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Rose Bunker

Summer Students 2026 – Karin and Gabriela

This summer, two Newcastle University students joined the Kawamura Research Group through summer studentships, gaining valuable hands-on experience in chemical biology research. Working alongside researchers in the laboratory, they developed practical skills, contributed to active research projects, and gained insight into the day-to-day realities of academic research. Below, Karin Ware and Gabriela Giordano Zanini share their reflections on their experiences and the impact the placements have had on their future aspirations.    Karin Ware, Stage 3 MChem student (Newcastle University)  “Over the summer, I have had the wonderful opportunity to work in the Chemical Biology group at Newcastle University on a project funded by the Royal Society of Chemistry Undergraduate… Read More »Summer Students 2026 – Karin and Gabriela

Celebrating Harriet’s Next Career Milestone

We are delighted to congratulate Dr Harriet Stanway-Gordon on her appointment as one of Queen’s University Belfast’s Illuminate Global Challenges Fellows, where she will join the Future Medicines Institute.  Although we are sorry to see Harriet leave Newcastle University, we are immensely proud of everything she has accomplished during her time here. Her achievements include securing a prestigious 1851 Royal Commission Fellowship, reflecting her outstanding contribution to research and innovation.  Harriet’s new role represents an exciting next step in an already impressive career, and we have no doubt she will continue to make a significant impact in her field.  We thank Harriet for her contributions to our Chemical Biology team… Read More »Celebrating Harriet’s Next Career Milestone

Chemical Probes Hackathon 2027

On 9 July, Newcastle University hosted a Chemical Probes Hackathon, bringing together PhD students, postdoctoral researchers and academic staff from Newcastle, Durham, Sunderland, Glasgow, and Edinburgh, for a day of collaborative learning focused on the evaluation of chemical probes used in biomedical research.  During the Hackathon – supported by Newcastle University, Durham University, the MoSMed CDT, and EPSRC – participants then took part in a hands-on review exercise, assessing the quality of chemical probes and learning how to critically evaluate the evidence supporting their use. Working alongside experts from the Chemical Probes Portal, attendees developed practical skills in data interpretation, critical appraisal and research best practice.   Alongside the hackathon, Dr Susanne… Read More »Chemical Probes Hackathon 2027

Taking Time to Write

In July, researchers from Newcastle University’s Chemical Biology community stepped away from the lab and headed to Cockle Park Farm for a one-day writing retreat designed to support high-quality scientific writing and provide dedicated time for focused research activity.  The day began with a practical session led by Dr Tom McAllister, who shared insights and techniques for effective scientific writing. Following the workshop, participants spent much of the day engaged in uninterrupted writing and analysis. Researchers worked on a range of projects, including journal papers, theses, progression reports, undergraduate project reports, and data analysis. By stepping away from the demands of experiments and day-to-day responsibilities, attendees were able to focus… Read More »Taking Time to Write

Celebrating Marie-Helene’s Retirement

As Dr Marie-Helene Ruchaud begins an exciting new chapter in retirement, we take this opportunity to celebrate her time with our research group.  Throughout her five years with us, Marie-Helene has made a valued contribution to our work and our team. She led the biology aspects of the team, setting up multiple cellular assays to support our cancer and anti-infectives drug discovery projects. Her expertise and dedication have been instrumental in advancing our research. Beyond her technical contributions, Marie-Helene has supported and trained many members of the group, passing on her expertise and helping to build the skills and confidence of those around her.  We are very grateful for her expertise and the positive influence she has had on the chemical biology group within Newcastle University. On behalf of everyone, we would like to… Read More »Celebrating Marie-Helene’s Retirement

Summer Graduates 2026!

In July, we are delighted to celebrate several significant academic achievements within the Kawamura Research Group.  Congratulations to Dr Tom Smith, Dr Tim Bell and Dr Emma Wadforth on the successful completion of their PhDs. Reaching this milestone represents years of dedication, resilience and scientific discovery, and is a testament to their hard work and commitment to research.  We also extend our congratulations to Nell Marrs and Tina Baharlou, who have graduated with their MChem degrees. Their achievements reflect the effort, determination and enthusiasm they have shown throughout their studies.  We are incredibly proud of everything they have achieved and grateful for the contributions they have made to the research group. It has been a privilege to support and witness their development, and we look forward to following… Read More »Summer Graduates 2026!

Jumping Back into “Juicy Genes”

Written by: Hana Anderton. Once again, volunteers from the Kawamura Research Group returned to this year’s Discover Festival on 13th June 2026, bringing chemical biology to the centre of Newcastle through an engaging experiment. The family-friendly festival gave members of the public the opportunity to explore the world around them, celebrate creativity, and discover the excitement of scientific research, something which the team delivered brilliantly.  The group’s interactive activity, Juicy Genes, invited families to extract DNA from strawberries and kiwi fruits, offering a fascinating insight into what exactly makes up every living organism. Through this interesting experiment, members of the public were also able to learn about the role of… Read More »Jumping Back into “Juicy Genes”

Filo Wins Award at CLEPIC Barcelona

Two members of the Kawamura Research Group attended the Clinical Epigenetics International Conference (CLEPIC) in Barcelona in June, joining researchers from around the world to share the latest advances in epigenetics research.  At the conference, we’re delighted that Dr Filomena Saulino presented a research poster showcasing her work on developing chemical probes taregeting PHD-fingers which was recognised with the Best Poster for Innovation Award. Congratulations to Filomena on this well-deserved achievement!  Prof Akane Karamura also delivered an oral presentation titled “The Expanding Biochemistry of JmjC Histone Lysine Demethylases“, highlighting emerging insights into the biochemical mechanisms of this important family of enzymes and their role in gene regulation.  The conference provided… Read More »Filo Wins Award at CLEPIC Barcelona

Inspiring Future Scientists: Students Explore Research at Newcastle University

In May, the Kawamura Research Group hosted two work experience students from Durham Johnston School for a week-long placement, providing an opportunity to explore life within a research-intensive university.  Will spent the week learning about chemical biology research and what it means to be a scientist. Through a varied programme of activities, Will took part in laboratory inductions, received training in scientific techniques such as pipetting, observed and participated in experiments including plasmid extraction and ester synthesis, and gained experience of the day-to-day responsibilities that support research laboratories. He also met members of the group to learn about different scientific career paths and attended research group meetings to see how scientists share ideas and discuss their… Read More »Inspiring Future Scientists: Students Explore Research at Newcastle University

Dr Megan Wright Closes Inspiring Webinar Series

This month we were delighted to host Dr Megan Wright from the University of Leeds for the final talk in our Inspiring Women in Chemical Biology seminar series, proudly supported by the Biochemical Society.  Dr Wright delivered an engaging and insightful presentation titled “Covalent chemical probes for in‑cell protein labelling”, offering a window into how her group designs and applies innovative chemical tools to study biological mechanisms directly within native cellular environments. Her work highlights the power of covalent strategies to illuminate complex protein function with precision and creativity.  This seminar was a fantastic conclusion to the series, showcasing not only impactful science but also inspiring leadership within the chemical biology community. Dr Wright’s clarity, enthusiasm, and thoughtful… Read More »Dr Megan Wright Closes Inspiring Webinar Series