Departmental news
Science on the Hill - Host Defence on the Offensive!
Our next Science on the Hill event is on Tuesday 25 February, 6-8pm. We’ll delve into how different biological systems combat attacks from other organisms - highlighting the human and plant immune systems. We’ll also explore how these natural defences can inspire new therapeutics for treating patients.
Talks include ‘Defence in plants and its role in sustainability’ – Dr Emily Breeze
Find out book and book your place
New biomarker test detects early signs of Alzheimer's disease
Dr Emily Lane-Hill and colleagues, as part of a global research study, have developed a new biomarker test that can detect Alzheimer’s disease years before symptoms show, opening the door for earlier, more-effective, treatment.
Press Release (19 February 2025)
Physics Society celebrate 10 year anniversary
Wednesday 8th January marked the 10th anniversary of the Warwick Physics Society weekly event, PhysCafé, an event which aims to display to students some of the many options open to them once they have graduated with their Physics degree. The event has seen many different speakers, from patent lawyers to authors, company founders to bankers, and, of course, Warwick’s very own research staff.
Work Experience applications open
If you are a student in Years 10-12 with an interest in Physics, you can apply for our annual 4-day work experience. Our 2025 scheme will take place from Monday 14th April to Thursday 17th April and will provide students with a broad insight into physics and what it would be like to work in a busy university physics department.
Deadline for applications is Wednesday 26th February, 4pm.
In 10 years has anything changed for Women and Girls in Science?
Today marks 10 years since the UN announced the first International Day of Women and Girls in Science to highlight the gender gap in STEM-related fields (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and the slow progress of women into senior positions. As of 2023, the number of women graduates in STEM had increased by 5% to just 35% since 2014, when the Awareness Day launched.
Dr Melissa Webby, Assistant Professor of Biochemistry, has been featured in a series compiled by the University of Warwick to mark the day, sharing her experience of nurturing talent in girls and women in STEM.
Find out about Melissa's experiences
Warwick Biochemist awarded eight-year Fellowship for research into antibiotic drug resistance
Dr Melissa Webby, a biochemist from the University of Warwick, has been awarded a prestigious Wellcome Career Development Award, to undertake world class research into new approaches to combat antimicrobial drug resistance.
Press release (22 January 2025)
Warwick astrophysicist awarded George Darwin Lectureship by the Royal Astronomical Society
Astrophysicist Dimitri Veras of The University of Warwick has been awarded the prestigious George Darwin Lectureship by the Royal Astronomical Society.
Professor Rosemary Collier recognised in New Year's Honours List 2025
Professor Rosemary Collier, an entomologist and applied ecologist, has been awarded an OBE in the New Year's Honours List for her pioneering work in horticultural science.
The New Year’s Honours list recognises individuals across the UK for their exceptional contributions to society. The honours celebrate those who have made a significant impact in various fields, acknowledging their outstanding service.
Based at Warwick Crop Centre, Professor Collier's research focuses on sustainable pest management in horticultural crops, using methods that minimise ecological impact. This includes biological and physical strategies, host plant resistance, and novel technologies for pest monitoring, offering valuable insights to farmers, growers, and gardeners.
Professor Collier said, “I’m extremely pleased and proud to be awarded this honour. I consider myself very fortunate to work in an area that combines my personal and professional passions for animals, plants, the natural environment, and food.
“Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege to work with exceptional colleagues and engage with the UK’s fresh produce industry, which contributes significantly to national health and happiness”.
Ash dieback experts identify shoots of hope for Britain’s threatened trees
Epidemiologist Dr Matt Combes was recently interviewed for the Guardian about Ash die-back in the UK and the scientific efforts to protect ash trees. The publication highlights Matt's review article on ash die-back and his more recent work at Warwick modelling the severity of the disease and how this may interact with the emerald ash borer beetle. The modelling is part of the SMARTIES (Surveillance and Management of multiple Risks to Treescapes: Integrating Epidemiology and Stakeholder behaviour) project.
Read the Guardian article (20 December 2024).
Photograph: Andy Soloman/Alamy
Major investment in doctoral students to support next generation of researchers
Two doctoral training programmes led and supported by the University of Warwick are to receive fresh funding from UK Research and Innovation:
- Midlands Integrative Bioscience Training Partnership (MIBTP)
- Central England NERC Training Alliance (CENTA)
The investments in both programmes are part of a £500 million investment package announced by UKRI to support doctoral students to develop their skills and experience across the biological and environmental sciences at their respective institutions.
Press Release (9 December 2024)