At the event, Professor Homer-Vanniasinkam spoke about how the idea for the programme came when she suggested to a student that he continued to work with her on a research project over the summer, but he initially declined as he needed to find paid work.

Now, through the scholarship, Heart Research UK can fund two outstanding undergraduate medical students each year, giving them the opportunity to be involved in research projects and helping them become the experts of tomorrow.

Also speaking at the event was Sumayyah Ishfaq, who was one of the two who received the EXSEL Scholarship in 2022. She talked about how the programme has impacted her belief in her own abilities and achievements.

She said:

I didn’t have published research experiences or many of the things I associated with excellence. […] I wasn’t sure what my journey through EXSEL was going to entail, and under all the smiling, this thought of excellence, quite honestly, terrified me.

“My research project taught me a lot about the scientific research process. I developed my skills in analysis, abstract creation and much more.”

After thanking her supervisor and mentors at the University of Leeds, Sumayyah said:

I owe most gratitude to Heart Research UK, whose generosity has made my pursuit for excellence a possibility. Your kindness and donations have been pivotal for me academically, and personally, but also for many along the way.”

Prof Homer and Dr Howell

Wiktoria Ozarek and Sumayyah Ishfaq