Tammy Dougan

🔔 Our Director, Prof Siddharthan Chandran, was invited to discuss our work in dementia and neurodegenerative conditions this week with the House of Commons Science, Innovation and Technology Committee. The Select Committee was investigating how UK science and research is contributing to the eradication of diseases. 🎯 Listen to Siddharthan comment on what the future of dementia and neurodegeneration research and detection looks like and why the work of the UK DRI is so important. 📺 You can watch the full recording on Parliamentary TV (10:18 to 10:59) https://lnkd.in/dctBzBE2

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Developing research careers is a key aim for the NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) Our PhD cohort of 45 students (and still growing) sit across our 4 clusters. They are integral into the work we do. In this new blog series we shine a spotlight on them. Read about their research in their own words in this new blog series. The first is by Katie Dixon. The future is bright for experimental research. #PhD #careers #research

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Great to see this University of Leeds Faculty for Biological Sciences piece on Reimagine Ageing, one of the networks we supported through our Challenge Network Development Programme last year: https://lnkd.in/ev53i5Ks This research network is for anyone with an interest in: > #HealthyAgeing, > #PerceptionsOfAgeing, and > making society work better for us as we age You can join the network here: https://lnkd.in/eiYgHEtM

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"A review of the Concordat to Support Research Integrity is underway, aiming to ensure that the Concordat continues to support UK research. Revisions to the Research Excellence Framework are also in progress for the 2029 exercise, affecting future plans for the assessment of research in UK HEIs". It's reassuring that one of the areas of work is generative AI and its implications for research integrity. We definitely must make the most of its potential and at the same time consider how to manage the risks of AI in terms of research integrity. Conducting open conversations among researchers is always the way to go to build a sustainable and healthy research culture. There should be no fear of using generative AI, but it must always be meaningful and ethical. "At a national and local level, we see a movement towards greater co-ordination of effort and greater understanding of research integrity in the UK. "

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A pleasure to be working with such a great team on this often overlooked cancer. Oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma is the less common type of oesophageal cancer in the UK and Ireland but is by far the commonest subtype globally. We are grateful to OCHRE - A National Cancer Charity for having the vision to support research in this underfunded cancer. In this work we will: 1.     Establish a recruitment framework of OSCC patients to participate in research 2.     Developing a new Cancer Aetiology Self-Assessment Tool (CAN-SAT) to provide insight into the causes of OSCC.  3.     Create a new OSCC biobank 4.     Develop patient-derived ESCC organoids, the first in a Western population. We hope that this joint project between Scotland and NI will have global impact. Queen's University Belfast University of Dundee OCHRE - A National Cancer Charity https://lnkd.in/ecEvHufb

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Insightful tips for increasing your chances of successful NIHR HTA application from the Director of the Programme. What stands out: 👉 strong team 👉 strong PPIE 👉 pressing clinical question 👉 inclusive study sample 👉 strong background backed up by a systematic review

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Some excellent advice in the article below for anyone writing an R4RI/narrative CV. It contains (to my relief!) the same advice we're giving at Leeds, in particular: - Adding summary sentences at the beginning of each module gives context to the overall answer and helps to build a sense of narrative - Using the CAR (Context-Action-Result) framework to give 2 or 3 detailed examples - Thinking carefully about the kinds of evidence you need to provide (not just metrics, but things like student feedback, too) I'm always really interested to hear other people's experiences of writing or reviewing narrative CVs - in my own experience, writing one for the first time was tough, but after getting to grips with the format I find it a really engaging way to showcase your experiences and demonstrate that you're thinking about the broader research and innovation community, too. It doesn't mean they're without their issues - but thanks to articles like Kate Murray's, there's more support than ever for researchers writing one for the first time!

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UKRI Funding major investment to support the next generation of researchers! Coventry University, Centre for Health & Life Sciences, are excited to announce being a partner in a regional academic consortium for Midlands Integrative Biosciences Training Partnership. The consortium includes regional Institutions; Coventry University, University of Warwick, Aston University, University of Birmingham, Harper Adams and University of Leicester. Professor Mark Wheatley & Professor Derek Renshaw, Co-Directors Coventry University MIBTP said: 'We are delighted to be part of this successful consortium of Midlands universities focussing on the training of the next generation of Doctoral Bioscience students, supported with funding from the BBSRC'. Read more at the links: https://lnkd.in/eVyRqYtW https://lnkd.in/dDNwzYz5

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Research carried out with integrity is more trustworthy – and trusted – by researchers, users and society. The UK Committee on Research Integrity works across all research environments and disciplines to promote research integrity across the UK and in our international partnerships. The Committee's 2024 statement highlights ongoing efforts to ensure that UK research is trustworthy, ethical and responsible. It also describes existing evidence and areas where more work is needed. Read the statement here: https://orlo.uk/S8U0u #ResearchIntegrity

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📣 Calling future biomedical scientists! 📣 Are you passionate about transforming scientific discoveries into life-changing solutions for a healthier future? Want to be well-equipped for diverse biomedical research careers or a PhD?   We're excited to share the new Master of Research (MRes) Translational Biomedical Research at Warwick Medical School! 🔬   You’ll:   👉 Learn from leading experts Unlike other programmes, this MRes was designed from the ground up by leading educators and scientists. You'll have direct access to these experts, building valuable relationships & learning from the best in the field.   👉 Experience a holistic approach: 75% Research, 25% Taught This isn't your typical master's - it's 75% hands-on research under expert supervision, plus a 25% taught component to develop core skills. The perfect blend to maximise your growth. ✨   👉 Strengthen your transferable skills Gain real laboratory experience & build the transferable skills employers crave. You'll leave this programme confident and ready to excel in a range of biomedical and research roles. 💪   👉 Join a vibrant research community You'll be part of a tight-knit community of budding biomedical scientists & collaborate, network & build lifelong connections with your peers. But, the end goal is bigger than just research - you'll work to translate these scientific discoveries into practical applications to deliver groundbreaking solutions! 💡 You can apply now for October 2025! More details 👇.   Big 🙏 to Co-Director, Dr. Leda Mirbahai (PhD), not only for the lovely chat about it but also for her passion, it's contagious! (And for the photo!) University of Warwick - where bright minds come together to do good for you and me. Agree? 👍 (Repost ♻ to spread the word, so more people will see!)

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Our CDT is very excited to collaborate with SIDB and offer a range of fully-funded PhD projects focused on using AI methodologies to understand the neurological basis of and to test new therapies for autism and intellectual disability. Check out the projects and apply to join our next cohort!

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Congratulations Haleema Aslam for your successful VIVA for PhD thesis on How to improve the uptake of #breastcancer screening and access to breast cancer services for #minority #ethnic women in #Leicester. Thank you examiners Martins Tanimola and Dr Helen Coulthard. There is an increased rate of #breastcancer prevalence in some #minorityethnic women and it is more severe in Black African and African Caribbean Women. The recommendations from this impactful PhD research would help to reduce #breastcancer #inequalities. It is time that the #NHS collect #ethncity data of breastcancer screening in #England. Improving access to #breastcancer screening for minoritied communities helps to reduce #heathinequalities by promoting early detection and treatment. Bertha Ochieng Hope Against Cancer De Montfort University DMU Research University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Breast Cancer UK

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What role could and should caution play as artificial placenta technology continues to develop? This is the question being considered by our very first guest blogger Dr Victoria Adkins. Read her blog here: https://lnkd.in/eJf4dX5J

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✨ **Please help spread the word** ✨ PhD opportunity in the women’s health / vaginal microbiome / organ-on-a-chip space. We are delighted to be part of a fully-funded PhD opportunity with the Queen Mary University of London Centre for Doctoral Training in Next Generation Organ on a Chip Technology (COaCT).  Focus will be on the delivery of vaginal live biotherapeutics to counter bacterial vaginosis using organ-on-a-chip & our novel #Callavid drug delivery technologies. Link here: https://lnkd.in/eG6kXwu4 (deadline 6 January) #WomensHealth #PhDopportunity #Research #Microbiome #Innovation #healthcareinnovation #femtech #bthechange #miscarriagesupport #vaginalmicrobiome #organonachip #AMR #antimicrobialresistance #bvtreatment #callavid #drugdelivery

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We are thrilled with the success of our #DeSciScotland event which took place on June 13th! Explore Prof. Alasdair MacKenzie ‘s fascinating talk on the dynamics underpinning the dark #genome and its crucial role in understanding human #health and #disease. 🧬🦠 If you're passionate about genomics, health science, or the future of disease research, this is a must-watch!💡 👇👇 https://lnkd.in/dMbY795N #DeSci #genomics #healthscience

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This groundbreaking study, as detailed in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences by Durham University researchers, sheds light on a promising new avenue for treating motor neurone disease (MND). Nevrargenics' innovative drug compound, Ellorarxine, has emerged as a beacon of hope for MND patients, showcasing notable potential in enhancing neuronal health and fostering nervous system regeneration. Ellorarxine's remarkable attributes include its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, even at significantly low concentrations, marking a significant stride in combatting MND. Of particular interest is the drug's capacity to target the "3Ns" – neuroprotection, neuroplasticity, and neurorepair – a holistic approach seldom witnessed in MND therapies, signifying a transformative leap forward in the realm of treatment. Researchers note Ellorarxine's role in upregulating MAP2 expression, a pivotal protein for neuron vitality and operation. Moreover, the drug stimulates neurite outgrowth and bolsters mitochondrial health, crucial factors in sustaining robust neuron function. For more information, refer to the source: https://lnkd.in/eCQQCHgb

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We're funding new research by Professor Greg Hannon and Dr Kirsty Sawicka at the University of Cambridge. They want to find ways to treat triple negative breast cancer cells that can resist standard chemotherapy and lead to recurrence. Greg discovered that some breast cancer cells have increased activity of a protein called NRF2. This makes them resistant to chemo, but it also increases the cancer cells’ need for nutrients called non-essential amino acids. The researchers are testing whether limiting the availability of non-essential amino acids could make these breast cancer cells more vulnerable to chemo. They’ll do this through both diet and by using a drug called L-asparginase, and they’ll carry out these experiments in mice. They'll then investigate how breast cancer cells have responded to each of these treatments, and whether they show signs of adapting to or resisting the treatments to continue growing. https://lnkd.in/ezsv7kcq

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