Dr Marian Burr

DR MARIAN BURR

Cellular Pathology, Awarded Gold Trainee Specialty Research Medal, 2014

My first introduction to laboratory-based research was through undertaking a BMedSci whilst studying medicine at the University of Nottingham and my subsequent training in general medicine and histopathology reinforced the importance of understanding biological mechanisms of disease to advance patient care.

In 2009 I was awarded an NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre Research Training Fellowship, providing access to the wealth of research opportunities available at the University of Cambridge.

A career in academic pathology is both exciting and rewarding and provides the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the diagnosis and treatment of disease.

During my PhD I identified the ubiquitin ligase complex regulating the ER-associated degradation of MHC class I molecules and was able to continue this research as an Academic Clinical Fellow in histopathology. I am delighted that this work has been recognised by The Royal College of Pathologists Gold Research Medal.

My PhD provided an exceptional training in biochemistry and cell and molecular biology and I plan to apply these skills in my future research to understand the molecular mechanisms of acute myeloid leukaemia stem cell self-renewal, which will be supported by a recently awarded Cancer Research UK Clinician Scientist Fellowship.

Whilst balancing the commitments of research and histopathology, training can be challenging. A career in academic pathology is both exciting and rewarding and provides the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the diagnosis and treatment of disease.