From 6th–9th July, the MRC Toxicology Unit welcomed students and speakers from across the UK for the annual Integrative Toxicology Training Partnership (ITTP) Summer School. The week was packed with student presentations, expert lectures, career development sessions and networking opportunities, providing an inspiring and collaborative environment for everyone involved.
The MRC Integrative Toxicology Training Partnership (ITTP) is a national PhD programme dedicated to training the next generation of toxicologists. By bringing together expertise from academia, industry and government agencies, the programme equips early career researchers with the skills needed to support the safe development of new medicines and assess risks associated with environmental exposures. Students undertake four-year PhD projects at institutions across the UK, spanning a wide range of innovative toxicology research areas.
Each year, the ITTP Summer School provides an opportunity for students at every stage of their PhD journey to come together with leading scientists and professionals from across the toxicology community. Hosted at the MRC Toxicology Unit in Cambridge, the residential event offers additional training beyond students’ individual research projects while helping to build valuable professional networks that support future career development.
A key feature of the week was the opportunity for students to showcase their own research through talks and poster presentations. Alongside these sessions, attendees heard from experts working across academia, industry and government on a diverse range of topics. This year’s programme covered areas including cell and gene therapies, mitochondrial toxicology, biotechnology-derived pharmaceuticals, non-clinical drug safety, next-generation risk assessment, adverse outcome pathways and emerging approaches for advanced therapeutics.
The summer school welcomed an excellent line-up of speakers, including Georgina Cornish (AstraZeneca), Marion MacFarlane (MRC Toxicology Unit), Lolke de Haan (Independent Consultant), Mark Anderton (MSD), Tim Gant (UKHSA), Ruth Roberts (ApconiX), Alistair Middleton (Unilever), Mark Dallas (University of Reading) and Keith McLuckie (Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult). Students also benefited from discussions on career pathways and professional development, gaining valuable insights into the many directions a career in toxicology can take.
Away from the lecture theatre, participants had opportunities to explore Cambridge, connect with fellow students and engage with researchers from across the toxicology community. The drinks reception, poster session and networking dinner at St Catharine’s College were particular highlights, providing a relaxed setting for conversations and new collaborations.
Thank you to all the students, speakers and organisers who helped make this year’s ITTP Summer School such an engaging and successful event. We look forward to seeing the programme continue to thrive in the years ahead.