Two researchers from the University's Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology have been awarded prestigious Springboard Awards from the Academy of Medical Sciences.
Awarded to Dr Kirsty McMillan, Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, and Dr Marisa Merino, Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine the awards support biomedical researchers at the start of their independent post to help launch their research careers. This includes funding of up to £125,000 each, over two years as well as access to the Academy's mentoring and career development programme.
Professor Claire Eyers, Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Impact, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences said: "It's absolutely fabulous that the talents of Marisa and Kirsty have been recognised with these awards from the Academy of Medical Sciences. Like previous award winners, I am sure that they will take advantage of all that this scheme has to offer to help them establish their independent research programmes."
Dr McMillan's award will support her research into understanding the biological causes of Alzheimer's disease to enable earlier detection and better treatment. She will use state-of-the-art methods in proteomics, biochemistry and cell biology to reveal the role of the endosomal system in astrocyte function and Alzheimer's pathology, addressing a huge knowledge gap and driving forward future research.
In collaboration with The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre and the Liverpool Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre, Dr Merino will investigate a novel mechanism of tumoural growth during cancer development in humans. Her research aims to decipher key mechanisms exploited by tumours to grow, which could lead to new strategies to impair cancer progression.
More about the Academy of Medical Sciences
The Academy of Medical Sciences is investing £7.6 million to tackle urgent health challenges from Alzheimer's disease, cancer and obesity to addiction and climate change impacts on health. The record investment will support 62 promising scientists across 41 UK institutions who are pioneering innovative approaches to improve human health and wellbeing.
Each researcher will receive £100,000-£125,000 through the Academy's Springboard programme, alongside mentoring and career development support to help establish their independent research careers.
