Scholars on film

  • January 23, 2013

Three Gates Cambridge Scholars feature in a series of films to promote the Scholarship programme.

A new series of videos featuring three Gates Cambridge Scholars has been launched on the Gates Cambridge Youtube channel and highlights research on regenerative medicine, how to address chronic hunger without eroding biodiversity and using ICT to promote sustainable development.

Libby Blanchard, Timothy Kotin and Stan Wang are interviewed for the videos about their research, what motivates it and what its potential impact on the world might be.

Libby, who is doing an MPhil in Environment, Society and Development [2012], speaks about her work with coffee growers in Tanzania, working on a business model which enhances the environment, improves the quality of the coffee produced and raises farmers’ incomes.

Stan, a PhD student in surgery [2011 – pictured], talks about his research under Nobel prize winner Sir John Gurdon, where he is creating non-embryonic stem cells for use in regenerative medicine.

Previously only stem cells taken from human embryos could be used in this field of medical research, which created political and ethical problems. Stan says: “Regenerative medicine is the future direction of medicine.”

Timothy [2012] is doing an MPhil in Engineering for Sustainable Development. He speaks about his passion for developing solutions which enable long-term sustainable development and how he is harnessing the power of technology for education and health purposes. Timothy has set up his own start-up company which uses ICT tools to improve access to and the quality of education in his home country Ghana. Around 5,000 people have already signed up to his website.

Jim Smith, Executive Officer of the Gates Cambridge Trust, said: “With over 200 Scholars currently resident in Cambridge, these profiles present a vibrant, talented and highly diverse community. The objective was not only to show how Scholars are meeting the aims of the Scholarship by applying their intellect and leadership skills to improve the lives of others, but also to explain to a wide audience what is important about their work at Cambridge and why it is making a difference.”

View the films here. Read profiles of Libby and Timothy and Stan’s blog on his research.

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