Ian Hunter

PIPS Host Organisation: GliaGenesis

PIPS Project Title: AI pipelines to identify novel therapeutics for

During his PIPS placement, Ian explored how artificial intelligence and programming can be applied to understand the genetics underlying schizophrenia. He worked with real genomic data, using tools such as Python and R, to identify patterns in gene expression that could help pinpoint potential risk factors.

What stood out most to Ian was the hands-on nature of the experience. He engaged directly with data, navigated challenges, and gradually built confidence in his coding and analytical abilities. The placement provided a valuable opportunity to apply concepts previously encountered only in lectures or academic papers.

Beyond the technical aspects, the placement gave Ian a clearer understanding of what a career in bioinformatics or psychiatric genetics might involve. He observed how interdisciplinary teams collaborate, how raw data is transformed into meaningful insights, and the importance of clear communication when presenting complex findings.