As written in the Prize’s description, the Peter Beaconsfield Prize in Physiological Sciences is an annual award for postgraduate students in the physiological sciences at Oxford University who “are capable of escaping from the stereotype of narrow specialisation to engage with translational medicine, and display a wider grasp of the significance and potential applicability of their research.”
Winner Scarlett Harris wrote an essay titled “Sugar and protein: a dangerous combination” that outlines the research she is undertaking at the Dunn School of Pathology, which focuses on a group of compounds called advanced glycation end products (AGEs). AGEs are formed by a reaction between a sugar and a free amine group, which is commonly found in proteins. Specifically, Scarlett studies the interaction between AGEs and the immune system. She has shown that dry roasting peanuts, which contain AGEs, can induce stronger immune responses in mice. Her work provides insights into peanut allergy, a common food allergy that can be fatal. Better strategies can be devised to prevent or cure peanut allergy if the underlying molecular mechanisms are known.
Scarlett encourages everyone in the Dunn School who is eligible for the competition next year to enter. “It’s really useful for thinking about your work in relation to clinical needs,” she said.
The Peter Beaconsfield Prize in Physiological Sciences is an annual award open to graduate students in Physiological Sciences (registered in the Departments of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Pharmacology, Pathology, Biochemistry or Experimental Psychology) who, in the 12 months preceding the closing date for applications for the prize, shall have applied for Transfer to DPhil Status.
Learn more about the competition and previous winners.
Written by Sheng Kai Pong