Life Sciences » Life Sciences News (tag [Faculty of Science])

SLS welcomes new MRC Career Development Fellow to explore how cells communicate with each other

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 11:36:22 GMT

Dr Iqbal Dulloo, currently a molecular cell biologist at the University of Oxford, has been awarded a prestigious five-year Medical Research Council (MRC) Career Development Award. He will join the University of Warwick’s School of Life Sciences in late September 2025 to launch his independent research group.

Dr Dulloo’s research explores how cells send and receive signals to maintain healthy function. When this communication breaks down, it can lead to diseases like cancer or neurodegenerative conditions. His recent discovery showed that an enzyme complex, previously thought to carry out a routine task, also plays a role in regulating gene activity by releasing a key messenger protein inside cells.

At Warwick, he will investigate how widespread this hidden signalling pathway is and how it may be exploited by viruses during infection.

Dr Dulloo said: “I am honoured to receive this award and delighted to be joining the University of Warwick. Understanding how cells communicate could unlock new ways to tackle disease. This fellowship will allow me to pursue fundamental questions in an exciting area of cell biology that remains under-explored but full of promise. I look forward to building a collaborative team and contributing to the vibrant scientific community at Warwick.”

Professor Miriam Gifford, Head of the School of Life Sciences, said: “We are delighted to welcome Dr Dulloo. His pioneering work will be a fantastic addition to our cell biology and host-pathogen research directions, and we are excited to support the next stage of his career.”

Warwick plant scientist honoured with Royal Horticultural Society Veitch Memorial Medal

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 10:10:00 GMT

Dr. Charlotte Allender, Head of the UK Vegetable Genebank at the School of Life Sciences, The University of Warwick has been awarded the Veitch Memorial Medal by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) for her work conserving vegetable crop genetic diversity.

On her nomination, Charlotte said: "I am very grateful to the RHS for this award; to have such a prestigious organisation recognise the value of your work is wonderful.”

This award recognises Dr. Allender’s research into conserving genetic variation of crop species and for her almost two decades-long service to the UK Vegetable Genebank. This work has been vital for food security by preserving these sources of genetic variation that are needed to develop new and robust crop varieties.

Charlotte added: “The conservation of plant genetic resources is vital and underpins the research and breeding activity necessary to develop the new crop varieties needed for a food secure future. I would like to acknowledge that the work of the UK Vegetable Genebank is only possible with a team of skilled and dedicated staff and the support of the University of Warwick and Defra.”

The UK Vegetable Genebank celebrates its 45th anniversary later this year. It currently stores around 14,000 vegetable seed samples, sourced from 128 different countries, making it a globally significant resource.

Press release

Caterpillar gods and bridal gifts: research from The University of Warwick shows how indigenous culture has shaped crop diversity

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 10:09:38 GMT

A research collaboration between The University of Warwick, the Smithsonian Institution and Embrapa (Brazilian agricultural research), has shown that thousands of years of farming myths and cultural traditions have been key to the survival of the cassava crop (the source of tapioca).

Press release (7 March 2025)

Science on the Hill - Host Defence on the Offensive!

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 13:23:29 GMT

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

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:59:12 GMT

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)

In 10 years has anything changed for Women and Girls in Science?

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 10:08:00 GMT

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

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 11:27:00 GMT

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)

Professor Rosemary Collier recognised in New Year's Honours List 2025

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 14:47:00 GMT

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

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 15:32:00 GMT

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

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 16:20:00 GMT

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)