Dr Payam Gammage selected for prestigious EMBO Young Investigator Programme
Published: 5 December 2023
University of Glasgow cancer scientist Dr Payam Gammage has been selected as one of just 26 scientists to join the prestigious EMBO (European Molecular Biology Organisation) Young Investigator Programme – an initiative that supports excellent young group leaders in the early stages of their independent careers
University of Glasgow cancer scientist Dr Payam Gammage has been selected as one of just 26 scientists to join the prestigious EMBO (European Molecular Biology Organisation) Young Investigator Programme – an initiative that supports excellent young group leaders in the early stages of their independent careers.
Dr Gammage has been selected for his important work into mitochondrial genetics and metabolism in cancer. Mitochondria – the power houses of our cells – are responsible for producing the energy our cells need to function and survive. However, mitochondrial dysregulation and dysfunction are often observed in cancers, with mutations of mitochondrial DNA found in approximately 60% of all solid tumours. Dr Gammage and his team work to better understand the role mitochondria play in human cancer, including the development and progression of disease.
Starting in January 2024, new EMBO Young Investigators will receive a wide range of financial and practical support. This year their research topics include detailing the mechanisms underlying serious health conditions, exploring the evolution of multicellular life, and investigating how interactions amongst sea creatures impact carbon capture in the oceans.
Dr Gammage said: “I’m truly delighted to be joining the EMBO Young Investigator Programme. This award is a flattering and significant recognition of the work in our lab at the CRUK Scotland Institute around the impacts of mitochondrial genetics and metabolism in cancer.”
Through the EMBO Young Investigator Programme, participants have access to a wide range of benefits, including networking opportunities, training in leadership skills and responsible research practices, support for lab members, and access to core facilities at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL).
Young Investigators receive an award of 15,000 euros in the second year of their tenure and can apply for additional funding of up to 10,000 euros per year. Travel grants and mentorship opportunities are amongst many other benefits.
The new EMBO Young Investigators join a community of more than 700 current and former EMBO Young Investigators, Installation Grantees and Global Investigators. The new intake expands the current enrolment on the EMBO Young Investigator Programme to 151 researchers.
Fiona Watt, EMBO Director said: "Connections made early in your career can play a defining role in your scientific journey, regardless of the chosen path. The Young Investigator Programme aims to catalyse such interactions by offering scientists opportunities to build international networks and explore different ways of doing science. The exceptional young scientists joining the programme will, no doubt, have a tremendous impact in their respective research fields in the years ahead."
Enquiries: ali.howard@glasgow.ac.uk or elizabeth.mcmeekin@glasgow.ac.uk / 0141 330 6557 or 0141 330 4831
First published: 5 December 2023
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