Magherafelt student wins presitigious award

Sinead McCann from Magherafelt, will also receive a £1,500 bursary towards her tuition fees and a 12-month placement with the Almac Group in Craigavon to gain practical industry experience and mentorship in process development chemistry.

Sinead, who is studying for a Masters in Chemistry degree in Medicinal Chemistry at Queen’s University in Belfast, said she was delighted at receiving the prestigious award.

She said she was also “excited” to carry out her placement at Almac.

“The experience and insight I will be exposed to will certainly help me develop my wider chemistry understanding, introduce me to new techniques and help me develop my skills further,” she said.

The award was established in 2018 as a commemoration to the life and work of one of Ireland’s most distinguished scientists, Professor Tony McKervey, born in Ederney, Co Fermanagh who passed away in June 2017.

Sinead’s name was added to the perpetual commemorative wall plaque at the David Keir building at Queen’s - a replica of which is displayed at Almac’s global headquarter facility in Craigavon.

Announcing the winner Dr Stephen Barr, managing director and President, Almac Sciences, said: “I am pleased to present this year’s Almac McKervey Award to Sinead in memory of our esteemed colleague and friend Tony whose commendable leadership and kind manner inspired many of us during his long service with Almac.

“Sinead has demonstrated exemplary performance throughout her degree to date and I hope, that in receiving this recognition today, she will progress to a long and rewarding career in chemistry. Many congratulations.”

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