Sanger Institute researcher becomes Suffrage Science awardee
Professor Zeggini’s research in the analytical genomics of complex traits aims to identify the genetic determinants of complex traits using large-scale association studies.
“Ele is a world leader in analytical genomics, and has been instrumental in inspiring new workplace policies through the Sex in Science programme. She is a perfect recipient of this award. Receiving the heirloom two years ago from Professor Dame Janet Thornton was a proud moment in my career and I am pleased to be able to pass it on to Ele.”
Dr Sarah Teichmann A Senior Group Leader at the Sanger Institute and a Group Leader at the EMBL-European Bioinformatics Institute
In addition to her scientific research, Professor Zeggini is also founder of the Sex in Science programme at the Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, where the Sanger Institute is based. This group works to raise awareness of and remove the barriers to progress that women traditionally face in their scientific careers. She has also been instrumental in gaining Athena SWAN Bronze Award status for the Sanger Institute, which recognises the organisation’s commitment to redress gender imbalance.
“I am honoured to receive this recognition and to be custodian of this stunning piece of heirloom jewellery and the accolade it represents.”
Professor Ele Zeggini Faculty member of the Sanger Institute
The annual Suffrage Science event, which is organised by the Medical Research Council’s Clinical Sciences Centre and supported by L’Oréal UK and Ireland, champions women in science, encouraging women to strive for leading roles in today’s scientific arena. The event was hosted by science journalist and BBC broadcaster Vivienne Parry, who gave last year’s recipients of the heirloom jewellery and this year’s awardees the opportunity to nominate their most inspiring female scientist of all time.
Previous recipients of the heirloom include former Sanger Institute researcher, Dr Elizabeth Murchison, current Sanger Institute Faculty member, Dr Nicole Soranzo, EMBL-European Informatics Institute (EBI) Director, Professor Dame Janet Thornton, and joint EBI and Sanger Institute Group Leader, Dr Sarah Teichmann.
The bespoke heirlooms awarded to this year’s leading women scientists will be passed on in 2016 in a bid to encourage more women to pursue leadership roles in science.
More information
Selected websites
Sex in Science
The Sex in Science programme is a joint initiative of the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute and the EMBL-European Bioinformatics Institute (EBI) that aims to generate discussion and raise awareness about issues traditionally facing women in science, and to drive policy and practice changes to redress them. This year the Sanger Institute became one of the first research institutes to receive an Athena SWAN Bronze Award.
The Medical Research Council Clinical Sciences Centre
The Medical Research Council Clinical Sciences Centre (MRC CSC) aims to be at the forefront of innovative biomedical research and, in partnership with Imperial College London and others, to promote the translation of its research for maximal benefit. The institute trains and mentors the next generation of clinical and non-clinical scientists and strives to enhance the public’s interest, understanding and trust in science. The MRC CSC organises the annual Suffrage Science event.
The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute
The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute is one of the world’s leading genome centres. Through its ability to conduct research at scale, it is able to engage in bold and long-term exploratory projects that are designed to influence and empower medical science globally. Institute research findings, generated through its own research programmes and through its leading role in international consortia, are being used to develop new diagnostics and treatments for human disease.
The Wellcome Trust
The Wellcome Trust is a global charitable foundation dedicated to achieving extraordinary improvements in human and animal health. We support the brightest minds in biomedical research and the medical humanities. Our breadth of support includes public engagement, education and the application of research to improve health. We are independent of both political and commercial interests.
