Third-Year Microbiology Student Wins Prestigious Microbiology Society Vacation Studentship

17 Sep 2025

Third-year Microbiology student Niamh Horgan has been awarded a highly competitive Microbiology Society Vacation Studentship, which supports undergraduate researchers across the UK and Ireland.

The scheme gives students the chance to carry out original research during their summer break, while also providing early- and mid-career scientists valuable supervision experience.

This summer, Niamh joined Professor Ruth Massey’s lab, where she investigated how bacteria adapt when entering the human bloodstream. She found that serum can help Staphylococcus aureus stick to surfaces and form biofilms — a discovery that may explain why the bacterium is so difficult to eradicate during infections. Professor Ruth Massey added: “This project has been an excellent example of collaboration between our students and research staff. Niamh, guided by Dr Ledger, delivered outstanding work that has pointed us toward new and important areas of investigation. We look forward to building on these findings, and we thank the Microbiology Society for supporting opportunities like this.”

Photo L-R: Dr Elizabeth Ledger, Niamh Horgan, and Professor Ruth Massey

Dr Elizabeth Ledger, Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Professor Massey’s lab, praised Niamh’s contribution: “It was a real pleasure to supervise Niamh this summer. She showed great enthusiasm for her project and produced exciting data that will contribute to future research in the lab.”

Reflecting on her experience, Niamh said: “I’m incredibly grateful to the Microbiology Society for this opportunity. Working in Professor Massey’s lab has been inspiring, and I’ve learned so much about both the challenges and rewards of research. I’m especially thankful to Dr Lizzie Ledger for her guidance and support throughout the project.”

Professor David Clarke, Head of the School of Microbiology, thanked the Microbiology Society for its continued support of summer placements, which give students invaluable opportunities to develop their skills and contribute to meaningful scientific discovery. He congratulated Niamh, saying: “We are immensely proud of Niamh’s achievement. Vacation Studentships are highly sought after, and her award reflects her ability, dedication, and curiosity for research.”

Further information and application details can be found at this link: Vacation Studentships | Microbiology Society