#UKSB2026 Travel Bursary Winner Tina Mehrabi
By Tina Mehrabi, University of Manchester
The UKSB2026 Annual Conference was my first UKSB conference, and I was delighted to present a poster on part of my PhD research, which investigates how human gingival keratinocytes respond to bioactive glasses. I was especially honoured to receive the UKSB2026 Travel Award, which supported my attendance and enabled me to benefit from this valuable scientific and professional opportunity.
The conference programme included a wide range of engaging talks and panel discussions, covering topics from translating biomaterials research into the market to the use of animal studies in biomedical research. I learned about the latest research across the biomaterials field, including drug delivery, hydrogel applications and biofabrication techniques being developed at universities across the UK.
One of the highlights for me was the panel discussion on animal studies. Hearing different perspectives from experts in this area encouraged me to reflect critically on my own views and consider how ethical aspects, scientific objectives and alternative experimental approaches can be balanced when making decisions about the use of animals in biomedical research. Another valuable aspect of UKSB2026 was the opportunity to meet researchers from universities and institutions across the UK biomaterials community. I had many interesting conversations and received helpful feedback on my research, which gave me new perspectives to consider as my PhD progresses. These interactions also helped me to develop new professional connections and strengthened my sense of belonging within the biomaterials community.
Receiving the UKSB Travel Bursary was a proud moment and gave me additional confidence as an early-career researcher. I am very grateful to the UKSB Committee for supporting my attendance, as well as to the conference organisers and everyone who contributed to making UKSB2026 such an inspiring and welcoming event. I returned to my research with new ideas, fresh motivation and a stronger professional network. I look forward to attending UKSB2027 at Imperial College London.
