Two Lancaster University researchers have been awarded £125,000 each by the Academy of Medical Sciences.
Dr Panagiotis Kotsantis and Dr Stefanie Menzies are both from the Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences in the Faculty of Health and Medicine.
Dr Kotsantis is a lecturer in Genome Stability and DNA repair investigating the mechanisms that safeguard the stability of the genome in mammalian cells.
He said: "This funding will allow my lab to continue investigating novel mechanisms involved in the DNA replication stress response and its role in cancer. Over time, we hope that a better understanding of these processes will help identify new ways to target cancer cells by disrupting their ability to tolerate replication stress, with the aim of developing more selective therapies. I am also grateful to the members of my lab for their hard work and commitment, as well as to the colleagues and collaborators who contributed to the development of this application."
Dr Menzies is a lecturer in Molecular Cell Biology who researches treatment for snakebite and tropical diseases.
She said: "I am delighted to receive this Springboard award, which will support early-stage research into new approaches to treating snakebite. Existing antivenoms have important limitations, particularly in tackling toxins that affect the nervous system, and this project will investigate whether new antibodies and AI-designed proteins could help address some of these challenges. We hope the findings will provide a foundation for improved treatments in the future."
Delivered through the Academy's flagship Springboard programme, the awards support curiosity-driven, discovery-stage research - the foundational science that underpins future treatments and interventions. The awards support researchers to take their first steps as independent group leaders, testing bold ideas with the potential to improve lives, reduce health inequalities and strengthen the UK's long-term research base.
Professor James Naismith FRS FRSE FMedSci, Vice President (Non-Clinical) at the Academy of Medical Sciences, said: "The transition to research leadership is one of the most challenging stages in a research career, yet it is also when creativity is often at its strongest. Springboard invests in people at the moment when bold ideas begin to take shape, providing the freedom, confidence and backing researchers need to strike out on their own and ask big questions."
With support from the UK Government's Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, Wellcome and the British Heart Foundation, this year's awards span the full breadth of biomedical and health research.
UK Science Minister Lord Vallance FMedSci said: "This support is backing researchers at a stage where attracting commercial investment can be a challenge and builds on the Government's record investment in research - unlocking more discoveries that benefit people across the UK and beyond."
Professor James Leiper, Director of Research at the British Heart Foundation, said: "Tomorrow's medical breakthroughs start with today's innovative ideas. Programmes like Springboard give early career researchers the backing and belief to take risks, follow their curiosity and ask questions that can change lives."
Ben Murton, Head of Early Careers and Career Development Researchers at Wellcome, said: "Springboard provides an opportunity to launch into a research career and establish a research group, encouraging researchers to ask the big questions and pursue the bold ideas that lead to cutting-edge, curiosity-driven discoveries. The diversity of areas and approaches supported through Springboard is essential for a healthy pipeline of future research leaders."
