Skip to content

EDI

IDWGS 2025

This February, we celebrated International Women and Girls in Science Day!   Within Newcastle University’s chemical biology research groups, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and make a difference. A special thanks to all the women in the Kawamura Research Group and McAllister Lab for their incredible contributions to the field of science!  International Women and Girls in Science Day (IDWGS) was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015 to promote full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls. Celebrated annually on February 11th, this day highlights the critical role women and girls play in science and technology… Read More »IDWGS 2025

Team Building in Durham

On 7 June, chemical biologists from the Kawamura Research Group and McAllister Lab ventured to Durham for a team away day, supported by the Newcastle University SAgE Faculty’s People Fund.  Enhancing the skills that Chem-Bio researchers need to be successful, the team day-out included interactive workshops focused on how to create effective PowerPoint presentations and conduct data analysis (for example, for IC50 which is a measure of the potency of a substance in inhibiting a specific biological or biochemical function), as well as building teamworking and communication skills.   The day also included dragon-boat racing down the River Wear (courtesy of Adventure Access), and a surprise encounter with TV presenter Matt… Read More »Team Building in Durham

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

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!” 

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

Celebrating International Day of Women and Girls in Science

On International Day of Women and Girls in Science we are proud to celebrate the achievements of the intelligent, hard-working and passionate women in our group.  We have welcomed several new female scientists to the team including PhD students; Filomena Saulino (Oct 2020), Emma Wadforth (Oct 2021), Oliwia Rebacz (Oct 2021), and masters students (Jan 2022); Valeria Cobiltean, Hannah Hamilton. PDRA  Marie-Helene Ruchaud joined the team in September 2021, she is currently developing quantitative cellular assays to investigate inhibitors of SARS-Cov2. Chiara Maniaci was awarded a prestigious BBSRC Discovery fellowship in February 2020 and continues to make great progress with her research. Joanna Bonnici returned to the group in June… Read More »Celebrating International Day of Women and Girls in Science

Newcastle University Rainbow Network steering committee member

  • by

Benoit Darlot is now an active member of the NU Rainbow Network steering committee. He is investing his time and efforts to defend LGBTQ+ rights on the campus and to foster institutional change within the university to tackle EDI issues. (Blog by B.D.)

International Women’s Day

  • by

Delighted to join the SNES International Women’s Day event (Newcastle University) to celebrate the International Women’s day. It was inspiring to hear the different paths and scientific journeys that Dr Susanne Harnor, Dr Marina Freitag and Clare Fearon have taken. Thanks to the organisers for inviting me to share my experience too!