Centre for Reproductive Health

Professor Duncan visits Edinburgh Academy students

On Wednesday 6 June, Professor Colin Duncan visited the Edinburgh Academy to speak to a group of science students who are interested in pursuing careers in research or medicine.

This article was first published on 12 June, 2018

Over thirty budding young scientists were eager to hear about Professor Duncan’s research into Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and had plenty of questions to ask him about both the clinical and research aspects of his work.

The students were fascinated to hear about Professor Duncan’s career progression, his current research field at MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, and the variety of work he undertakes both in hospital and the lab.

Professor Duncan’s lab group investigates how the ovary works in health and disease and he outlined his research into the complex condition. The students were surprised to hear that 1 in 5 women suffer from PCOS.

Colin also explained to the students that the ovary can repeatedly remodel and repair itself and that the environment before birth can programme lifelong abnormalities of reproductive and metabolic function.

He offered examples of past ‘Eureka’ moments in his research, hurdles he has encountered, and gave examples of the sort of work he does both in clinic and in the lab as well as his involvement with teaching and mentoring students.

The students were eager to ask questions such as: How does Professor Duncan treat PCOS / Why was a sheep was selected as the large animal model he uses to study the hormonal, ovarian and metabolic abnormalities associated with PCOS? / What does Professor Duncan enjoys most about his research and clinical work?

Colin was still being asked questions as he left the building, which is testament to how much the students engaged with his presentation.

The feedback from students and teachers was very positive and The Edinburgh Academy hopes we can organise another school visit for 2019.

Professor Duncan visits Edinburgh Academy students