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Women in STEM

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

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!” 

Molly’s Summer Studentship 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

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

Welcome to the group Harriet!

A warm welcome to Harriet Stanway-Gordon who started in the group this month.  Harriet undertook her PhD with Prof. Mike Waring in the Medicinal Chemistry group at Newcastle, focusing on the development of micellar-mediated DNA-compatible chemistry for use in DNA-encoded library (DEL) synthesis, where she was involved in the development and optimisation of multiple classes of reactions. Through the application of this methodology, a proposed new class of drug molecules, termed cyclic peptide small molecule hybrids (CyPeMs) can now be constructed within DELs. Harriet has been awarded an EPSRC doctoral prize to expand upon her PhD research, involving the synthesis of CyPeM DELs and subsequent selection against several challenging epigenetic… Read More »Welcome to the group Harriet!

RSC Chemical Biology Symposium

Kawamura group PhD student Grace Roper attended the RSC Chemical Biology Symposium which took place in London on 9th May 2022.  Grace presented her work in collaboration with GSK with a poster on ‘macrocyclic peptides as affinity probes’.  Some brilliant talks and opportunities for networking,  Grace really enjoyed catching up with colleagues from the Oxford-GSK-Crick CDT.  

Chiara selected to attend the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting!

We are delighted to announce that Chiara Maniaci has been selected to attend the prestigious 71st Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting in June. Chiara will join a cohort of 611 of the most qualified young scientists from 91 countries after a rigorous selection process.  She was nominated by the Royal Society and assessed on academic ability, motivation, and extra-curricular activities in a multi-stage process. The meeting will take place in Lindau, Germany from 26 June – 1 July, the participants will be able to meet each other and around 30 Nobel Laureates in person.  The Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings foster the exchange among scientists of different generations, cultures, and disciplines. Chiara… Read More »Chiara selected to attend the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting!

Celebrating International Womens Day

International Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the successes of women in our group and appreciate all the supportive allies we have. The theme for the IWD 2022 campaign is #BreakTheBias and we encourage everyone to celebrate women’s accomplishments, raise awareness about bias, and take action to achieve gender equality.  We can proactively take the steps, however small, to call out bias, even when it comes from people who are close to us, and question the stereotypes that still hold us back.  Unfortunately we still live in a world yet free from inequality, bias, stereotypes and discrimination.  In many places women are still excluded from forms of decision making… Read More »Celebrating International Womens Day