Our Mission and Vision

Student engagement, learning, and success are at the heart of higher education. Aligning with and advocating the values of the University of Westminster, the mission of the Gene Editors of the Future is to vertically integrate scientific research seamlessly in higher education and develop a culture of excellence. We envision a future where cutting-edge science can be simplified to empower students to explore and redefine the boundaries of science.

To accomplish these goals, we collaborate with students at all levels and work alongside academic, clinical, and industry partners to explore innovative ways of enhancing the student experience. The concept of Gene Editors of the Future was established in 2019 at the Genome Engineering Laboratory of the University of Westminster and officially launched a year with support from Quintin Hogg Trust. Since its inception, the program has run four successful iterations, training over 700 participants-including undergraduates, postgraduates, doctoral researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and technicians-as a free extracurricular opportunity offered by the School of Life Sciences.

We have a strong track record of using a range of innovative ways of student engagement all while providing hands-on training in cutting-edge scientific and experimental approaches. Researchers at all levels gain hands-on experience in various stages of the gene editing workflow, in addition to developing scientific leadership, communication, collaborative, and networked learning skills which led to many successful placements in further academic and career opportunities for its participants. The program aligns with multiple SDGs, including SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.