United Nations curious to learn from UQ student

A University of Queensland PhD student is one of those selected from more than 10,000 applicants to undertake a three-month traineeship with the United Nations in New York.

Institute for Molecular Bioscience PhD student Marga Gual Soler moved from her home country of Spain to study molecular cell biology in Brisbane in 2009.

From March to May of this year Ms Gual Soler is assisting some of the world’s most influential policy makers in the UN’s Department of Economics and Social Affairs to identify ways science, technology and innovation can promote sustainable global development for the benefit of all.

The UN is committed to engaging the scientific community early on in policy discussions and development so science-based solutions become embedded into their large-scale policy decisions.

Ms Gual Soler said she was excited to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to contribute to the UN’s global efforts.

“I’ve always been interested in how science is managed and promoted at an international level.

“This traineeship is my opportunity as an early career researcher to help shape the future I want to see by aiding governments to make informed decisions about scientific policies and funding priorities.”

Ms Gual Soler’s PhD thesis, which investigates the role of the protein Rab23 in gastric and liver cancer and Carpenter’s syndrome, cemented her passion to make a difference through evidence-based research.

“I am humbled by the opportunity to use the critical reasoning skills and scientific knowledge I have acquired through my training.

“As a scientist, I know the advancement of fundamental science is crucial to our continued development.”

Ms Gual Soler said her ultimate ambition was to play a role in improving public policy and investment in scientific research in her home country of Spain.

Read about Ms Gual Soler’s UN traineeship experience by visiting www.imb.uq.edu.au

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The Institute for Molecular Bioscience is a research institute of The University of Queensland that aims to improve quality of life by advancing personalised medicine, drug discovery and biotechnology.

High-res photos and interview opportunities with Ms Gual Soler are available on request.

Media contact: Bronwyn Adams, IMB Communications Officer – 0418 575 247 or 07 3346 2134