Monday, 20 April 2020
A University of Nottingham student, set to graduate this summer, has secured a prestigious Gates scholarship at Cambridge University.
Nemira Zilinskaite is one of 77 postgraduates from around the world to have been awarded a Gates Cambridge Scholarship.
The international postgraduate scholarship programme was launched in 2000 for students who are both academically outstanding and show a strong commitment to improving the lives of others.
Nemira, who is originally from Lithuania, studied a degree in Biotechnology at the University of Nottingham. She credits Nottingham with developing her interest in Biological Sciences and for her involvement in iGEM, a not for profit organisation dedicated to the advancement of synthetic biology, education and competition.
The iGEM competition gives students the opportunity to push the boundaries of synthetic biology by tackling everyday issues facing the world. Nemira was selected as an iGEM ambassador for Europe supporting teams in 2020 competition.
She now plans to pursue a PhD looking at the reactivation of neural stem cells, which has the potential to develop into therapies for brain repair after injury or neurodegenerative diseases.
She said: “Being awarded this prestigious scholarship means a lot to me personally, and as a budding researcher it is reassuring to see that with hard work, determination and a bit of mentoring it is possible to achieve your career goals. Pursuing a PhD at the University of Cambridge as a Gates Scholar is the most significant achievement in my academic career so far, and I want to thank all the academics at University of Nottingham who have been a part of my journey here. I am delighted to join a diverse community of Gates Scholars and work together towards impactful research.”
Since the first cohort of Gates Cambridge Scholars in 2001, more than 1,700 scholars have been selected from over 100 countries.
Dr Nagamani Bora, Course Director for Biotechnology Degree Programs at the University of Nottingham said: “I have the privilege of mentoring Nemira, who is an excellent self motivated student and truly deserves this Gates Scholarship. Scholars are selected on the basis of excellence in academic, leadership and societal aspects which Nemira has fulfilled in many roles besides being a good ambassador for the University. She embraced a number of opportunities whilst studying Biotechnology course at School of Biosciences, such as applying for summer internships, taking part in iGEM and also serving as a student representative at University Senate.”
Professor Barry Everitt FRS FMedSci ScD, Provost (CEO) of the Gates Cambridge Trust, said: “The Scholars-elect fully meet the aspiration of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s generous and historic gift to the University of Cambridge. This year's selection process has taken place against the background of the COVID-19 pandemic which more than ever shows the vital need to bring together from around the world the most brilliant minds from the most diverse backgrounds to work on global challenges.
"This year's cohort, like its predecessors, is an impressive group of individuals who have already made their mark in their academic studies and demonstrated strong leadership qualities.We are particularly delighted that we were able to offer awards to a large number of PhD scholars. We are certain that our 2020 Gates Cambridge cohort will flourish in the vibrant, international community at Cambridge and go on to make a significant impact in their fields and the wider global community."
Story credits
More information is available from Jane Icke, Media Relations Manager for the Faculty of Science at the University of Nottingham, on +44 (0)115 951 5751 or jane.icke@nottingham.ac.uk
Notes to editors:
About the University of Nottingham
Ranked 32 in Europe and 16th in the UK by the QS World University Rankings: Europe 2024, the University of Nottingham is a founding member of the Russell Group of research-intensive universities. Studying at the University of Nottingham is a life-changing experience, and we pride ourselves on unlocking the potential of our students. We have a pioneering spirit, expressed in the vision of our founder Sir Jesse Boot, which has seen us lead the way in establishing campuses in China and Malaysia - part of a globally connected network of education, research and industrial engagement.
Nottingham was crowned Sports University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024 – the third time it has been given the honour since 2018 – and by the Daily Mail University Guide 2024.
The university is among the best universities in the UK for the strength of our research, positioned seventh for research power in the UK according to REF 2021. The birthplace of discoveries such as MRI and ibuprofen, our innovations transform lives and tackle global problems such as sustainable food supplies, ending modern slavery, developing greener transport, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
The university is a major employer and industry partner - locally and globally - and our graduates are the second most targeted by the UK's top employers, according to The Graduate Market in 2022 report by High Fliers Research.
We lead the Universities for Nottingham initiative, in partnership with Nottingham Trent University, a pioneering collaboration between the city’s two world-class institutions to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing for residents in the city and region we are proud to call home.
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