Professor Lord Robert Winston has visited the Pears Cumbrian School of Medicine.
The school has just been given a gift from the Angela Pattman Scholarship Trust, administered by the Genesis Research Trust, founded by Lord Winston.
The support will help overcome financial barriers, ensuring that aspiring and talented individuals have the opportunity to pursue a career in medicine.
During his recent visit to the school, based at University of Cumbria, the celebrated scientist, author and broadcaster Lord Winston enjoyed a campus tour and an interactive session with local schoolchildren and university leaders.
Lord Winston toured the university’s medical and science facilities and participated in a lively discussion with students from Carlisle’s St John Henry Newman Catholic School where the peer shared insights on science, curiosity, and the importance of medical education.
The school’s involvement was facilitated by Hello Future, a University of Cumbria-led partnership of 16 education and skills organisations from Cumbria and Lancashire that offers impartial support, activities and advice to 11-18 year olds in the county about higher education and skills
Lord Winston is Professor of Science and Society and Emeritus Professor of Fertility Studies at Imperial College London, the world-leading university partnering with University of Cumbria to jointly create the Cumbrian medical school.
He is well known for his pioneering work on treatments to improve in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and pre-implantation diagnosis and has a varied broadcast career on shows like Your Life in Their Hands and The Human Body on the BBC.
University of Cumbria Vice Chancellor Professor Julie Mennell said: “We were honoured to welcome Lord Robert Winston to the University of Cumbria and very grateful for the generous gift to support aspiring doctors training in and for Cumbria, serving patients and our communities now and in the future.
“His visit has been inspirational and offers an opportunity for young people in Carlisle to engage with one of the UK’s most distinguished scientists and communicators. Lord Winston’s insight will leave a lasting impression, reminding us all the vital role science plays in shaping our future.”
The school will train doctors committed to serve the needs of their local community and the first students will start in August. This four-year Imperial degree programme is delivered in Cumbria in collaboration between University of Cumbria and Imperial College London.
The bespoke curriculum aligns with local healthcare and infrastructure, ensuring students acquire the skills needed to actively contribute to the NHS and local community.
