Together, let us continue to explore new horizons and redefine the boundaries of possibility in biomedical research and industry.
