"The research fellowship provided a stepping stone from working as a clinical doctor to the pursuit of full-time research." 

Dr Laura Ellis, Clinical Research Fellow, Imperial College London

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infects over 70% of women during their lifetime. Although the majority of women clear this virus on their own, women must be infected with this to develop cervical precancer and cancer.

Scientists have noticed that during cancer development, chemical changes occur which change how genes are expressed, called methylation. So some genes might be turned on, and some might be turned off.

And, during cervical cancer and precancer development the levels of methylation in HPV and human DNA change.

Through Dr Laura Ellis’ research fellowship, she discovered that the level of methylation in genes can be used to test for cervical pre-cancer and predict which of these precancers might develop into cancer.

Laura hopes that her research will be used to develop a test for patients at risk of developing cervical cancer.

She said: “The hope is that we can continue to make early diagnostics more accurate, meaning fewer women are unnecessarily worried by a positive test.

“DNA methylation has the potential to be used on self-samples, which may help to bring cervical screening to those who currently don't attend, who have the worst risks of cervical cancer.”

The fellowship has been a springboard for further academic study, with Dr Ellis receiving funding from Cancer Research UK to complete a PhD with Prof Maria Kyrgiou on the effects of obesity and weight loss on breast, endometrial and bowel cancer.

The aim of this study is to look at why and how cancer starts, and the role that risk factors play in this process.

Laura said: “The research fellowship provided a stepping stone from working as a clinical doctor to enable the pursuit of full-time research, where I developed both a deeper understanding and a passion for academia.

“I’ve been privileged to work with some incredible researchers, including Prof Maria Kyrgiou, Prof James Flanagan, and Dr Sarah Bowden, among many others, who’ve been a huge part of my research journey.”

Inspired by Laura’s research story? Find out how you can apply for a fellowship to support your own research project.