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EFMC-ISCB 2025, Basel

In January, Prof Akane Kawamura delivered a plenary talk on histone demethylases shaping the epigenetic landscape at the 2nd EFMC International Symposium on Chemical Biology in Basel, Switzerland.  We’re also delighted that our team members presented posters on their work, on the different approaches to mRNA display to find cyclic peptides with the desired selectivity to a model family of proteins (Tom Smith, PhD Student), and chemical tool development for histone methyllysine readers (Dr Roman Belle, PDRA).  On the second conference day, Akane participated in a panel discussion about career development in chemical biology for early career researchers, alongside Dr Christopher Dumelin (Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research), Dr Thais Gazzi (F.Hoffmann-La… Read More »EFMC-ISCB 2025, Basel

New Logo!

A special thanks to Tim Bell for using his artistic flair and creative skills to develop a new logo for the Kawamura Research Group!   Capturing the essence of our research in molecular science and chemical biology, the new design has been well received by our group’s supporters.  

Cake Sale Success: NU Researchers Raise Funds for CRUK

Written by Dr 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… Read More »Cake Sale Success: NU Researchers Raise Funds for CRUK

International Women’s Day 2024

Friday 8th March 2024 marked International Women’s Day, which is a time to celebrate the contributions of women in various fields, including scientific research and chemical biology. Female scientists have been led ground-breaking research, contributing to our understanding of complex biological systems and the development of innovative medical treatments and drug discovery.  International Women’s Day also reinforces the importance of supporting and encouraging women in science to ensure a diverse and inclusive future for all scientific endeavours.    Emma Wadworth (PhD Student):  “To any young women, from any background, thinking of a career in science, definitely push yourself! Working towards new scientific discoveries is a challenging and rewarding experience.”   … Read More »International Women’s Day 2024

ChemBio Winter Symposium 2023

The Kawamura Group and McAllister Lab celebrated the end of successful year of chemical biology research within Newcastle University!  The 2023 Winter Symposium, organised by Emma Wadworth, Tom Smith and Tim Bell, took place at the end of December.  Research presentations from all team members were followed by fun activities including a festive team quiz and a Secret Santa. The teams enjoyed a festive lunch at Pleased to Meet You, before some braver participants went on to karaoke.  2023 was a great year for the Chemical Biology teams which saw many achievements:  New lab facilities set-up in the Bedson Building;  Six new team members and three summer studentships;  Collaborative research… Read More »ChemBio Winter Symposium 2023

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!” 

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

Joanna & Harriet Return from Maternity Leave

In June 2023, Joanna Bonnici and Harriet Stanway-Gordon – two of our Post Doctoral Research Associates – returned to work after maternity leave. The team is excited to have them back, and looking forward to plenty of baby photos and supporting them in balancing work and home life as parents.   Joanna:   “I’m excited to return to work to face new challenges that don’t involve changing nappies or deciphering the meaning behind my baby’s cries.”  Harriet:   “Can’t believe I’m heading back to work already – feels like only yesterday Ziggy arrived! Looking forward to getting back to some semblance of normality (although I am going to miss spending most of… Read More »Joanna & Harriet Return from Maternity Leave

MoSMed Conference 2023

On 16th and 17th May, it was once again time for the Molecular Sciences for Medicine (MoSMed) CDT annual conference. The Newcastle and Durham University students descended on St James’ Park for these two days; each year, this is a great opportunity to catch up with the rest of the cohort from both universities as well as learn about the innovative science going on in the programme. Our second year PhD students Emma and Tom presented posters showcasing their research, whilst third year PhD student Siddique gave a presentation followed by a Q&A session. The conference was also an opportunity for our early career researchers to network with industry partners,… Read More »MoSMed Conference 2023