News from the Medical Research Council January / February 2008

BUILDING THE FUTURE New sites for NIMR and LMB page 2 HUMAN GENETICS UNIT Unit profile page 12 WATCHING OUT FOR FLU page 8 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2008 CONTENTS Building the future

02 Building the future The future is looking bright for two of the world’s most prestigious scientific institutions: the MRC 04 Update from the MRC Chief Executive National Institute for Medical Research and the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology. 04 Change and opportunity

06 Farewell to Diana Dunstan, The MRC has received consent from planners at Cambridge City Director of RMG Council and has support from the Department for Innovation, 06 New head appointed for Universities and Skills (DIUS) for building the new home of the MRC Technology Laboratory for Molecular Biology (LMB). Some further work has to be done on the business case before formal approval for the project 07 Industry update is given by DIUS. Known as LMB2 and dubbed ‘The Chromosome’ because of its distinctive lay-out, the new building will place the institute 08 Watching out for flu at the heart of the Cambridge Biomedical Campus.

09 Stem cell report The acting director of LMB, Sir Gregory Winter, explained that the new building would help LMB to build on its record and more: “LMB has Research centre news 10  a great reputation for making important discoveries, for translating its 12 Unit profile: Human basic science into new therapeutics and for encouraging its scientists Genetics Unit to set up spin-out companies. Our location in Cambridge couldn’t be better; we’re placed at the heart of a centre of international importance 15 Oxford advances women in research and medicine with close links to both Cambridge University in science and Addenbrooke’s Hospital. This means we’ll have an excellent choice

16 Extra funding targets motor neuron disease

17 Obituaries

17 RCUK opens Washington office

18 Opportunities

19 Public engagement

19 Events diary

20 Research roundup

22 MRC people  of local collaborators and will be able to continue to be a magnet for excellence. Announcing the plan, the attract the best scientists and the best students from Prime Minister Gordon Brown said of the centre: “It across the world to the UK.” will maintain Britain’s position at the forefront of global medical research, strengthen the UK economy and, The project will be carried out in partnership with through its links with the NHS, has huge potential to the University of Cambridge, who will house up to 40 change patients’ lives. By taking groundbreaking scientific research workers in the building. This will continue the discoveries right through to treatment, I expect that the well established pattern of buildings on this site being 1,500 staff who will be part of this project will develop jointly occupied to increase synergy and interaction. many of the cures, vaccines and drugs from which the Once final approvals are in place, it is hoped that NHS and its patients will benefit in years to come.” construction of the new laboratory will begin in the spring. The centre is expected to be ready by the end of 2013. But scientific planning, led by the Nobel Laureate, Sir Another of the MRC’s Nobel strongholds, the National Paul Nurse, President of Rockefeller University, New Institute for Medical Research, is also set fair to move to York, has begun. And the partners have begun the a new home. process of liaising with the local community at Somers Town over the plans for the UKCMRI site. It’s hoped In December, the Prime Minister announced that the search for architects, designers and engineers will the MRC and its partners: Cancer Research UK, the be completed soon. Wellcome Trust and UCL (University College London) are to be sold land near St Pancras Station in London. Sir Leszek Borysiewicz, MRC Chief Executive, told It will house the UK Centre for Medical Research and Network: “The plans for these two great medical Innovation (UKCMRI) – a unique medical research research institutes are great news – not just for the partnership to bolster the battle against disease and MRC but for the UK as a whole. The significant improve health. investment we’re making now will mean the UK’s research base has a secure footing for many years to As with LMB2, the new centre at St Pancras will put the come, bringing more discoveries, exciting science and UK at the leading edge of medical scientific research and eventually new treatments.” Update from the MRC Chief Executive Change My first three months at and the helm of the MRC have been exhilarating. It’s been opportunity a huge change for me but very rewarding working with and getting to know teams Sir Leszek Borysiewicz has set out across the organisation. significant changes to the shape of the MRC’s funding and governance The CSR settlement – our biggest ever – was a major structure. His plans will help the watershed. We can now begin the work of organisation to adapt as the UK medical delivering our translational research agenda research landscape changes over the with the National Institute for Health Research next few years. The plans will also help under the single health strategy. Government support is stronger than ever. And two of the MRC to respond to the developing our institutes are poised to reap the benefit. relationship with the National Institute In December the Prime Minister threw his for Health Research (NIHR) and the weight behind the new home for the National significant funding increase announced Institute for Medical Research at the UK Centre for Medical Research and Innovation in the Comprehensive Spending Review in the heart of London. Just days later, John in October. Denham, the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, declared Government backing for a new home for the Laboratory of At its final 2007 meeting in December, the MRC’s Molecular Biology. Council agreed to change the structure of the boards that oversee funding. The MRC’s Health Services and Public Health Research Board will In Edinburgh, November saw the opening cease to exist, while a new Strategy Board will set of the Institute of Genetics and Molecular the MRC’s overall strategy and scientific direction. Medicine, an exciting new partnership between As Sir Leszek explained to Network: “We want to the MRC, Edinburgh University and Cancer ensure that we carry on supporting the highest Research UK. I believe that collaboration like quality basic and clinical science and contribute this, between the MRC and universities, industry, to the UK’s global competitiveness. Council also other funders and other research organisations wants to make sure that we identify and respond will help us to deliver excellent results for the rapidly to new developments; and balance public. And we’ll need to continue the work of investment in large scale science and infrastructure change within the MRC to ensure we continue – such as LMB2 or the Diamond project – with supporting the very best research. research driven by the curiosity and expertise of individual scientists.”

Finally, I’d like to wish everyone a very Sir Leszek’s plans also aim to make it easier for successful, challenging and opportunity- scientists and clinicians to work with experts from rich 2008. other disciplines, through closer ties with other organisations including the other research councils, Sir Leszek Borysiewicz NIHR and charities. He also wants to ensure the The MRC has launched new initiatives MRC can fulfil its aim of developing the careers of to support the joint health research clinical and basic scientists at all levels. strategy with the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). Sir Leszek added that he wanted researchers to be kept informed about the process: “These changes will be made carefully in a way that ensures the Boosting UK methods research and clinical medical research community can make the most trials methodology of opportunities to secure funding. We are putting The new Methodology Research Programme the final touches to a plan to introduce them and is a key part of the MRC-NIHR joint strategy. It has a budget of £60 million to support the further announcements will be made later this year. development of new and improved systems In the meantime, the MRC website is an important and theories to underpin health research. In source of information.” the second part of this initiative, the MRC has allocated £12 million to establish regional hubs of excellence to develop better methods for New structures in focus clinical trials. Closer working between the MRC and NIHR means there will be a lower volume of business for the MRC’s Health Services and Public Changes to clinical trials funding arrangements Health Research Board (HSPHRB). A substantial The new Efficacy and Mechanism Evaluation (EME) programme for funding clinical trials will proportion of the MRC’s portfolio of public be launched in April. It will funded by the MRC health research is already supported through and administered primarily by NIHR, working other research boards. The remaining funding will with its already established Health Technology be redistributed to the other boards, although Assessment programme. EME will ensure that HSPHRB will continue until the new plans are up promising technologies are carried from testing and running. for efficacy and safety to assessment for clinical and cost-effectiveness to the NHS. To ensure strategic direction across the boards is coordinated, four overview groups are to be set up. These will ensure the boards develop joined Patient research initiative to speed benefits to health up initiatives and policies in populations sciences, The MRC and NIHR are investing more than global health, translational research and training £6 million in a programme to identify small and careers. They will oversee the implementation carefully defined groups of patients to help of the MRC’s funding policies, as well as contribute researchers detect, treat or prevent diseases. to strategy development. Sir Leszek explained The Patient Research Cohort Initiative their role: “These groups won’t have funding for will support the creation of groups of response-mode applications or be constituted as patients selected on the basis of their health grant awarding boards. But they will ensure that characteristics and medical history. each board can deliver the MRC’s strategy.” New funding for cell therapy research and health technologies A strategic lead The MRC has joined forces with the new The new Strategy Board will be comprised of the Technology Strategy Board (TSB) to issue two chairs of each research board and overview group. new calls for proposals, in cell therapies (see Chaired by the Chief Executive, it will develop overall page 9) and in technologies for health, which strategic scientific plans for the MRC and will ensure aims to improve healthcare. that the organisation is responsive to the current and future scientific landscape. It will advise the Chief To find out more about any of these initiatives, Executive on the research boards’ budgets and will how to apply for funding and application deadlines, allocate funds from a new Strategic Research Fund. visit www.mrc.ac.uk/opportunities. 

Farewell to Diana Dunstan, Director of the MRC’s Research Management Group

The MRC said goodbye in January At a farewell event at the Royal Sir Leszek Borysiewicz, Chief to Dr Diana Dunstan as the Institute of British Architects, Nick Executive of the MRC, said: “I’d like Director of Research Management, Winterton, Executive Director of to thank Diana for her commitment after more than 17 years in the post the MRC, who has worked closely and dedication. Diana has seen the and 32 years at the MRC. with Diana throughout her career, organisation through huge numbers said: “Diana contributed a huge of different Chief Executives and Diana first joined the grants section amount during her time at the MRC. staff. She has been a wonderful of Head Office in 1975 and then Many of the successful initiatives supporter of the MRC and has transferred to the Medical Division of the last two decades were made a remarkable contribution.” (now Research Management). In developed from her ideas. She has 1985 she was seconded to the a rare combination of talents: with Diana intends to continue at the Laboratory of Molecular Biology in the capacity to develop new ideas MRC to work part-time with the Cambridge as Assistant Director and and the pragmatism to turn them Chief Executive and Research Head of Administration at the MRC into reality. Many people – from Councils UK on research strategy Centre there. Diana returned to directors and board members to for Europe. She will also stay on Head Office in 1991 as Director of staff and funding applicants – owe a as chair of the European and Research Management. lot to Diana’s personal support and Developing Countries Clinical Trials advice over the years.” Partnership General Assembly.

Dr Declan Mulkeen takes over as the Director of Research Management. He has worked in Research Management for six years and before that was head of the Policy and Secretariat team in the Corporate Affairs Group. Prior to joining the MRC Declan was part of the team running the Office of Science and Technology’s first Foresight programme in 1994/95. Declan said: “This is a time of great opportunity and change for the MRC – there could not be a better time to take on this key role. I am working with an excellent team of people; and together we will be quickly bringing in new ways of funding, and establishing new partnerships.”

Technology Development at GSK Pharmaceuticals, Dr New head appointed Tapolczay also has good links to the academic world, particularly in chemistry. He said: “The task of identifying, for MRC Technology nurturing and aiding the commercialisation of the work of thousands of scientists spread across the UK is a daunting one, but one which I am looking forward to as Dr Dave Tapolczay has been appointed the new head my new challenge.” of MRC Technology, the MRC’s technology transfer company. He has widespread experience in larger Sir Leszek Borysiewicz, Chief Executive of the MRC, pharmaceutical companies and smaller biotech research said: “Dr Tapolczay’s appointment comes at a time of laboratories as well as technology transfer groups great focus on the application and translation of MRC around the UK and the USA. Previously Vice President, research. His appointment is great news for UK plc.” 

INDUSTRY UPDATE

New Industrial New spin-out to Collaborative Studentship tackle nervous system Awards made and metabolism The MRC’s improved and A new spin-out company set up by expanded Industrial Collaborative scientists at the MRC Laboratory Studentship Scheme (CASE) of Molecular Biology (LMB) in awards are helping to encourage Cambridge is tackling diseases productive scientific engagement involving the nervous system and between industry and academia. metabolism. Heptares Therapeutics In the first year of the extended Ltd will focus on structural studies scheme, 46 PhD studentship on a number of proteins in the training awards have been made. cell membrane, which are already Of these, 29 will start in 2008 and an established drug target, called a further 17 will begin in 2009. G-protein coupled receptors. Some of the awards are project specific while others are provided The pioneering work of LMB under a two-year quota system scientists Drs Richard Henderson to industry. The MRC expects to and Chris Tate as well as make another call for project- contributions from scientists at specific awards in 2008. the MRC National Institute for Medical Research provided the Professor Ian Kimber, senior advisor foundations for the company. It to the MRC on industrial liaison has received seed funding from said: “Collaborative studentships the venture capital firm MVM Life such as these provide an Sciences LLP. Dr Martin Murphy of exceptional training environment MVM said: “Investing in early-stage for PhD studentships and it has biotechnologies carries a high risk been a pleasure to see so many and so we make relatively few such excellent applications. Competition investments. However, it is clear was fierce. The awards made this that if Heptares’ technologies can year will serve to initiate – or be successfully industrialised as a reinforce – scientific interactions consequence of our seed-funding, between a variety of academic the company has the potential institutes and 15 companies with a to create the kind of high value research base in the UK.” necessary to balance such risks.”



Watching out for flu

Early results from the first large-scale Led by Dr Hayward, FluWatch is a collaboration between the UCL Centre for Infectious Disease community study of flu transmission for Epidemiology, the Health Protection Agency, the 30 years suggest that current methods MRC General Practice Research Framework and the of surveillance may not pick up signs MRC Human Immunology Unit. The MRC funded the study through its influenza initiative. It has invested of a new pandemic strain as quickly an additional £12.6 million over the last two years in as possible. The research showed that proposals ranging from basic studies of the interactions monitoring flu through GPs might give between the flu virus and its hosts through to clinical studies of possible new vaccines. results two weeks behind what could really be happening in the community. FluWatch is using state-of-the-art scientific methods This delay could have serious and technology to study flu transmission within households in England across the winter seasons of consequences – early warning is crucial 2006/07 and 2007/08. In the three decades since to control an outbreak effectively. the last large population study of flu transmission, laboratory methods have improved, mathematical modelling and analysis techniques have evolved and The threat of a flu pandemic capable of causing society and social norms have changed dramatically. millions of deaths has been heightened in recent years by the emergence and spread of strains of H5N1 bird At the recruitment stage, the scientists interviewed flu, which can cause severe illness and death in humans. more than 1,500 volunteers in almost 600 households While a human H5N1 pandemic has not yet happened, about the structure of their households, their scientists across the UK are working hard to learn accommodation and health. The participants are keeping more about the dynamics of flu transmission and the diaries about their risk factors for flu transmission immune and clinical responses to seasonal flu. Putting – including respiratory hygiene, weekly activity and travel this understanding into the context of modern society habits. For six months during each winter season they is essential for planning responses to both seasonal flu are phoned weekly and asked about any cold or flu-like and to a potential new pandemic. illness in the last seven days, and they provide nasal swabs during times of heightened flu activity. The swabs Dr Andrew Hayward of UCL said: “We have very allow the researchers to identify the strain of virus. If good surveillance systems in place, but this study is a pandemic happens, the volunteers will be critical for beginning to show that perhaps these are not quite as studying the spread of the illness before researchers good as they could be. We need surveillance systems have time to recruit similar cohorts. that can pick up levels of flu in the community and not just among people who go to their GP. This could be During the first year of the study, the scientists crucial when we come to think about a new pandemic compared trends and rates of flu-like illness in the strain. We’re now working to get a handle on community with that reported by GPs’ practices. As the new technologies available for monitoring well as discovering that flu levels and strains reported flu, to create an even better early to GPs were around two weeks behind the community, warning system.” they found around 70 times as many community cases. Dr Hayward said: “We demonstrated that flu is substantially more common than we had imagined. This has important implications – highlighting that vaccination may be even more important than we thought.”

STEM CELL REPORT

Stem cell policy and new initiatives have been continuing apace since Network’s last update.

Stem Cells for Safer Medicines The MRC is participating in a new initiative to apply stem cell technology to early drug discovery. The programme, known as Stem Cells for Safer Medicines (SC4SM), aims to make it possible to test potential new drugs on cell cultures that more effectively mimic the human condition. The hope is to improve the ability to rule out ineffective drugs and, in doing so, to reduce the need for animal testing. SC4SM is a public-private partnership involving government, research councils and industry, and early work is focusing on key scientific challenges and working to produce standard protocols. In the long term, it hopes to develop a bank of human ISCF Stem cell lines that can be used to test drugs. Find out more Cell Banking at www.sc4sm.org. Initiative The International Stem Cell Forum has begun a New MRC cell therapy call for proposals third major work stream following To strengthen support for translational research in cell its projects on stem cell characterisation and ethics. therapies, the MRC has joined forces with the new Coordinated by the UK Stem Cell Bank, the new Technology Strategy Board (TSB) to invest International Stem Cell Banking Initiative aims to create £10 million in highly innovative collaborative research a global network of stem cell banks. It will encourage and development projects. A call for proposals was new banks in member countries and support existing issued in November 2007. projects. This will help stem cell banks across the world to share knowledge about banking and transferring The Chief Executive of the TSB, Iain Gray, said: stem cells. The initiative will develop an agreed set “Regenerative medicine is at the forefront of 21st of international minimum standards to create a solid century healthcare and will revolutionise healthcare ethical framework for international stem cell banking treatment. The worldwide market is conservatively and research. estimated to reach $500 billion by 2010. The UK has a significant presence in this field. However, to realise The first meeting of the intitiative took place in the USA the potential for regenerative medicine, the successful in October 2007. It brought together laboratories with a development and application of bioprocessing cell banking interest from around the world to consider technologies (production of biological materials for the key issues for the provision and global distribution of commercial use) will be required in order to make reliable stem cell lines. A second meeting is planned for manufactured products available at a reasonable cost.” April 2008 in China to discuss international standards on issues relating to the clinical application of stem cells. The final closing date for applications is 14 February Further information is available at www.stemcellforum. 2008. Further information is available at org/forum_initiatives/international_stem_cell_banking_ www.technologyprogramme.org.uk. initiative.cfm. 10

RESEARCH CENTRE NEWS

Meeting the ageing challenge: Unit for The health and development Lifelong Health and Ageing launched survey is unique. It follows the “The ageing of the UK population is one of the grand lives of more than 5,000 people challenges facing society,” according to Professor born in a single week in 1946. The Diana Kuh, Director of the new MRC Unit for Lifelong group, now reaching retirement Health and Ageing (pictured). “It has been identified age, is poised to provide valuable as a scientific priority by research councils and policy insights into the health of the makers alike.” already swelling ranks of the elderly population. The study was originally Diana’s unit takes over responsibility for the MRC set up to investigate a decline in fertility, the costs National Survey of Health and Development (NSHD), of childbirth and the care of new mothers. Data on the UK’s oldest birth cohort study, which has been factors including growth, health and survival, physical funded by the MRC for 45 years. The unit has been and mental development, and outcomes of education awarded £5 million of core funding over five years have been collected from cohort members 21 times with an additional £2.4 million project grant to pioneer over their lives. They are now helping to provide a more sophisticated ways to measure ageing. baseline for the study of cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal and mental health in old age. Diana’s team will build on the work of the national survey, collecting data to analyse how biological, Diana Kuh joined the NSHD in 1987. She said: “This psychological and social factors affect physical and is the best job in the world. I’m challenged every day. mental capabilities and how these change with age. The The study is very special in having lifelong volunteers approach is interdisciplinary; its goal is to understand who have been with us for over 60 years. Looking healthy and normal ageing to inform health policy and after them is our number one priority. We have improve quality of life and life expectancy. The MRC the opportunity to look at such a wide range of Lifelong Health and Ageing Unit will share its findings interesting questions and interacting factors throughout with policy makers, health practitioners and other the course of life that affect how we age. In order researchers who can translate their research findings to answer those questions we need to work with to promote healthy ageing. the best experts in a variety of fields. It is this very necessary interaction that makes the job so challenging and rewarding.” The Manchester Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility, where the feasibility study Looking to the future, the unit aims to make use of a for NSHD clinic data collection took place. new DNA databank. Collecting genetic information from study members that can be compared with the physical and clinical measurements taken throughout their lives will add a whole new dimension to the research. In addition, the researchers plan to collect new information, particularly cardiovascular and musculoskeletal data, to map the physical traits of the cohort in later years. This will be particularly significant as the group reaches the age where physical and mental decline and chronic disease become more likely. And the unit plans to develop e-science capabilities that will help to build a new NSHD data library and data sharing system. 11

Diamond scientist Dr Nick Terrill describes his work to the Queen.

Over the next five years the unit will also carry out more collaborative work with other cohorts, to try to build a bigger picture of what happens as we age. Diana explained: “We cannot build public health policy on one cohort study alone. We will work alongside other funders such as the Wellcome Trust, which supports many of the clinics our volunteers visit. Collecting data is a huge undertaking and our one small team couldn’t possibly do it alone. So to make the study a success we need to collaborate. This is just one of the great things about our work.”

Institute of Metabolic Science in Cambridge launched The MRC Epidemiology Unit, the new MRC Centre for the best of British science – a facility that is one of the best in Translational Research in Obesity and Related Metabolic the world. It will be used by our outstanding academic sector, Diseases and the Cambridge University Metabolic and also by British industry to develop technologies in many Research Laboratories have joined forces to form a of our key hi-tech industries. Biomedical, engineering and IT new Institute of Metabolic Science (IMS). Housed at industries, to name just a few, will all benefit from its power.” Addenbrooke’s Hospital, this new multidisciplinary research and clinical care institute will aim to improve understanding of the biological basis of obesity, diabetes New cutting-edge facility for Radiation and endocrine and metabolic disorders. It plans to Oncology and Biology translate this knowledge into preventive and therapeutic The MRC Radiation Oncology and Biology (ROB) Unit in action. Co-directed by Professors Nick Wareham and Oxford is moving to the centre of a hub of research and Stephen O’Rahilly, the IMS will have dedicated facilities to clinical expertise in Oxford. It will transfer facilities from improve scheduling of clinics, to allow patient care to be its current base in the Radiobiology Research Institute better tailored to individual needs. on the city’s Churchill Hospital site to the new state-of- the-art Institute for Cancer Medicine building (also at the Churchill), in March. It will stand next to the Richard Doll Diamond Light Source officially opened building (housing epidemiological studies and clinical trials Diamond Light Source, the UK’s new national synchrotron services) and the Wellcome Centre for Genomic Medicine, facility, was officially opened by Her Majesty The Queen and is opposite the city’s new £100m cancer hospital. and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh in October 2007. Diamond is the largest science facility to be built in the Professor Gillies Mckenna, Director of ROB, is looking UK for 40 years and is set to play a major role in facilitating forward to the move: ‘’There’s no other centre of this size ground breaking science over the coming decades. or scope. The unit will benefit hugely from its proximity to other laboratories. These, in addition to strong links The facility is a joint venture between the UK Government, with the Weatherall Institute for Molecular Medicine, the through the Science and Technology Facilities Council, and Nuffield Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences the Wellcome Trust. Congratulating Diamond’s staff and and other departments within the University of Oxford, scientists on their achievements, the Prime Minister Gordon will provide an outstanding research and training Brown said: “Diamond Light Source is a superb example of environment for ROB.” UNIT PROFILE: HUMAN GENETICS UNIT

Walking into the MRC Human Genetics Unit in W M Court-Brown. Following the arrival of a new Director, Edinburgh creates a big impression. The entrance foyer Professor John Evans, in 1969, the unit grew considerably is adorned with front covers of prestigious science in size and reputation. It is now one of the largest MRC journals, with every cover story based on research by research establishments, supporting around 220 scientists, scientists at the unit. Climb the stairs to the director’s support staff, fellows, PhD students and visiting workers. fourth level office and the catalogue of success continues, with front cover stories lining the stairwell. The current Director, Professor Nick Hastie (pictured, right), arrived almost 25 years ago to take up a post as a senior For anyone familiar with the Human Genetics Unit and, group leader, becoming Director in 1994. Nick explained: more specifically, its research, this ‘hall of fame’ will come “The unit aims to gain an understanding of the molecular as no surprise: the unit is at the forefront of human basis of genetic disease and normal human development, genetics research, and is unparalleled in advancing our and to understand the role of nuclear and cytoplasmic understanding of the genetic factors implicated in human organisation in regulating the flow of information from DNA disease, and in normal and abnormal development. to an organism. Population genetics also plays an important role, in helping to identify genetic risk factors in common The unit was established in 1956 as the Clinical Effects disease. We’re always keen to take our work forward and to of Radiation Unit under the directorship of Professor investigate opportunities for possible therapies.” 13

Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine Late last year the HGU led an ambitious project to create the Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine (IGMM), a three-way partnership involving the MRC, the University of Edinburgh and Cancer Research UK.

IGMM is one of the largest centres of human molecular genetics research capacity in the UK, bringing together more than 500 research and support scientists from the Human Genetics Unit, the Centre for Molecular Medicine and the Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre in a single, scientific endeavour.

“One of the main aims of the institute is to develop fully integrated, multi-disciplinary research programmes across the whole spectrum of basic, clinical and translational research,” explained Professor Hastie, who is Director of the new institute as well as remaining Director of HGU. “We’ve pooled the resources and complementary skills of the scientists on this site to create a critical mass in many key areas, including cell and molecular biology, statistical genetics, computational biology, pathology and epidemiology.”

Research at the unit is organised into three sections: medical and developmental genetics, chromosomal biology, and a new section, biomedical systems analysis. Each section plays a strategic role in contributing to the overall Microscopy allows Wendy to zoom in on individual cells understanding of human genetics. in areas where genes are being activated, then to look at the position of the genes to see how tightly packed the chromosome is, and how and when the genes open up. Chromosome packing Professor Wendy Bickmore leads a group investigating Last year, the group showed that changes in chromosome the three-dimensional folding of the genome, and how packing occur in patients with ICF, a syndrome with this controls genome function. “Working out how our immunodeficiency and facial abnormalities, and they think cells fit so much DNA into such a tiny nucleus in a useful these changes may contribute to changes in expression way is a fascinating problem,” she said. “The approach we of genes in this disease. Wendy is now developing a apply is primarily visual, using fluorescence microscopy to technique that will allow her to control and alter the study the spatial organisation of genes and chromosomes position of chromosomes in the nucleus and then in humans and mice.” monitor any changes this causes in gene expression. Unit profile:Human Genetics Unit continued

Germ cell development Dr Ian Adams is busy pulling together several different strands of enquiry to investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in a germ cell’s decision to become male or female. “This decision is important for human genetics, since female germ cells tend to transmit different types of mutations to those transmitted by male germ cells,” said Ian.

Ian identified a male-specific gene, expressed only in the testis from the time the decision to become male is made, which is involved in the secretion of molecules from one cell to other cells. When this secretion of molecules from cells supporting the germ cells was blocked, the sex of the germ cell was reversed and the germ cells Recently, with colleagues at the MRC Genome Damage became female. and Stability Centre in Brighton, they identified mutations in the Pericentrin gene as a cause of Seckel syndrome, Ian believes that a change in the cell biology of the which results in patients having a similar head and supporting cells is behind the sex decision process, body size to the recently discovered Homo floresiensis. enabling these cells to increase secretion which, in turn, Their work has also linked DNA damage signaling to a allows them to communicate the sex determination structural protein in the centrosome, which is involved in decision to all other cells. The next step is to identify the cell division, for the first time. molecules being secreted by the male supporting cells that are telling the germ cells to become male. Biomedical systems analysis “Problems with germ cell development cause problems Recent re-structuring at HGU has led to the creation of with fertility and we hope that our work will give us an a biomedical systems analysis section, led by Professor insight into the possible causes of some fertility issues as well Richard Baldock, which reflects the growing recognition as cancers related to germ cell development,” explained Ian. that there should be greater development of ‘dry’ computational systems biology and statistical modeling within the unit to complement and extend the ‘wet’ Disorders of the human brain biomedical science. Andrew Jackson is a clinical geneticist particularly interested in using human genetics to help us understand “We want to develop a much more mathematical how neurological conditions occur. “My philosophy is to and computational approach to our work,” explained study genetic neurological disorders, identify the genes Richard. “The unit generates masses of data and this will involved, then study how the proteins they encode work expand as new sequencing and imaging technologies both in health and disease,” he said. Andrew works come online. We need to be able to data-mine for more with patients suffering from disorders of human brain reliable interpretations and novel associations which, in size, Primary Microcephaly and Seckel syndrome, and turn, will allow us to develop new and better hypotheses those with Aicardi Goutières syndrome, a childhood that we can then test.” autoimmune brain disease. In Primary Microcephaly patients, the brain is reduced to a third of normal size. The section has an explicit drive to build its work on Andrew has been involved in identifying genes for this programmes of research which are linked to other groups condition and the related condition, Seckel syndrome. in the unit and within the IGMM (see box, previous page).

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Oxford advances women in science

In November the Oxford Women in Politics (OXWIP) group and Females in Engineering, Science and Technology (FEST) held their first joint Women in Science conference. The one-day conference was designed to bring together students and leading professionals to openly discuss the barriers faced by women in the science, engineering and technology (SET) industry and what measures are being taken to overcome these.

Population genetics Highlights of the day included a keynote speech These are exciting times for population genetics from Professor Kay Davies, Director of the MRC research. Scientists can now use whole genome Functional Genetics Unit. She spoke about her own scans to identify genes and biochemical mechanisms experiences (and barriers) to making it to the top of underlying many complex diseases. her profession, and about the MRC’s own strategy for advancing women in science. Dr Evan Harris MP As part of an ongoing collaboration between spoke at the afternoon panel session and contributed scientists in the unit and Croatia, data and samples to the lively discussion that followed. Mingling in the have been collected from over 2,000 individuals glass-fronted atrium of the Said Business School, the from the Dalmatian islands. The fieldwork involved students and professionals in SET had the measurements of basic biochemistry, such as plasma chance to explore career and cholesterol; physiological parameters, such as blood leadership opportunities by pressure; anthropometric traits, such as height and meeting career experts weight; as well as more specialised clinical data. from a range of Volunteers also completed questionnaires relating sponsors including to health, family information, personality and the MRC. cognitive assessments.

“Analysis of our data from Vis Island is already proving successful. We’re identifying new disease- related genes, and we hope these might lead to new understandings of the mechanisms of common disease,” said Dr Caroline Hayward.

The project is part of the EU Framework Programme 6 EUROSPAN consortium studying similar quantitative traits in isolated populations in Scotland, Sweden, the Netherlands and Italy in order to replicate, compare and contrast results. Extra funding targets motor neuron disease

The Motor Neuron Disease In November, the Science and samples and large-scale genetic Innovation Minister Ian Pearson studies are needed. Standardised (MND) Association and announced the new initiative, aimed approaches will be necessary to the MRC have pledged an at accelerating the pace at which categorise biomarkers – the emphasis additional £15 million in the research findings are turned into should be on biomarkers for the prevention and therapies for motor early stages of disease. Developing search for new treatments neuron disease. The MRC and the a range of models will be more and cures for this debilitating MND Association have also set up beneficial than focusing on a single neurodegenerative condition. the jointly-funded Lady Edith Wolfson experimental model. Fellowship scheme. The fellowships will support clinicians who pursue Mr Pearson said: “Motor neuron Motor neuron disease attacks the research into the disease process and disease is a rapidly progressive and neurons in the brain and spinal cord treatments for motor neuron disease. fatal disease that affects around 5,000 that control movement. It leads to people in the UK. At present there is weakness and wasting of muscles, In December a joint MRC and MND no cure. However, the Government causing increasing loss of mobility in Association workshop investigated is committed to supporting the the limbs, and difficulties with speech, the best areas for a call for research MND Association to advance our swallowing and breathing. The MRC proposals in this field. At the knowledge and treatment of the currently invests around £3.7 million workshop, delegates agreed that the disease. Medical research in the UK a year on research related to motor money should focus on three areas: benefits tremendously from the neuron disease. It’s looking to fund hunting for motor neuron disease support of charities such as the at least £7.5 million of new research genes; investigating biomarkers MND Association. Working together, over the next five years. This extra (biological indicators) of the disease; Government, research councils and funding will be matched by at least and developing better models of charities can maximise the impact the same amount from the MND the condition. To further these goals, of money spent on research for the Association’s private donors. collections of well characterised benefit of all of us.” 17

OBITUARIES

Dr Andy Coward John Newsom-Davis (1932–2007) (1941–2007) Professor John Newsom-Davis, who in 1980 was the A pioneer in the use of MRC’s first clinical research professor, died in a car stable isotope technology – accident in Romania in August. a revolutionary method for studying human physiology A distinguished clinical neuroscientist, Professor – Dr Andy Coward died in Newsom-Davis was best known for his work on November, following illness myasthenia gravis, a disorder of the nervous system resulting from cancer. characterised by attacks of profound and often life- threatening muscular weakness. Born in Hertfordshire Dr Coward, who was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s and schooled in Sherborne, John Newsom-Davis birthday honours, retired last year after 38 years at the followed his maternal grandfather into medicine and MRC. A senior staff member at MRC Human Nutrition trained as a neurologist, taking a joint appointment Research in Cambridge, he stayed on as an honorary at the National Hospital, Queen Square and the senior scientist after retirement. During his career, Dr Royal Free in London in 1970. He established a very Coward worked to improve understanding of the role active research group at the Royal Free and became of nutrition in human health. His work involved applying one of a small number of physicians to begin to new techniques to public health questions. This included apply advances in basic science to clinical problems, his use of the ‘doubly-labelled water method’ to measure helping to keep the UK at the forefront of clinical energy expenditure for the Department of Health and research. Professor Newsom-Davis was a member the Food Standards Agency and studies on infant feeding of the MRC’s Council in 1983 and 1984 and chaired practices for the World Health Organization. His work the neurosciences board twice. Between 1997 and has global significance for nutritional policy and practice, 2004 he edited Brain, the premier neurology journal. most notably in maternal and infant nutrition, and in the Among his many honours and appointments, he was a prevention of obesity and its complications. Dr Coward founder member of the Academy of Medical Sciences had a deep commitment to scientific advancement in and was made a fellow of the Royal Society in 1991. developing countries and was internationally recognised He was awarded a CBE in 1996, and gained foreign for this work; in 2006 he was made an honorary fellow membership of the US National Academy of Sciences of the International Union of Nutrition Societies. in 2001.

RCUK opens Washington office

Research Councils UK (RCUK) opened their second office outside Europe in November. A permanent RCUK presence in Washington comes hot on the heels of an RCUK office in Beijing which was opened in October. The Washington office was launched at an evening reception hosted by British Ambassador Sir Nigel Sheinwald at his residence in Washington DC. He welcomed the creation of the office, which will work to improve UK-US research collaboration.

The opening of the Washington office was announced by the Minster for Science and Innovation, Mr Ian Pearson, at a breakfast reception the same day at Westminster. Hosted by RCUK and Universities UK, the event was also used by RCUK to launch their new international strategy. 18

OPPORTUNITIES

Board Deadline date Peer review Board meeting Molecular and Cellular Medicine 30 April 2008 May–August 2008 8 & 9 October 2008 Infections and Immunity 07 May 2008 May–August 2008 16 & 17 October 2008 Physiological Systems and Clinical Sciences 14 May 2008 May–September 2008 22 & 23 October 2008 Neurosciences and Mental Health 21 May 2008 May–September 2008 29 & 30 October 2008 Health Services and Public Health Research 28 May 2008 June–September 2008 5 & 6 November 2008

Calls for proposals and other panels Deadline date Peer review Panel meeting Methodology Research Panel 6 February 2008 February–June 2008 7 & 8 July 2008 Patient Research Cohorts Initiative Call 7 February 2008 February–March 2008 22 & 23 April 08 Hubs for Trials Methodology Research 14 February 2008 February–April 2008 May 2008 PSCSB Pilot Industry Collaboration Awards 2 April 2008 May–July 2008 July 2008 UKCRC Translational Infection Research 12 March 2008 March–May 2008 10 & 11 June 2008 Initiative – full applications Models April 2008 April–May 2008 June 2008 MCMB Pilot Industry Collaboration Awards 15 April 2008 May–June 2008 July 2008

Fellowships Deadline date Shortlisting Panel meeting Career Development Award* 18 January 2008 22 May 2008 19 & 20 June 2008 Clinical Research Training Fellowship 25 January 2008 13 May 2008 10–12 June 2008 (Round 1)**

* Joint funding available with: Multiple Sclerosis Society ** Joint funding available with: Asthma UK; Chronic Granulomatous Disorder Research Trust; Kidney Research UK; Multiple Sclerosis Society; Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists; Royal College of Radiologists; Royal College of Surgeons of England and Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh; the Welsh Assembly.

National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs) The NC3Rs has funding available for research which advances knowledge in the replacement, refinement or reduction of animals in research. The next application deadline is 13 February 2008.

As well as response mode applications, grant applications are encouraged in two key areas: • 3Rs and fish. • Refinement in rodent husbandry care and procedures. For more information, visit www.nc3rs.org.uk/researchfunding or email [email protected]. 19

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

European parliamentarians team up LMB opens its doors to teachers with scientists Twenty three teachers from ‘Cambridge biologists’, a Dr Gail Goldberg, a senior scientist at MRC Human network of local schools, visited the MRC Laboratory of Nutrition Research (HNR) in Cambridge, shadowed Molecular Biology (LMB) in October. Dutch MEP Lambert Van Nistelrooij in Brussels in October. The scheme is run by the European Sir Gregory Winter, acting Director of LMB was joined Commission’s Science, Economy and Society Directorate by Professor Sir John Walker, Director of the MRC and the Scientific Technology Options Assessment Dunn Human Nutrition Unit and Professor Ron Laskey, committee. The Royal Society helped to find scientists honorary joint Director of the MRC Cancer Cell Unit, working in EU member states to pair with Members of who all gave presentations to the teachers. This was the European Parliament. The scheme aims to improve followed by lively discussion about ways to enhance links between the scientific community and European schools’ involvement with the MRC in the Cambridge politicians. HNR will return the favour early in 2008, region. The teachers were given a demonstration of welcoming Mr Van Nistelrooij for a visit. LMB’s electron and confocal microscopes and of the molecular graphics of protein structure. Dr Goldberg said: “We were privileged to have such unique access to, and opportunity to understand, the workings of Organiser Dr Liz Madgett said: “School children have the European Parliament and European Commission. The enjoyed interactive demonstrations here at LMB for MEPs and their assistants, although extremely busy, were some time. We feel the time is right to consult teachers very generous with their time and in sharing their various on whether there are other things that we can provide activities with us. I would strongly encourage other MRC that will help to support their efforts and to enthuse scientists to apply for future pairing schemes.” young people about a career in scientific research.”

EVENTS DIARY

Café scientifique and researchers at the MRC Human Reproductive Grab a coffee and slice of cake and join MRC scientists at Sciences Unit, and Edinburgh University’s Division of the Vale and Downland Museum in Wantage, Oxfordshire Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, are helping on 11 March 2008 as they explore the nature of solve these problems. viruses and take a closer look at some of our most common enemies: the flu virus, HIV and avian flu. Join • Why testicles are cool: treating fertility problems in the discussion on how viruses work, how they spread men. Thursday 21 February at 6:30pm. and how researchers are finding ways to defeat them. To • Periods: a bleeding pain! Will it ever be possible to find out more email [email protected] or visit make every week of the month bearable? Tuesday 18 www.wantage.com/museum/index.html. March at 6:30pm.

Let’s talk about… sex and babies Both talks take place in the QMRI building, New Royal A series of public talks about the health issues relating Infirmary, Little France, Edinburgh. For more information to sex and babies, including the latest on how clinicians and to reserve a seat, visit www.crb.ed.ac.uk/letstalk. 20

RESEARCH ROUNDUP

Bereaved families choose to donate tissue for research A two-year pilot project has shown that almost all families will choose to donate a deceased relative’s tissue if given the choice and information explaining the need for human tissue in medical research. The Sudden Death Brain and Tissue Bank, led by Professor Jeanne Bell of the University of Edinburgh and NHS Lothian, stores samples of ‘normal’ brain tissue from people who have died suddenly. It is used for comparison with tissue from patients who have died of known conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease or HIV/AIDS, or to study conditions related to sudden death, such as depression, drug addiction and sudden infant death. Beginning in March 2005, Professor Bell set out to measure the success rate of obtaining authorisation from suddenly bereaved families to retain brain tissue. She assessed both the range and quality of tissue samples for use in research and the relatives’ experience of the authorisation process. Of 111 families approached, 96 per cent allowed scientists to retain tissue from their deceased relative. Almost one in five were prepared to donate whole organs. And in a survey sent to families six months later, the respondents expressed a clear view that the opportunity for research donation should be open to all bereaved families. “From a scientific point of view, the potential to acquire research samples of normal brain tissue and certain brain disorders which research into recurrent miscarriages and pre-eclampsia. require further study, suggests that efforts to work It could even lead to new ways of avoiding immune with the forensic post mortem service and to provide system rejection, and be used in stem cell research families with information are extremely worthwhile,” and immune-related conditions like arthritis. Led by said Professor Bell. Professor Philip Lowry, the team discovered that a Journal of Pathology 2007; 213: 369–375 small protein called neurokinin B (NKB), which is secreted by the placenta, is raised in mothers who develop pre-eclampsia. While they were trying to The placenta acts like a parasite translate this discovery into a way to diagnose the MRC scientists at the University of Reading have condition, they found that placental NKB contained a discovered that the placenta uses a cloaking device molecule that is used by parasitic worms to evade host similar to that used by parasites to avoid detection immune systems. “Devising a mechanism by which you by the mother’s immune system. The researchers could make cells invisible to the immune system could made the breakthrough when they were researching lead to cures for a number of diseases and conditions,” a diagnostic test for pre-eclampsia, a potentially said Professor Lowry. fatal maternal illness. They believe the finding will Journal of Molecular Endocrinology revolutionise our understanding of the placenta and 2007; 39: 189–198 RESEARCH ROUNDUP continued

New antibody blocks asthma A good night’s sleep improves memory Blocking a signalling molecule that helps to control Researchers at the MRC Anatomical the immune system could be an effective way to treat Neuropharmacology Unit in Oxford have discovered allergic asthma, scientists at the MRC Laboratory of that sleep is important for the stabilisation of memory. Molecular Biology have found. Allergic asthma is caused Led by Dr Jozsef Csicsvari, the team described how by a breakdown in the normal function of the immune brain activity related to a person’s recent waking system, where normally harmless stimuli such as pollen experiences could be reactivated in the hippocampus lead to uncontrolled immune responses. The difficulty in during sleep, helping the formation of long-lasting breathing that follows is made worse by inflammation memories. The scientists studied rats as they explored of the airway lining and build-up of mucus that further an environment and then as they slept. They looked constricts the airways. The team designed a new at the brief intervals in which pairs of neurons fired monoclonal antibody that binds to interleukin-25 (IL-25), messages to each other. The results showed that the one of a family of molecules known as cytokines that more frequently the neurons fired together during are released by white blood cells and play a crucial role exploration, the stronger the correlated firing was in immune reactions. In mice, this antibody completely during their sleep afterwards, compared with sleep prevented the narrowing of the airways, wheezing and prior to exploring. Dr Csicsvari said: “Neuronal patterns lung problems involved in allergic asthma. The scientists during exploration can lead to changes in neuronal are now working with MRC Technology to develop a connections that temporarily store reactivated human form of the antibody. Dr Andrew McKenzie, who memory traces. The recurrence of these events was led the research, said: “We don’t know if it will work governed by where the animal explored and how the same way in humans. However, our results indicate long it spent there: factors which are required for that IL-25 could be a central mediator in the asthma autobiographical memory.” response and that we have an inhibitor that works very Nature Neuroscience 2008: effectively in experimental models.” Advance online publication Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 2007: Epub ahead of print 22

Top to bottom: Professor Andrew Lumsden, Professor Doug Higgs, MRC Dr Thomas Klausberger, Stacy Fitzsimons, Dr Laura Nelson, Lou Dunn, Professor Simon Phillips and PEOPLE Dr Giovanna Mallucci (opposite page).

Professor Andrew Lumsden, Director of the MRC Centre for Developmental Neurobiology at King’s College London, was awarded the 2007 W. Maxwell Cowan Prize at the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience in San Diego. The award is given every two years for outstanding contributions in developmental neuroscience.

The Director of the MRC Molecular Haematology Unit in Oxford, Professor Doug Higgs, won the 2007 Clinical Genetics Society Carter Medal for his “outstanding contribution to clinical genetics”. Professor Higgs’s main research interests are in understanding the regulation of human alpha-globin genes – which direct the production of haemoglobin, the molecule that carries oxygen in the blood.

Professor Higgs was also elected to the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) in November. Joining him were Professor Antony Carr of the MRC/University of Sussex Centre in Genome Damage and Stability, Dr Mario de Bono of the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Dr Steve Gamblin, Dr Vassilis Pachnis and Dr Victor Tybulewicz of the MRC National Institute for Medical Research and Dr Gabriel Waksman of Birkbeck College and University College London. Election as an EMBO member is a tribute to the significant contribution to the advancement of science made by each of these researchers. EMBO elects new members annually.

The 2008 Genetics Society Award was made to Professor Nick Hastie, Director of the MRC Human Genetics Unit (see page 12). The award is made annually for outstanding research contributions to genetics.

Dr Thomas Klausberger won the 2008 Young Investigator Award from the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS) and the European Journal of Neuroscience for his work on spatial and temporal relationships of identified hippocampal neurons in the brain. Dr Klausberger is a group leader at the MRC Anatomical Neuropharmacology Unit in Oxford. The award will include a plenary lecture at the FENS conference in Geneva in July and a review article in the European Journal of Neuroscience.

The MRC’s 2006/07 Annual Review, People behind Discovery, won a prestigious communications prize for best not-for-profit annual report in November. The review was praised by the panel of judges for being “educational and informative” and for “changing perceptions of research”. One judge said: “Like all the best ideas, this one was very simple but beautifully and carefully executed.” Science writers Stacy Fitzsimons and Dr Laura Nelson and graphic designer Lou Dunn collected the trophy. Laura said: “We were thrilled to win. The award reflects the hard work of our whole team that contributed to this publication and, more importantly, the inspirational stories of the scientists we met and profiled.”

Professor Simon Phillips has been appointed Director of the Research Complex at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory and Diamond Light Source in Oxfordshire. Currently Astbury Professor of Biophysics in the Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology at the University of Leeds, Professor Phillips is on the Council of the European Synchrotron YOUR MRC PEOPLE continued FEEDBACK

MRC Network is for anyone who has an interest Radiation Facility ESRF and on the Scientific Advisory Board for in the work of the MRC, including scientists, Diamond. His current research interest is the structure and function doctors and health professionals involved in of protein-nucleic acid complexes, mechanistic enzymology and medical research, government departments structure-based drug design. The Research Complex will provide and parliamentarians, and university staff and students. The aim is to provide a quick, easy- laboratory facilities for life and physical scientists to carry out new to-read summary of activities across the MRC, and cutting-edge scientific research using Diamond, ISIS, and other from research news through to funding, grant facilities on the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory site. schemes and policy issues, with pointers to more in-depth information on websites and in The New Year Honours once again recognised several people other publications. associated with the MRC. Professor John Savill, MRC Council member and vice principal and head of the College of Medicine We are very keen to receive feedback on and Veterinary Science at the University of Edinburgh received Network and suggestions for new features from a Knights Bachelor, as did Professor Ian Wilmut, Director of the our readers. So if you have any comments, MRC-funded Centre for Regenerative Medicine in Scotland. please let us know. Just email: [email protected] Professor Kay Davies, director of the MRC Functional Genetics Unit and former Council member, received a Dame Commander. MRC Network is produced by the MRC Professor Ole Petersen, MRC Research Professor and George publications team and is available in print and Holt Professor of Physiology at the University of Liverpool was in downloadable pdf format at: www.mrc.ac.uk awarded a CBE, while Professor Jean Manson of the Roslin Institute and BBSRC/MRC Neuropathogenesis Unit received an OBE. MBEs went to Mr Derek Flint, former MRC Council member, chairman IMAGES of the MRC Audit Committee and a director of MRC Technology, Cover and page 8: Influenza virus protein and Ms Jenny Brightwell, personal secretary to the director at the spikes, Pasieka/Science Photo Library MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology. Pages 2-3: St Pancras site, Trovis The MRC would like to thank Professor Kay Davies, who Page 16: LM of a motor neuron in the spinal finished her term on the MRC’s Council in December. Professor cord, Manfred Kage/Science Photo Library Davies is Dr Lee’s Professor of Anatomy and Associate Head Page 21: Pollen of Department of Physiology, director of the MRC Functional Genetics Unit and co-director of the Oxford Centre for Gene Function at the University of Oxford. She has been appointed to Medical Research Council 20 Park Crescent the Wellcome Trust Board of Governors. London W1B 1AL Tel: 020 7636 5422, Fax: 020 7436 6179 Dr Giovanna Mallucci of the MRC Prion Unit at University www.mrc.ac.uk College London has been named as one of 50 SciAm award winners by Scientific American magazine. The awards are given to “visionary” and “innovative” scientists with the potential to contribute to human health, consumer electronics and numerous other fields by working on completely new research. Dr Mallucci won the award for her work “paving the way for treating mysterious and deadly prion diseases Cert no. SGS-COC-003156 such as mad cow and kuru”.