CRM researcher Nicola Festuccia, a PhD student in Prof Ian Chambers’ lab, has won a prize for a talk he gave at ‘The 2^nd Leading Graduate Schools International Conference’ held on 1^st and 2^nd November at The University of Tsukuba, Japan. The conference aims to tighten the collaboration between The University of Tsukuba and its international partners, highlighting the university’s commitment to innovative educational practice and international exchange.

The prize includes an invitation to return back to Tsukuba for a week long visit that may include other research centres around the country. The prize was awarded for both Nicola’s excellent talk entitled ‘Nanog fluctuations control ES cells heterogeneity: learning from Esrrb regulation’ and for his ability to discuss his work effectively with other students attending the conference.

Both Nicola and Prof Ian Chambers were deeply impressed by the opportunity and welcome The University of Tsukuba offered, with Nicola commenting:
“I want to thank the members of the faculty taking part in the conference for giving me the opportunity to visit Japan again and making us feel truly welcome during the conference. I was honestly incredibly impressed by the time and effort they spent introducing me to their traditions and spending time with us every day. All this gave me the impression that they were actually welcoming a new friend.”