Dr. Laura Dawkins (geb. Lecker)

As a medical advisor, I am the internal and external national point of contact for medicine in the cardio-metabolic therapy area at Novartis, responsible for generating and interpreting scientific data and defining the medical strategy for products.

I have worked on both translational and fundamental research projects in well-renowned international research groups in Israel, Germany, Australia and the UK. Beyond my initial training as a biotechnologist, I have developed a broad expertise in oncology through my Master’s degree and current PhD research. As a final year PhD student, I have worked independently and in multidisciplinary teams and formed strong collaborations that have enabled me to publish and internationally present my research.

4-year PhD studentship funded by the Institute of Bioengineering - Thesis title: Building a 3D microenvironment model to define the early stages of high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma

Master student working in the Department of Immunology and Cancer Research - Investigated the function of human cytomegalovirus-derived cytokines on natural killer cells - This project was published in Cell Reports

Final year research project (MSc): Impact of conventional photon versus carbon ion irradiation on therapy refractory renal cell carcinoma

Bachelor student working in the Department of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery Final year research project (BSc): Assessment of bacterial enzymes as potential targets for early stage drug discovery