GlaxoSmithKline presents oncology scholarship to UK researcher

GlaxoSmithKline has presented its first UK Oncology CASE (Collaborative Award in Science and Engineering) PhD Scholarship to a promising research project at the Barts Cancer Institute.

Melania Capasso has been granted the award for her proposal entitled "Investigating the voltage-gated proton channel HVCN1 as a target for lymphoma treatment", with the scholarship set to commence in October 2012.

The funding was awarded as part of the pharmaceutical company's commitment to working in partnership with academia to further the development of oncology research within the UK.

Applications were evaluated by GlaxoSmithKline's research and development organisation and internationally-recognised UK oncology and haematology scientific leaders, with five finalists giving presentations in person.

Simon Jose, general manager for GlaxoSmithKline UK, said: "GlaxoSmithKline aims to be a partner of choice for oncology research in the UK and we thank all those who took the time to nominate future researchers for this award."

Earlier this week, the company welcomed the government's new commitment to sharing NHS patient data with the life science sector in order to bolster research efforts.