International student profiles content store_hidden Miguel Gancedo Rodrigo Our students and alumni

Now a research scientist for AstraZeneca (the pharmaceutical company behind one of the game-changing COVID-19 vaccines), Spanish Cancer Pharmacology MSc graduate Miguel discusses his decision to move to London to further his studies at London Met.

Where are you from, and why did you decide in London at London Met?

I am from Murcia in Spain and I wanted to get out of my comfort zone. I wanted to extend my studies and live abroad for a new experience, so I joined London Met to start the Cancer Pharmacology MSc.

How did you find it moving to another country?

Moving to London was a wonderful experience and the best choice I could have made. I found a massive difference between my previous university back home and London Met as the student groups were much smaller at London Met and the lecturers are more approachable.

What has been your favourite part of the Cancer Pharmacology MSc?

I had the opportunity to undertake my final research project externally throughout the year at the Frances Crick Institute, which really helped me to build up my scientific network and to massively improve my hands-on experience in the laboratory.

What was your next career move after your MSc?

After graduation I decided to join AstraZeneca to help pursue world-class medicines and make a positive impact on changing patients’ lives. Currently, I am a research scientist responsible for producing, purifying and characterising recombinant proteins which represent disease targets for the discovery of novel drug candidates focused on oncology and neuroscience.

We work very closely with other teams in a multidisciplinary scientific environment, allowing us to boost the drug discovery process. Although AstraZeneca's headquarters are based in Cambridge, UK, some key therapeutic areas that the company works on in terms of research are based in Sweden and the United States.

It is very motivating to see that the work we do will have a big impact in society and a big example of this is the generation of the Oxford University/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.

What would you say to an international student considering a degree with London Met?

If you’re an international student considering joining London Met, I would strongly recommend to take advantage of the opportunities and help that the University and the City itself offers. Being in London can be the best experience both personally and professionally, it all depends on how much you want to get out of it!