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Cake Sale Success: NU Researchers Raise Funds for CRUK

Written by Rob Dawber: Here at Newcastle University, we believe in the power of community and collaboration, not just in our research labs but also in our efforts to make a difference in the wider world. With this spirit in mind, a group of enthusiastic researchers working within the university’s Medicinal Chemistry and Chemical Biology Groups recently organized a cake sale to raise funds for Cancer Research UK – an organisation that funds much of our own research! We are thrilled to announce that our efforts were a smashing success, raising over £500 in a matter of hours!  A Sweet Initiative for a Serious Cause  In the UK alone there… Read More »Cake Sale Success: NU Researchers Raise Funds for CRUK

Showcasing Chemistry at Beamish Hall

Written by Siddique Amin:  Last weekend, the Newcastle University chemistry department set up shop at the Beamish Museum for a two-day outreach event of all things chemistry. The event was a chance for families visiting the museum to delve into the fascinating world of chemistry research.  Leading the charge were some enthusiastic volunteers from the chemistry department, including Kawamura Group researchers Siddique, Tom, and Emma. Throughout the weekend, the volunteers showcased the diversity of chemistry research performed at Newcastle University through a range of interactive experiments. Visitors got to witness the wonders of spectroscopy, learn about the power of solar cells, explore the science behind sugars, and get a glimpse… Read More »Showcasing Chemistry at Beamish Hall

What is Chemical Biology?

In 2023, members of the Kawamura Group worked closely with The Big Picture People to produce a simple video explaining what chemical biology is and a flavour of the research undertaken at Newcastle University. This project was funded by the Catherine Cookson Charitable Trust, to help communicate to a wider audience about the field of chemical biology.  In early 2024, Newcastle University staff and students dropped-in to our informal event to watch the video and meet the members of the Chemical Biology Department. As well as highlighting the team’s collection of scientific posters, attendees participated in a hands-on experiment using methylated spirit and fruit, to extract cells containing DNA, with… Read More »What is Chemical Biology?

Tom’s Artwork Featured on RSC Chem Bio’s Cover

We were delighted when Tom Smith’s artwork was chosen for the front cover of the RSC’s Chemical Biology journal in January 2024!   About the artwork: “When deciding how best to summarise the work from our paper into some art we were thinking about the themes of developing cyclic peptide hits using experimental vs bioinformatic guided data. It just so happens that at the end of 2023, Newcastle University’s Glassblowing team ran a series of festive glassblowing workshops to raise funds for Newcastle Hospital Charity. There we encountered some incredible glass designs, including a hand made from glass, by our talented glass blower Robyn Hare (Newcastle University Research Facilities). We thought… Read More »Tom’s Artwork Featured on RSC Chem Bio’s Cover

Oli Returns from Maternity Leave

In November 2023, Oli Curry – a PhD student – returned from maternity leave. Oli will be continuing her research into chemical probes for Targeted Protein Stabilisation (TPS), and the team are excited to have Oli return as a new mum.     Oli:  “It’s unbelievable I spent a big chunk of this year changing nappies and breastfeeding – maternity leave was a special time in my life, but it’s time to do some cool science again!” 

Down Under at the International Peptide Symposium

Prof Akane Kawamura travelled down under in October 2023 to talk about peptide probes for studying epigenetic proteins at the 13th International Peptide Symposium in Brisbane Australia.   A special thanks to the organisers for this great opportunity to meet with peptide and protein chemists, old friends and collaborators, and many new faces.   

Molly’s Summer Studentship 2023

Written by Molly:  I have had such an amazing and worthwhile experience at the Kawamura Research group. Not only has this opportunity allowed me to engage in lab work to a degree far beyond what can be offered at an undergraduate level, but it has also given me insight into what a potential career in research could look like. From logic to creativity to problem solving – it has been so inspirational being surrounded by such friendly people who appear so enthusiastic and knowledgeable about science. I have learnt far more than I could have anticipated and I’m sure that the skills and knowledge that I have acquired during my… Read More »Molly’s Summer Studentship 2023

Maia’s Summer Studentship

Written by Maia:  I carried out my MChem research and a summer studentship in the Kawamura Research Group which was the best experience it could’ve been. I am so grateful for the opportunity as it not only allowed me to develop a variety of lab skills but also provided valuable insights into the dynamics of a research career. The whole team were so friendly and insightful in both their own and my research which was not only incredibly inspiring but made for such a supportive working environment. I thoroughly enjoyed working alongside everyone!   My research centred around the utilisation of cyclic peptides as fluorescent chemical probes to be used in… Read More »Maia’s Summer Studentship

Exploring Science with Families at the Centre for Life

Written by: Siddique Amin.   Last month, a group of PhD researchers from the MoSMed CDT put together an exciting event called “Marvellous Molecules and Medicine.” Held at the Newcastle Centre for Life, this science outreach event brought together families and individuals eager to explore the wonders of science. Among the team of researchers was Siddique, Tom, and Emma from the Kawamura group, who had a blast being a part of it. The event was all about hands-on learning and interactive experiments. The MoSMed researchers engaged with visitors as they journeyed through the museum. They made science come alive by showing families the fascinating world of bacteria and the importance… Read More »Exploring Science with Families at the Centre for Life