Frank Williams – Winner of the President’s PhD Scholarship
What course did you take at Imperial?
MSc Human Molecular Genetics
What attracted you to that course?
My interest in the genetic basis of disease naturally developed during my undergraduate degree in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, and I wanted to explore this area in greater depth. I was particularly looking for a programme that would not only enhance my theoretical knowledge but also provide substantial research experience. This course offered the perfect combination of both in-depth teaching and a six-month research project, allowing me to strengthen both my academic and practical skill set.
What specific aspects of the teaching or course format did you enjoy the most?
I found the structure of the course to be particularly effective in balancing theoretical learning with practical application. Rather than relying solely on lectures, the course incorporated a mix of formats that kept things dynamic and engaging. Sessions in bioinformatics and statistics were especially useful, as they helped me develop a more analytical approach to genetic data. The practical lab work was another aspect I really valued — it was a great opportunity to apply techniques in a hands-on setting and build confidence in the lab. The extended 6-month research project also stood out, giving me the space to explore a topic in depth while learning how to navigate the day-to-day realities of working in a research environment.
How do you think the course will impact your future career?
The course played a key role in preparing me for the next step in my academic path, and the skills and experience I gained were instrumental in securing a PhD position. It gave me both the confidence and the foundation to take that step into more independent research.
Why did you choose Imperial College London?
I chose Imperial because of its reputation for world-leading research and its strong focus on interdisciplinary collaboration. Furthermore, I was particularly drawn to the opportunity to learn from researchers actively working at the forefront of genetics and molecular biology. The collaborative environment, access to cutting-edge facilities, and the chance to be part of a community that values both academic excellence and innovation made it a clear choice for me. It felt like an environment where I could grow both academically and professionally.
What did you most appreciate about your time at Imperial?
One of the highlights of my time at Imperial was the opportunity to attend the ESHG conference in Berlin, which the course team organised for us. It was an incredible experience — not only to hear directly from researchers at the forefront of genetics, but also to see how the topics we were studying fit into the broader landscape of current research. It gave real context to our learning and was a great chance to connect with others in the field. I also really appreciated meeting such a diverse and driven group of people — many of whom I’ve formed lasting friendships with. The chance to work on cutting-edge bioinformatics research, something I hadn’t encountered before the course, was especially exciting, and I am very grateful to have worked with such a supportive supervisor and lab team.
What are you doing now? And how has the course helped with your career?
After completing the MSc, I continued working with my research project supervisor as a Research Assistant, focusing on bacterial genomics and tackling antimicrobial resistance dissemination. This experience allowed me to further develop my research skills and deepen my interest in translational science. More recently, I was awarded the Imperial College London President’s PhD Scholarship and will be starting a PhD within the Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology. The course was key in opening these opportunities — it gave me valuable lab and analytical experience and helped me build the confidence and connections to take the next steps in my academic career.