CARDIFF CHINA MEDICAL RESEARCH COLLABORATIVE (CCMRC) news | ISSUE 2 CCMRC Monthly Newsletter by Robyn Bradbury (Editor: Bruno Bastos). Poker Night The PhD students convened at Sioned’s house for a night of gambling jiggery pokery. Of note, this has been pinpointed as the starting point of the cold epidemic which infected everyone in the lab. Our Partners: A lot has happened since the last newsletter: our students visited China; two of our PhD students became fullyfledged doctors (Dr. Weeks and Dr. Owen); we gained new admin staff (Hayley and Ceri); Juliet gave birth to a baby girl, Sophia Mary; and the institute welcomed four new PhD students (Emily, Sarah, Ross and Valentina). Students Visit China Four of the first year PhD students were lucky enough to be able to visit CCMRC’s sister laboratory in Capital Medical University, Beijing, this summer. The trip provided an opportunity to learn new laboratory techniques and to visit two local hospitals in the city. The visit included time for some sightseeing and even catching up with a previous CCMRC student; Wenjin. On the way back to the UK, the group made a stop at Bali, Indonesia for some relaxation. Each student successfully managed to be bitten by a different exotic animal (don’t worry – Jeyna got her rabies jab upon returning to the UK following her bite from a feral monkey). The lovely ladies of CCMRC partaking in a few beverages following a Christmas meal at Chapel. Tracey and Beth in fancy dress, in aid of SAND charity. Christmas Time Christmas time was a very busy and exciting time at the institute, with meals, buffet lunches, fancy dress, Secret Santa and quizzes Goodbye… The group said a very sad goodbye to Lina, who has since informed us of her safe arrival back in China. Journal Club Journal Club has once again been revived for all PhD students. This time, each student will present their own work, in order to gain feedback and suggestions from peers. Following this, they will each undertake a critical review of a research paper or review article. All PhD and MD students must attend (it’s not all bad – there’s food). Baby Davies In late December, as the night drew in, a long awaited baby was born. The baby was lavished with gifts and people came from far and wide to see the new family. No, it’s not Baby Jesus, it’s Baby Sophia Mary Davies. Congratulations Juliet, on your beautiful baby girl. We can’t wait to meet her! Fiona getting into the spirit of Christmas dressed as a saucy Christmas cracker. Next Month… We have lots to look forward to in the next month. It’s Valentine’s Day and both David and Bruno will become MEN, with their 29th birthday and there are many more. Prepare for incoming cake! We can also look forward to welcoming in the Year of the Sheep on 19th February. The food list for a celebratory lunch is underway!