The Cancer Challenge

Aysha Divan grew up in West Yorkshire, spending time exploring fields and woods during the day and reading in the evening. This love for reading, combined with an interest in how the human body works, led to the study of a dual degree in Biochemistry and Genetics followed by a PhD. Her research interests focus on understanding how cancer develops and how these findings can translate into therapies. Aysha has a strong commitment to education, motivated by her encounters with excellent teachers at all levels of study. She has led on many curriculum development projects, nationally and internationally, to inspire and train the next generation of scientists. Aysha currently works at the University of Leeds, combining teaching and research along with education leadership responsibilities.

Janice Royds grew up among the hills and moors of West Yorkshire, where she gained a love of nature. Inspired by teachers, including her father, she developed a love of science, leading to the study of biochemistry at Sheffield University. For her PhD and postdoctoral studies, she investigated the molecular basis of disease with special reference to cancer. While at Sheffield University, Janice also gained qualifications in education. She taught molecular biology on many medical courses both at Sheffield University and also at the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand.