THOUSAND OAKS, Calif.,
Nov. 14, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- In
recognition of the Amgen Scholars Program's 10th
anniversary, the Amgen Foundation announced the Ten To Watch, a
list highlighting the best and brightest up-and-comers in science
and medicine. Selected from more than 3,000 Amgen Scholars alumni,
who represent 700 colleges and universities across 42 countries,
the Ten To Watch is a diverse group of students that has the
potential to help define the future of science. The selection
process, carried out by the Amgen Foundation in partnership with
the participating host institutions, sought to identify the most
promising alumni who are on a path to achieving real impact in
their field and emerging career.
The list of alumni includes a Rhodes Scholar, Ph.D. graduates
from Stanford and MIT and numerous published scientists, as well as
future professors, researchers and doctors who are charting unique
paths to make a lasting impact. One such alumnus, Aaron Meyer, after receiving his Ph.D. from
MIT in 2014, now runs his own
MIT lab where he is researching the
function of receptors in the body to discover how to make better
drugs to fight cancer. He explains, "It's exciting to be able to
work on challenging problems every day with the potential to
improve people's lives." Aaron was recently recognized by the
National Institutes of Health Director's Early Independence Award.
As Aaron continues down his academic path, he believes he can help
shape the minds of tomorrow's scientists.
The full Ten To Watch list, including photos and bios, can be
found here.
The Amgen Scholars Program gives talented undergraduates a
chance to participate in cutting-edge research opportunities at
world-class institutions across the U.S., Europe and Japan, including MIT, Cambridge and Stanford. The program runs for eight to10 weeks
every summer. It aids in cultivating the next generation of
scientists by providing professional development and networking
opportunities unparalleled by most other summer research
programs.
"It is impressive to see the impact that Amgen Scholars Program
alumni are making on the world," said Eduardo Cetlin, president, Amgen Foundation. "We
are proud that since the program's inception 10 years ago, over 100
Scholars have earned Ph.D.'s in scientific fields; with
nearly 1,000 in the scientific pipeline pursuing masters,
Ph.D.s and M.D.-Ph.D.s across the globe."
Concurrently with the Ten To Watch selection, 148 scientists
from premier educational institutions in seven countries, who have
acted as mentors for the Amgen Scholars Program, participated in a
survey to uncover what the future of scientific research may look
like.
The survey looked at a number of current issues facing society
and explored the next generation's capability in solving them,
while also examining tomorrow's scientific workforce and the types
of skills that will play a role in their research. With an eye to
the future, 98 percent of those surveyed believe hands-on
experience is an essential part of a young scientist's
training.
The survey also revealed that these top scientists believe that
there is much progress being made towards solving some of the
world's major medical problems. The results showed that a majority
(81 percent) feel there will be significant progress made in
finding cures for cancer, heart disease, diabetes and malaria from
the next generation of scientists. The results indicate that
scientists believe cancer will have the most significant scientific
progress made towards a cure, while emphasizing the creation of
medications tied to a person's individual genome.
"We are privileged to work with some of the best scientists and
institutions in the world to help mentor and train the next
generation," said David M. Reese,
M.D., senior vice president of Translational Sciences at Amgen and
member of the Amgen Foundation Board of Directors. "We believe that
exposing students to hands-on research, like that provided by the
Amgen Scholars Program, helps students build a solid foundation in
science while fueling their curiosity to learn and grow."
Other key survey findings include:
Women will play a big role in the future of scientific
research.
- 72 percent of respondents feel there are currently not enough
mentors and role models for women in science, technology,
engineering and math (STEM) fields
- 80 percent of those surveyed believe women will be in positions
of power in STEM fields twenty years from now
Skills and technology will change how scientists work in the
labs of tomorrow.
- 72 percent believe computer programming and coding will be the
most beneficial skill for new scientists to learn while 52 percent
identify debate and oratory skills
- 92 percent said the scientists of tomorrow will have tools at
their disposal that they and their colleagues could only dream of
today
- 39 percent believe the biomedical problems that will be solved
by the next generation don't even exist yet
- 55 percent say advances in solving medical problems will come
from figuring out the best ways to use digital technology in
medicine
- 90 percent said that they wished the world knew scientists were
also full of fun, not just books and labs
A total of 17 host institutions are now accepting applications
from undergraduates who meet the eligibility requirements for the
2017 Amgen Scholars Program. Financial support for students is
provided by the Amgen Scholars Program, which aims to ensure that
eligible students, regardless of their financial status, are able
to participate. For more information about the Amgen Scholars
Program, or to complete an application online, visit
www.AmgenScholars.com. Accepting applications now until
Feb. 1, 2017.
About the Amgen Foundation
The Amgen Foundation seeks
to advance excellence in science education to inspire the next
generation of innovators, and invest in strengthening communities
where Amgen staff members live and work. To date, the Foundation
has donated over $250 million to
local, regional, and international non-profit organizations that
impact society in inspiring and innovative ways. The Amgen
Foundation brings the excitement of discovery to the scientists of
tomorrow through several signature programs, including Amgen
Scholars, Amgen Biotech Experience, and Amgen Teach. For more
information, visit www.amgeninspires.com and follow us on
www.twitter.com/amgenfoundation.
CONTACT: Amgen Thousand Oaks
Jennifer van der Borgt, 805-447-5597 (media)
jenvan01@amgen.com
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SOURCE Amgen