Warwick secures three prestigious Wellcome Career Development Awards
Three University of Warwick researchers have been awarded highly competitive Wellcome Career Development Awards to tackle fundamental questions in biology and history with the potential to improve future health, medicine and food security.
The awards recognise outstanding early-career researchers with the potential to become international leaders in their fields, providing long-term support to establish independent research programmes.
The three Warwick award holders are:
Dr Joseph Waldron
Dr Joseph Waldron (School of Life Sciences), whose research explores the hidden regulatory information contained within the genetic code. By understanding how so-called 'synonymous' genetic changes influence how proteins are made and function, his work could improve understanding of disease and inform the next generation of RNA-based medicines.
Dr Matthew Naish
Dr Matthew Naish (School of Life Sciences), who will investigate how centromeres (specialised regions of chromosomes that ensure DNA is accurately passed to new cells) are formed and maintained in plants. His research will improve understanding of one of the most fundamental processes in biology while opening new opportunities for crop breeding to help strengthen future food security.
Dr Steven Taylor
Dr Steven Taylor (Department of History), who will lead the first integrated history of junk food and childhood health in post-war Europe. His transnational project will examine how processed foods became embedded in children's everyday lives and how changing attitudes towards diet continue to shape contemporary public health debates.
Professor David Leadley, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research at the University of Warwick, said: "I am delighted that three researchers have been selected to hold their awards at Warwick through this exceptionally competitive Wellcome scheme. These awards reflect the strength of our commitment to supporting talented researchers as they establish internationally leading programmes.
“From understanding the fundamental mechanisms of life, to improving future therapies, strengthening food security and exploring the history behind today's public health challenges, these projects demonstrate the originality and ambition of our research community and how curiosity-driven research can generate knowledge with lasting benefit for society.”
The Wellcome Career Development Awards support outstanding researchers from a broad range of disciplines, enabling them to establish independent research careers while pursuing ambitious programmes that advance understanding of health and human life.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
Unlocking the hidden language of genes
Although multiple DNA sequences can encode exactly the same protein, growing evidence suggests these alternative genetic 'spellings' contain hidden instructions that influence how proteins are produced.
Dr Joseph Waldron will investigate how this previously overlooked layer of genetic information regulates protein function. The findings could improve scientists' understanding of disease-causing genetic variation while helping optimise the design of RNA-based therapeutics.
Building knowledge from fundamental discovery
Dr Matthew Naish's research focuses on centromeres: specialised chromosome regions that ensure genetic material is correctly distributed during cell division. Errors in this process can lead to developmental disorders, cell death and disease.
Using advanced genomics, live-cell imaging and proteomics, his team will investigate how centromeres are established and maintained in plants. Alongside answering fundamental biological questions, the work could ultimately provide new approaches for plant breeding, supporting the development of more resilient crops for future agriculture.
Rethinking the history of junk food
Public concern about children's diets is often framed as a modern problem, but Dr Steven Taylor's research will show that debates over so-called 'junk food' have a much longer and more complex history.
Combining archival research with large-scale digital public participation, the project will examine how branded snacks, soft drinks and fast food became part of childhood across Britain, Ireland, Italy and Poland after the Second World War. The research will explore how foods labelled unhealthy by experts were often viewed very differently by families, offering new perspectives on contemporary debates around nutrition, health and public policy.
For more information please contact:
Ann Baylis, Media and Communications Officer
ann.baylis@warwick.ac.uk | 07425 722087
About the University of Warwick
Founded in 1965, the University of Warwick is a world-leading institution known for its commitment to era-defining innovation across research and education. A connected ecosystem of staff, students and alumni, the University fosters transformative learning, interdisciplinary collaboration and bold industry partnerships across state-of-the-art facilities in the UK and global satellite hubs. Here, spirited thinkers push boundaries, experiment and challenge convention to create a better world.
23/7/2026