News
Getting to know your Early Career Researcher Reps: Sarah Connery
Posted on behalf of: Sussex Researcher School
Last updated: Monday, 26 January 2026
Welcome to our series of mini-interviews with early career researcher (ECR) representatives* to help you get to know them better.
Name: Sarah Connery
School: Life Sciences, Sussex Drug Discovery Centre
In a nutshell, what is your research on?
My work at the Sussex Drug Discovery Centre involves developing a small molecule inhibitor that stops the formation of a certain type of blood cell in the context of blood cancer. The protein target is involved in facilitating a protein-protein interaction that leads to cell differentiation. By preventing the protein-protein interaction, we could stop the cell type from forming and, thereby, cure the cancer.
What do you enjoy in your role as an ECR Rep?
I enjoy being able to see behind the scenes and learning about how universities are organised. I'm also keen to contribute to making the role of ECRs more secure and help fellow ECRs to get the most out of their position at Sussex.
What is your ideal way to spend a weekend?
I love live music, cooking, beach walks and spending time with my family and friends - so a combination of those would be ideal!
Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
I'm a fluent speaker of the Swiss-German dialect, even though I didn't grow up in Switzerland.
Sarah's Links
*ECR reps represent early career researchers at committee level at the ÃûæÂÖ±²¥. If you are interested in become a rep for your department find out more on our ECR reps webpage.