Ehsan S. Sarafraz-Yazdi (MSc Applied Genetics, 2005)
Ehsan S. Sarafraz-Yazdi (left) with University of Birmingham International Philanthropy Manager Adele Diviney and Professor Liam Cox, Director of Research and Knowledge Transfer in the University's School of Chemistry.
It was an incredible joy to come back “home” to the University of Birmingham after 20 years!
This is where it all began for me — born on this very campus at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, later studying genetics here, and experiencing one of the most pivotal moments of my life: discovering the inspiration and determination to dedicate my career to cancer research in memory of my beloved mom, who passed far too soon at just 48.
Walking back through these halls felt both nostalgic and deeply meaningful — a powerful reminder of how our roots shape our purpose.
I was blown away by how the University of Birmingham continues to be a powerhouse of research and innovation — from groundbreaking cancer and molecular biosciences studies to discoveries that are shaping medicine and improving lives far beyond the campus.
And to wrap all that up, a new life sciences incubator/accelerator has just opened on campus — translating all of this cutting-edge research into real-world impact.