07-06-2025
Cumbrian medical school receives gift to support future doctors
A medical school has received a gift designed to support the next generation of Cumbrian doctors.
The Pears Cumbria School of Medicine (PCSM), based at the University of Cumbria, has received funding from the Angela Pattman Scholarship Trust, administered by the Genesis Research Trust, founded by Lord Robert Winston.
The scholarship will help remove financial barriers for students hoping to pursue a career in medicine.
Lord Robert Winston and students at St John Henry Newman (Image: Supplied) During a recent visit to the school, Lord Winston took part in a campus tour and a session with students and university leaders.
Professor Julie Mennell, vice chancellor at the University of Cumbria, said: "We are honoured to welcome Lord Robert Winston to the University of Cumbria and very grateful for the generous gift to support aspiring doctors training in and for Cumbria, serving patients and our communities now and in the future.
"His visit has been inspirational and offers an opportunity for young people in Carlisle to engage with one of the UK's most distinguished scientists and communicators.
"Lord Winston's insight will leave a lasting impression, reminding us all of the vital role science plays in shaping our future."
Lord Winston in the maternity room at UoC (Image: Supplied) During the visit, Lord Winston met students from St John Henry Newman Catholic School in Carlisle and spoke about science, and the value of medical education.
The school's involvement was arranged by Hello Future, a University of Cumbria-led partnership of 16 education and skills organisations from Cumbria and Lancashire that supports 11 to 18-year-olds with information about higher education and career pathways.
The new bursary scheme is designed to offer opportunities to students who may otherwise struggle to access the profession.
The PCSM is a collaboration between the University of Cumbria and Imperial College London.
Lord Winston, professor of science and society and emeritus professor of fertility studies at Imperial College London, is widely recognised for his pioneering work in fertility treatment, including advances in IVF and pre-implantation genetic diagnosis.
He is also known for his broadcasting career on BBC programmes such as Your Life in Their Hands and The Human Body.
A spokesperson for the Pears Cumbria School of Medicine said: "This generous gift supporting PCSM bursaries represents an important step in fostering inclusivity in medical education, opening doors for students who may otherwise face challenges in accessing the profession.
"PCSM are very grateful to Lord Winston and the Angela Pattman Scholarship Trust for their support and for the significant impact this offering will make on the futures of our medical students."
Lord Winston also toured the university's medical and science facilities during his visit.
The school aims to train doctors who will go on to serve communities across Cumbria and the North West, with a focus on meeting the specific healthcare needs of the region.
It is part of a broader effort to address the shortage of medical professionals in underserved and rural areas.
The University of Cumbria has described the scholarship as an 'important step' towards making medical careers more accessible.
