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.
The eight-year Fellowship award of £2.2 million, enables Dr Webby to establish her research programme investigating how the outer shell, known as the envelope, that surrounds Gram-negative bacteria is assembled and protects against antibiotic treatments.
The fellowship, combined with support from the Howard Dalton Centre allows her to recruit three postdoctoral associates and a lab technician to deliver the research. The team will work with current and new collaborators to tackle this new and exciting area of envelope biology.
Dr Webby, at Warwick’s School of Life Sciences said “It is a big honour for my research to be recognised, because this award is so competitive. Pursuing your own research interests is something that many scientists aspire to build towards and is an emotionally demanding journey.
“The Fellowship for Deconstructing energised associations that build and maintain the Gram-negative bacterial cell envelope offers eight years of funding to pursue my research passion, which is wonderful. I am also extremely grateful to the support from mentors, collaborators, and my current PI Colin Kleanthous, who fostered and encouraged me throughout my journey here”
Gram-negative bacteria cause infections such as pneumonia, bloodstream infections, wound or surgical site infections, and meningitis in healthcare settings. These infections can be hard to treat, since the bacteria causing them are becoming resistant to common antibiotics. Warwick’s expertise in microbiology, public health, close links to industry and global connectivity puts the University at the forefront of developing new therapeutic strategies and developing the next generation of antimicrobial resistance research leaders.
The Wellcome Fellowship provides funding for mid-career researchers who have the potential to be international research leaders, driving innovation and delivering significant shifts in understanding related to human life, health and wellbeing.
ENDS
Notes to editors
The University of Warwick is one of the UK’s leading universities, marking its 60th anniversary in 2025. With over twenty-eight thousand students from 147 countries, it's currently ranked 9th in the UK by The Guardian University Guide. It has an acknowledged reputation for excellence in research and teaching, for innovation, and for links with business and industry. The recent Research Excellence Framework classed 92% of its research as ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’. The University of Warwick was awarded Midlands University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times.
University of Warwick press officer Heather Holve is available on + 44 (0) 7803 052441 or heather.holve@warwick.ac.uk