The Academy of Medical Sciences has awarded over £6.6m to 54 ‘exceptional’ biomedical and health researchers through its Springboard scheme, including Dr Andrew Davidson of the School of Cancer Sciences.

Springboard grants support early career scientists to establish their independent research careers over two years, with £125,000 the maximum award given. Along with the funding, Springboard recipients benefit from the Academy’s mentoring opportunities and career development programmes.

Dr Davidson will receive £124,000 in the latest round of Springboard funding to study the importance of how tumour cells die, and the role this process plays in disease progression.

Colon/Bowel cancer cells image 

Using Drosophila melanogaster – the common fruit fly – and cell imaging, Dr Davidson and his team will aim to discover the most effective way to kill cancer cells. The team will study different types of cell death, from quiet and contained to ferroptosis – a fiery cell death that can even spread to other cells – to find out if the way cells die could impact tumour regression.

Dr Andrew Davidson said: "I am truly delighted to have received an AMS Springboard Award, which I will use to investigate tumour cell death and its role in pro-tumourigenic, chronic inflammation using Drosophila melanogaster and live-imaging. Having established my first lab at UofG in August 2023, this award couldn't have come at a better time, allowing me to invest in equipment and kick start my research activities."

Professor James Naismith FMedSci, Vice-President (Non-Clinical) at the Academy of Medical Sciences, said: “Scientists face immense challenges as they begin their careers, and the Academy recognises the hurdles early career researchers must navigate as they establish themselves, which is why initiatives like Springboard are vital. Through this unique programme, we are extremely pleased to support 54 exceptional scientists with our largest-ever round of funding.

"The Academy, together with our partners, is committed to cultivating the next generation of biomedical research leaders and ensuring they have the resources and support necessary to realise their immense potential. By providing substantial financial backing and access to invaluable career development opportunities at this critical stage, we can enable talented researchers to deliver breakthroughs and innovations to improve human health."

The Springboard programme is supported by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), Wellcome, British Heart Foundation and Diabetes UK.

Enquiries: ali.howard@glasgow.ac.uk or elizabeth.mcmeekin@glasgow.ac.uk

First published: 19 March 2024

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