Name: Xiaotong Meng
Department: Bioengineering
Email: x.meng18@imperial.ac.uk

Student Programme Partner: Research Impact

My Research: I’m developing biosensors for early cancer diagnosis by using biomarkers from human blood.

Why I applied for this particular SPP role: As a researcher, it’s very important to understand how research impact works and how to gain research impact. Research impact is shifting understanding and advancing scientific method, theory and application across, within and beyond academia. With research impact recognized, researchers can make a difference in the real world. The benefits brought by impact including by not limited to more funding, more contribution, recognition, reputation and researchers’ career prospects. The approaches to gain research impact can be publications, conferences, posters, science communication, IP, patents and medias (YouTube, Twitter, News...).

To serve as a Student Programme Partner with Research Impact, I’m expecting to improve young researchers’ awareness of the importance of research impact, help researchers gain impact by discussion and giving advice. In the meanwhile, I can also broaden my knowledge and skills on relevant topics!

Why I think professional development training is important: Professional development training provided by Graduate school from Imperial College London is a valuable asset to young researchers as they provide many skill training across different disciplines and topics. It’s important to take advantage of this opportunity to be involved in professional development training since doing research is more than the small area you’re focused on. Distinct from studying independently, which is another important way of learning, professional development training involves studying in a group that compose of multiple and diverse discussions and critical thinking. This can also be a great chance to make friends and network with researchers from different fields and sparkle inspirations!