Two research students in CPES have each been awarded a highly prestigious Final Year Award by AstraZeneca, one of EuropeChemists scoop prestigious awards
Two research students in CPES have each been awarded a highly prestigious Final Year Award by AstraZeneca, one of Europe's leading pharmaceutical companies, for their research in inorganic chemistry. Tamsyn Montagnon, who works with Professor Phil Parsons, has been researching the total synthesis of zaragozic acid, an agent that lowers the blood cholesterol level. Iain Simpson, working with Dr Clive Penkett, has been researching the photochemistry of pyridines, producing highly complex precursors for the therapeutically important excitatory amino acids.
There were over 100 applicants and Tamsyn and Iain were picked from a short list of 27 candidates. AstraZeneca awarded eight Final Year Awards, meaning that the Sussex students scooped a quarter of the available awards. As well as receiving £4,000 each, Iain and Tamsyn will benefit from more support for their final year. They will be teamed up with an industrial chemist who will visit them on a regular basis to discuss their work and give advice. They will also get the chance to visit other AstraZeneca sites in Britain.
Iain Simpson and Tamsyn Montagnon looking forward to their future in inorganic chemistry.
