Lizzie Slack
Though the Wellcome Trust’s mission is to foster and promote biomedical research, this encompasses both human and animal health.
The Trust supports a range of activities designed to encourage veterinarians to take up research careers. Many of its fellowships, at all levels, are open to veterinary-trained researchers, and there are also three dedicated fellowship schemes for veterinary graduates and postdoctoral researchers.
Lizzie Slack from the Royal Veterinary College has just started an Integrated Training Fellowship for Veterinarians. I spoke to her about veterinary science and her experiences so far on the programme.
Why did you originally choose to study veterinary science?
A lot of vets have their heart set on the career from an early age, however I was slightly different.
As I approached the end of my schooling I was quite uncertain of which path to take. I enjoyed studying science and found I had an aptitude for it, but I thought an applied rather than a pure science would give a broader education and open more opportunities. I have always loved animals, and thought the chance to learn more about them and their inner workings would be fascinating. I also believed that improving animal wellbeing, helping clients and looking after the health of animals would be fulfilling. Finally, I was attracted by the future security offered by a professional/vocational degree.
What attracted you to the research fellowship?
At veterinary school I found that the aspects of veterinary science that originally attracted me to the profession did not disappoint me. However, in the pre-clinical years I was captivated by basic animal science and pathology. I decided to delve deeper into this by intercalating in veterinary pathology, and this is when I was first exposed to research. I absolutely loved contributing to furthering knowledge, and being at the forefront of understanding is exciting. I also enjoyed ‘nurturing’ my project and seeing it grow into useful results.
After that, I seized every opportunity for research, participating in summer projects and the Cornell University summer school. All my experiences confirmed that a career in research is absolutely for me. I think that vets in research bring a different outlook and a different set of skills to the table, and an integrated fellowship seemed the perfect way to capitalise on this. This way, I can combine a fantastic research project with further training in pathology, which I hope will eventually allow me to be a leader in the field of animal disease models.
What will you be investigating during your fellowship?
My project plan is to investigate the role of the signalling molecules PI3-kinases in the regulatory T-cells of the immune system. Although preventing and clearing disease is important, the immune system’s responses must be carefully balanced since over-activity can be harmful. ‘Tregs’ are cells that control the balance, and the PI3-kinases help instruct Tregs to do this. There are different types of PI3-kinases, but the role of each in regulating the immune system is uncertain. Understanding the effect of PI3-Kinases on Tregs could advance the development of drugs that manipulate the immune system to help treat conditions such as cancer, infections and transplant rejection. My project is investigating the significance of three PI3-kinases – p110alpha, p110delta and Vps34 – in the function of Tregs in mice.
Why did you choose this topic?
In its simplest terms, my topic encompasses aspects of immunology and cell signalling. Throughout my veterinary education, I have always had a particular passion for immunology. With huge diversity in its components and dynamics, manipulation of the immune system offers innumerable opportunities for disease modulation in veterinary species and in humans. Signalling is similarly intriguing to me. Its role between and within cells is fundamental to integrating the biochemical functions of cells with those of tissues, organs and whole animals. I find these concepts fascinating and would be thrilled to solve a piece of this sophisticated puzzle.
Why do you think that veterinary research is so important?
Veterinary research aims to answer questions relating to animal health, welfare and productivity. These factors are intrinsically linked, and an advance in one area often has knock-on or even synergistic improvements in the others. A society of happy, healthy, animals is beneficial both to the animals themselves and to those involved in their lifestyle, husbandry and production.
Also, both basic and clinical research in veterinary science has the potential to directly benefit human medicine through development of understanding and novel therapeutics. Indirectly, improvement in the health of animals can lead to a similar improvement in man via changes in the environment and food production.
Why should veterinarians consider a research career?
Everything I’ve said gives a good indication of how a career in veterinary research can be tremendously fulfilling. Additionally, research provides the opportunity to be constantly challenged and to think in a different, refreshing way. Getting high-quality results and realising you have found something totally new gives a real thrill, and working in an academic environment is actually a lot of fun.
Finally, I like to consider the ‘impact’ a vet can make during her career: treating the individual animal feels great, but finding a way to help a whole host of animals, and even humans, has to be the ultimate aspiration.
Find out more about the Wellcome Trust’s Veterinary Research Fellowships.
Ailbhe Goodbody
Filed under: Animal Health, Biomedical Sciences, Fellowships Tagged: Lizzie Slack, Royal Veterinary College, Veterinary science, Vets, Wellcome Trust Integrated Training Fellowship for Veterinarians
