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DCU scientist is the face of prestigious international forum

When a Dublin City University Analytical Science student was given the opportunity to attend the London International Youth Science Forum (LIYSF) for the first time last year, she set out her stall to gain as much as possible from the event. Eager to experience the enthusiastic spirit of the occasion, Lauren Fagan asked questions at the event’s lectures and trips, got involved as much as possible with the social aspects of the forum and broadcasted her own thoughts on science education at a participants’ forum. Clearly, she left a significant impact on the forum as she has been asked back again this year to be an ambassador for the forum.

Lauren Fagan hails from Stamullen, Co. Meath, receiving her primary and secondary school education at St. Patrick's National School, Stamullen, and Loreto Secondary School, Balbriggan, respectively. As a school-goer, Lauren had a big interest in ballet as well as horse-riding and athletics. From an academic point of view, however, her biggest interest was in science and feels very well suited to her BSc. Analytical Science course at DCU.

She doesn’t just have a passing interest in her area of study, though, as she has shown great initiative to undertake an independent research study into the genetic evolution of the H1N1 flu strain, otherwise known as Swine Flu. She is currently analysing recent genetic sequences of that particular flu strain and to monitor at what base pair positions mutations are occurring. This research is carried out with a view to being able to formulate more specifically-tailored vaccines for each upcoming flu season. Additionally, she will monitor the mutational changes in both the northern and southern hemispheres. The research is an extension of the project that Lauren presented at the 2011 BT Young Scientist and Technology exhibition which happened to be judged by a number of DCU lecturers who now tutor her.

As the ‘Face of LIYSF,’ Lauren’s main duty is to represent the event and has been promoting the forum through writing various blog posts about her 2013 experiences as well as providing advice for newcomers on how best to prepare for this year’s edition of the event. The forum is currently underway and it runs until next Wednesday. For the duration of this year’s experience, Lauren will assume the position of counsellor on the 2014 LIYSF staff team. A counsellor's role is to operate as the first point of contact for participants, to be available whenever participants may have a question or query and also facilitate many LIYSF events and it is a role that Lauren says she is delighted to occupy:

“I can only describe LIYSF as life-changing and inspirational.  I believe it is a microcosm of the future as envisioned by pioneering, talented young scientists and it has encouraged me to try to embody greatness and have pride in my work.  My overall experience of the Forum is one filled with new knowledge, many new culturally and ethnically diverse friends and magical memories.”

LIYSF is a two week residential event held at Imperial College London, with lectures and demonstrations from leading scientists, visits to industrial sites, research centres, scientific institutions and organisations, including world class laboratories and universities. 

LIYSF attracts over 350 of the world's leading young scientists aged 17-21 years old from more than 60 participating countries. There is an active social calendar with events designed to enable those from around the world to learn about different cultures. The scope of LIYSF extends further than broadening scientific understanding to engage students in education on other cultures and develop lasting, international friendships.