Biological Sciences

Kiran Laxman

Qualification: BSc Genome Science

Current occupation: Medical Writer, London

When I decided that I wanted to study a genetic-based degree, Portsmouth was one of the few places that offered such a course. I chose Portsmouth over other Universities because the course was the most varied and interesting of the available options. The atmosphere around the university was friendly and welcoming and I also liked that the campus was integrated into the city, meaning that everything (e.g. the Union, Gunwharf Quays, Commercial Road, the seafront etc) was within walking distance.

A month after graduating, I started working for a medical communications agency in London. Two years on, I am now a senior part of their writing team, which produces educational material that is used by the pharmaceutical industry to promote awareness of a particular disease and/or the potential benefits of a particular treatment. The disease areas I have worked on are wide-ranging, including cancers, mental illness, asthma, diabetes, VTE and other blood disorders etc. The type of projects are also as diverse as the topic areas; in the past year I have worked on health economic models, systematic literature reviews and even directed short films. Our clients are based worldwide, so there is also some travel involved around the UK and the rest of the world (e.g. Paris, New York).

For me, Portsmouth University offered the perfect balance between work and play. The challenging course material set me up with a good scientific background and skills that I now rely on and use every day, and there was still plenty of time to sample the nightlife in and around Portsmouth. Cross-over between course modules meant that I was able to work with a mixture of people and all the university staff were friendly, approachable and supportive.