2025 RSC Apprentice Prize: awarded for outstanding contributions to the oligonucleotide platform, enabling more efficient process development, and championing a positive inclusive culture within the workplace.
Georgia Wignall works in a specialised area of chemistry known as oligonucleotide synthesis. This is the chemical process of building short strands of DNA or RNA, which have the potential to be used as therapeutics in the pharmaceutical industry. As a chemist, Georgia works on developing and optimising these synthesis processes to ensure they are efficient, scalable, and meet the high purity standards required for drug development.
Biography
Georgia joined Chemical Development within AstraZeneca in 2020 as part of the Level 6 Lab Science Apprenticeship Programme, beginning a career in science straight after completing A Levels at Runshaw College. Alongside her full-time role, Georgia studied towards a BSc in Chemical Sciences at Manchester Metropolitan University, which she graduated from last July.
During her four years on the apprenticeship, Georgia specialised in oligonucleotide synthesis, working as a chemist focused on developing and optimising processes to support the advancement of this growing therapeutic modality. Her role has involved working on improving yield, purity, and scalability of these complex molecules, making them more accessible as potential therapeutic agents.
In addition to her scientific work, Georgia is passionate about creating an inclusive and engaging workplace culture. She was the co-lead of her department's Culture Connect team, which plays an active role in enhancing employee engagement and promoting a positive work environment across Chemical Development.
Choosing an apprenticeship over the traditional university route has allowed me to acquire valuable workplace skills, alongside studying for my degree and while earning a salary. Additionally, apprenticeships provide opportunities to network within the industry and gain insights from experienced professionals, which is really invaluable for progressing in your career.
Georgia Wignall
Q&A with Georgia Wignall
What motivates you?
What motivates me is knowing that I am working within a department that is helping create medicines that improve people's health. Working in an industry that focuses on developing treatments gives me a sense of purpose and I feel rewarded knowing our efforts help to give a better quality of life to patients.
What advice would you give to a young person considering a career in chemistry?
Choosing an apprenticeship over the traditional university route has allowed me to acquire valuable workplace skills, alongside studying for my degree and while earning a salary. Additionally, apprenticeships provide opportunities to network within the industry and gain insights from experienced professionals, which is really invaluable for progressing in your career. If you prefer learning by doing and are interested in working on real-life projects, an apprenticeship might be a good path for you to consider!
What has been a highlight for you (either personally or in your career)?
In the final year of my apprenticeship, I had the opportunity to speak to an All Party Parliamentary Group at the House of Lords. This was such a great chance to share my personal journey and insights as an apprentice, highlighting both the challenges and the successes I encountered. It was great to be selected for this as this is a topic I am particularly passionate about and having the chance to actively contribute to and influence these changes is incredibly rewarding.
What has been a challenge for you (either personally or in your career)?
Balancing the workload of an apprenticeship, which involves both studying for a degree and fulfilling job responsibilities, has been a significant challenge since I started in my role. Especially during exam periods at university or busy times at work, this has been particularly difficult but has helped me develop my time management and prioritisation skills which continue to be really useful in my current role!