Download Elaine Vickers BMedSc PhD

Elaine Vickers BMedSc PhD
An energetic and engaging training provider and science
communicator. Able to inspire and educate people with any level
of scientific understanding, from complete non-scientists to
oncology specialists.
In partnership with the NIHR Clinical Research Network (Cancer),
provides training in cancer biology and the science behind targeted
cancer treatments to research nurses and clinical trial coordinators
throughout England. Also teaches doctors and pharmaceutical
employees through regular courses at the Royal Marsden Hospital,
London and the Christie Hospital, Manchester.
Has a comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge and
understanding of cancer biology and cancer treatments. Offers
bespoke training for staff involved in any aspect of cancer drug
development, evaluation, communication and patient care.
Also offers coaching in science communication skills.
Clients: NIHR Clinical Research Network, NCRI, Medical Research Council, University College London,
Institute of Cancer Research, Cancer Research UK, Macmillan Cancer Support, GlaxoSmithKline and Roche
Phone: 0114 418 9997
Mobile: 07986 380 595
Website: www.sciencecommunicated.co.uk
E-mail: [email protected]
TRAINING PROVISION
 In partnership with the NIHR Clinical Research Network,
Elaine teaches hundreds of NCRN staff cancer biology and
the science behind targeted cancer treatments
 Elaine’s courses are part of the core training programme
for research nurses and cancer clinical trials staff across
England, Scotland and Wales
“Elaine’s ability to make complex issues
accessible to people of all levels of
scientific background is exceptional – as
is her extraordinary talent for keeping
up to date across her field.”
Ruth McLaren
 In partnership with the Royal Marsden Hospital, London,
NIHR NCRN
and the Christie Hospital, Manchester, Elaine delivers a
programme of courses on targeted cancer treatments
that attract medical trainees, experienced oncologists, pharmaceutical companies and clinical cancer
research staff from around the UK
 Working with cancer clinical trials units across the country, Elaine runs a modular programme that
equips staff to understand cancer treatments, biomarkers, and changes in clinical trial design
 Elaine’s courses for chemotherapy nurses and clinical nurse specialists provide them with a grounding
in cancer biology and an explanation of licensed targeted therapies
 At the request of the National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI), Elaine provides training to national
patient representatives on the biology of cancer and clinical trials
TEACHING TOPICS
 Cancer: cellular and molecular biology, genetics, cell
cycle, cell-cell communication, signalling cascades,
molecular pathology of individual cancer types,
mechanism of angiogenesis and metastasis, the tumour
microenvironment
 The science behind cancer treatments: chemotherapy,
hormone therapy, radiotherapy, small molecule kinase
inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, proteasome
inhibitors, HSP90 inhibitors, hedgehog pathway
inhibitors, epigenetic modifiers, RNA interference,
immunotherapy, ALK inhibitors etc.
 Medical research and clinical trials: research
techniques, translational research and biomarkers,
personalisation of treatment, mechanisms of drug
resistance
“This is probably the best and most efficient
training that I have been exposed to in
terms of cancer biology, cell biology and
treatment relevance. This is likely due to
Elaine's deep knowledge in cancer biology
as well as her teaching and communication
skills.
“I want to recommend it to any oncology
clinical scientists or non expert physicians
who want to refresh their knowledge on
the biology of cancer, pathways and
targeted therapies.”
Philippe Legenne MD
Head of clinical development and medical
affairs EU, GlaxoSmithKline
 Specific cancers: courses are available on the molecular
pathology and targeted treatments for lung cancer,
breast cancer, ovarian cancers, haematological cancers,
cancers of the digestive system (bowel, pancreatic, liver, oesophageal and stomach) and urological
cancers (prostate, kidney, bladder, testicular and penile). Courses in paediatric cancers and malignant
melanoma are in development.
WRITING AND EDITING
 Autumn 2012: commissioned to write a range of materials for Macmillan
Cancer Support on cancer biology and treatments
 Winner of the AMRC’s Science Communication Award 2011 for the Asthma
UK website
 Awarded ‘Third Sector Digital Campaign of the Week’ for an interactive
timeline of asthma research created for the Asthma UK website
 Vast experience in writing and editing documents suitable for lay audiences
such as reports, newsletters, leaflets, booklets, strategy documents and
research project summaries
 Has written tens of press releases, news items and features on scientific and medical breakthroughs
for leading UK medical research charities
 Edited a wide variety of promotional materials and patient information
CURRENT C LIENTS
 NIHR Clinical Research Network (Cancer)
 Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust
 Medical Research Council
 ICR Biomedical Research Centre
 Cancer Research UK Drug Development Office
 Wales Cancer Research Network
 Macmillan Cancer Support
 Cancer Clinical Trials Unit, Scotland (CaCTUS)
 GlaxoSmithKline
 University College London
 Imperial College London Clinical Trials Unit
 Kent Oncology Centre
 CancerHelp UK
 Great Ormond Street Hospital
 University College London Cancer Trials Centre
 Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research
CONFERENCES & PUBLICATIONS
 NCRI Conference, November 2013: Elaine presented a highly-popular workshop during the conference
titled : ‘A Beginner’s Guide To Targeted Cancer Treatments’
 Vickers ER, Uzzell M, Burnet K, 2012. Understanding how targeted therapies work. Cancer Nursing
Practice 11(7): 14-22
 Vickers ER, Phillips H, McLaren R, 2011. ‘Development of a training course for clinical trials staff’.
Cancer Nursing Practice 10(6): 26-29
 Poster presentation at the NCRI conference, 2010. ‘Biological agents – de-mystifying the science:
reporting the creation and evolution of a new training course for cancer clinical trials staff’
http://www.ncri.org.uk/ncriconference/2010abstracts/abstracts/B56.htm
 Vickers ER et al., 2004. ‘Ternary complex factor-serum response factor complex-regulated gene
activity is required for cellular proliferation and inhibition of apoptotic cell death’. Molecular Cell
Biology 24(23): 10340-5
 Vickers ER & Sharrocks AD, 2002. ‘The use of inducible engrailed fusion proteins to study the cellular
functions of eukaryotic transcription factors’. Methods 26(3): 270-80
EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT SUMMARY
Science Communicated Ltd, Feb 08 – present (full-time since April 2011)
Founder and principal trainer. Develops and delivers training courses on cancer biology and the
science behind standard and targeted cancer treatments. Offers freelance medical writing and editing
services. Provides coaching in science communication skills.
Asthma UK, Research Relations Manager, Aug 08 - April 2011
Led the communication of the charity’s research to external audiences.
Breakthrough Breast Cancer, Science Communication Manager, Aug 07 - July 08
Led the communication of the charity’s research to external audiences. Responsibilities included:
fundraising support; writing and editing a research-focused magazine for supporters; staff education;
website development.
Cancer Research UK, Science Information Manager, Feb 02 - Dec 05 & Jan 07 - July 071
Supported the communication of the charity’s research to the public, press and supporters.
Responsibilities also included: presenting regular staff seminars; fundraising presentations; ideageneration for fundraising campaigns; report writing for major donors; supporting the CancerHelp UK
team to create information for patients and respond to queries.
PhD in Molecular Biology, Sept 98 - Jan 02, Sponsored by Cancer Research Campaign (now Cancer
Research UK), based in the School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester.
Bachelor of Medical Science – 1st Class (Hons), Sept 94 - July 98, University of Birmingham. Included a
year working for AstraZeneca developing gene therapies for cancer.
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Elaine spent all of 2006 travelling through Africa, Asia and Central & South America