Three University of Warwick researchers have been awarded highly competitive Wellcome Career Development Awards to tackle fundamental questions in biology and history with the potential to improve future health, medicine and food security.
The awards recognise outstanding early-career researchers with the potential to become international leaders in their fields, providing long-term support to establish independent research programmes.
The three Warwick award holders are:
Dr Joseph Waldron
Dr Joseph Waldron (School of Life Sciences), whose research explores the hidden regulatory information contained within the genetic code. By understanding how so-called 'synonymous' genetic changes influence how proteins are made and function, his work could improve understanding of disease and inform the next generation of RNA-based medicines.
Dr Matthew Naish
Dr Matthew Naish (School of Life Sciences), who will investigate how centromeres (specialised regions of chromosomes that ensure DNA is accurately passed to new cells) are formed and maintained in plants. His research will improve understanding of one of the most fundamental processes in biology while opening new opportunities for crop breeding to help strengthen future food security.
Dr Steven Taylor
Dr Steven Taylor (Department of History), who will lead the first integrated history of junk food and childhood health in post-war Europe. His transnational project will examine how processed foods became embedded in children's everyday lives and how changing attitudes towards diet continue to shape contemporary public health debates.
Professor David Leadley, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research at the University of Warwick, said: "I am delighted that three researchers have been selected to hold their awards at Warwick through this exceptionally competitive Wellcome scheme. These awards reflect the strength of our commitment to supporting talented researchers as they establish internationally leading programmes.
"From understanding the fundamental mechanisms of life, to improving future therapies, strengthening food security and exploring the history behind today's public health challenges, these projects demonstrate the originality and ambition of our research community and how curiosity-driven research can generate knowledge with lasting benefit for society."
The Wellcome Career Development Awards support outstanding researchers from a broad range of disciplines, enabling them to establish independent research careers while pursuing ambitious programmes that advance understanding of health and human life.
