On a bright afternoon in May, researchers gathered in Newcastle University’s Baddiley-Clark Building for the Chemical Biology Symposium: Spotlight on Women in the North-East, a key event in the Inspiring Women in Chemical Biology seminar series, supported by the Biochemical Society.
The symposium was more than just a scientific meeting — it was a celebration of the achievements of women in STEM and a platform for fostering meaningful dialogue and collaboration within the Chemical Biology community in the North East of England.
The event opened with two captivating talks:
- Dr Ting-Yu Lin (Durham University) presented “Decoding RNA Modifications: From Molecular Mechanisms to Disease Pathways,” offering a deep dive into the molecular intricacies of RNA biology.
- Dr Kate Harris (Newcastle University) followed with “Small Molecules, Shifting States: From Phenotypic Complexity to Microglial Precision,” highlighting innovative approaches in neurochemical research.
The event included a series of flash presentations from Newcastle University’s ChemBio PhD students and Post-Doctoral Research Associates, as well as a poster session with coffee, giving early-career researchers a chance to showcase their work and engage with attendees.
A key highlight of the day was the panel discussion on supporting women in STEM. The panel brought together a diverse group of voices from Newcastle University’s scientific community: Prof Neil Perkins; Prof Paula Salgado; Dr Tom McAllister; and Dr Harriet Stanway-Gordon.
The final session featured two more engaging talks:
- Dr Anna Barwinska-Sendra (Newcastle University) presented “S-layers: The Modular Bacterial Exoskeletons,” exploring the structural biology of bacterial surfaces.
- Dr Stephanie Meyers (Sunderland University) concluded with “Chemical Approaches to Combatting Antimicrobial Resistance,” addressing one of the most pressing global health challenges.
The event concluded with the announcement of the poster competition winners:
- Ella Sames (McAllister group, Newcastle University) – Best PhD Poster
- Zuzanna Pakosz-Stepien (Heddle group, Durham University) – Best PDRA Poster
A heartfelt thank you goes to the organizing team — Filomena Saulino, Kallie Friston, Ella Sames, and Valeria Cobiltean — for their dedication in making the event a success. We look forward to future events that continue to empower and connect scientists across disciplines!
