Letter: Welcome jab in the arm for life sciences

I NOTICED with interest proposals by Medical Research Scotland (MRS) to offer "vacation scholarships" to undergraduates in order for them to gain experience in life sciences through commercially relevant training, as well as offering graduates placements with relevant companies (12 June).

Employers are always looking for graduates who are able to combine the academic rigour of a degree with relevant experience acquired in the workplace. And with commercial companies finding academic partners and pitching for funding from MRS to fund these places, this demand-led approach will help to build valuable long-term links between employers and the higher education sector.

Such a scheme will be to the benefit of both parties, ensuring the skills developed by students during their time at university are better matched to the particular needs of future employers, thereby ensuring Scotland continues to be the location of choice for life science companies looking to locate and grow.

Jacqui Hepburn, Director, Alliance of Sector Skills Councils in Scotland, Edinburgh