In this article, written for the Research Quality Association (RQA)’s QUASAR November 2023 issue, Anna Lothian highlights the importance of introducing Quality Assurance (QA) and GxP principles, such as GMP, GLP, and GCP, into life sciences degree programmes. Drawing from her own industrial placement experience, she explains how early exposure to regulated working environments improved her employability and confidence in industry interviews.
She emphasises that universities focus too heavily on academic career paths, leaving many graduates unprepared for roles in industry where quality standards, compliance, documentation, and ethical practice are essential. Overall, she believes integrating QA into university curricula would better equip students with practical skills, professional awareness, and a stronger foundation for careers in the life sciences sector.