Biomedical science graduate with passion for research is top of his class

University of Bradford graduate Taheer Ali has been awarded the Don Whitley Scientific Prize 2020 for his outstanding exam results. The award is presented annually to the University of Bradford graduate who achieves the highest marks in the microbiology option and also comes with a £500 prize.

Taheer, 21, from Bradford, graduated top of his class, gaining a First in BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences (part of the Faculty of Life Sciences). He currently works processing Covid-19 samples at Bradford Royal Infirmary but has applied to further his studies through a Master’s degree in 2021.

He said: “I am honoured to have been awarded the Don Whitley Scientific Prize for microbiology. It is an area I have always been interested in. The pandemic has shown how important it is. It was easily my favourite subject during my study at the University of Bradford.

“Throughout my final year, I saw the potential antibacterial properties of graphene and dipeptides. The project also gave me a better insight into work as a researcher and ultimately, reinforced my want to pursue a career within microbiology and research."

Under normal circumstances, Dr Andrew Pridmore, head of Science at Don Whitley Scientific (who coincidentally received the award himself in 1991), would have presented the award in person, however due to Covid, the company instead offered a visit to their manufacturing facility in Bingley as part of Taheer’s award. This will be organised as soon as the pandemic situation allows.

Don Whitley Scientific Limited develops, manufactures and sells equipment and associated products for microbiology and cell culture applications worldwide. The University of Bradford has three Whitley Workstations, which enable the processing, incubation and examination of samples without exposure to atmospheric oxygen.