A huge congratulations to Ethan Ling for completing is Masters in Chemistry! Ethan’s dissertation/research project focused on click chemistry optimisation on peptides. We wish Ethan all the best in the next stages of his career, and we’re delighted that he was a part of the Kawamura Research Group.
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.
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?
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
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
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
After months of hard work Maddy Sayers and Maia Evans have successfully completed their MChem thesis and viva in the Kawamura Group. Their work has involved investigating different roles and uses for cyclic peptides as chemical probes working with PhD students Siddique and Emma. Congratulations and well done on all your hard work, it has been a joy to work with you! We are looking forward to seeing where you go next.
Emma won an RSC CBBG travel grant which enabled her to visit the lab of our collaborator Professor Frances Platt (Department of Pharmacology) in Oxford for two weeks in January 2023. The visit enabled Emma to test her cyclic peptide compounds in next stage assay models including against mouse brain homogenates and cell lysates. This enabled cross-screening against different isoenzymes of the disease target for selectivity studies, helping accelerate hit compound progression for lysosomal disorders and neurodegenerative therapy. As well as advancing the PhD, the visit helped strengthen collaborations with a world-leading laboratory in the disease field, with future collaborative work already in place in the coming months. Image Description(… Read More »Emma Wins RSC CBBG Travel Grant
On Friday 1st July 2022 we hosted the second Chemical biology workshop at Newcastle University Groups from across the faculty of medicine science and the school of natural and environment science presented a quick synopsis of their research with the aim to spark ideas for collaboration and more awareness of the diverse Chem Bio research happening at Newcastle University. Ten academics delivered flash presentations on diverse areas of research (see below). The talks were followed by a poster session where our early career researchers showcased their work and networked with colleagues from across the university. Exploring mechanisms of kinase inhibitor resistance in MYC driven lymphoma, Neil Perkins, FMS Understanding protein… Read More »Summer Newcastle University Chemical Biology Workshop
Many congratulations to group member Grace Roper and her husband Cameron Taylor (a medicinal chemist!) on their wedding! Thanks for inviting us to share your day. We wish these two wonderfully talented scientists all the best!