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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!” 

Down Under at the International Peptide Symposium

Prof Akane Kawamura travelled down under in October 2023 to talk about peptide probes for studying epigenetic proteins at the 13th International Peptide Symposium in Brisbane Australia.   A special thanks to the organisers for this great opportunity to meet with peptide and protein chemists, old friends and collaborators, and many new faces.   

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

Exploring Science with Families at the Centre for Life

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

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

Class of 23 MChems Finish

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.