03/05/2013
Dr Phill Hawkins, a Group Leader in Signalling at the Babraham Institute, has today been elected to the Fellowship of the Royal Society. A leading authority on biochemical signalling pathways, Dr Hawkins studies how cells respond to signals and communicate with each other to ensure the healthy development of an individual.
His research has given profound insight into understanding the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway, which is fundamental to a great diversity of activities inside cells, such as cell growth, metabolism, movement, hormone action and the generation of immune responses.
Professor Michael Wakelam, Director of the Babraham Institute, said, “We are delighted that Phill’s research, providing insightful observations into how this critical signalling pathway influences our physiology in health and disease, has been recognised by election to the Royal Society. His research continues to provide new understanding of how the pathway is regulated and how this controls cellular functions throughout life. This is a wonderful acknowledgement of the world-leading research being undertaken at the Babraham Institute, with three elections to the Royal Society in the last four years.”
The Royal Society is the UK’s leading scientific organisation, its Fellowship comprising over 1400 of the most distinguished scientists from the UK, the commonwealth and the Republic of Ireland. Today The Royal Society has elected 44 new Fellows and 8 new Foreign Members.
“I am obviously delighted to have been elected a Fellow of The Royal Society,” said Dr Hawkins. “Although a personal honour, in reality this recognises the work carried out by myself and my colleague Len Stephens and the many members of our research group over the last 25 years. We have investigated the molecular composition of a particular intracellular signalling pathway in eukaryotic cells that links the activation of cell surface receptors to several cell responses.
“The key component of this pathway is an enzyme family called PI3K, which synthesise a phospholipid messenger in the plasma membrane controlling major regulators of cell growth and movement. Although we first studied this pathway for purely academic reasons, our detailed knowledge may now offer novel therapeutic strategies to treat pathologies in which PI3Ks are inappropriately activated, including cancer and autoimmune disorders.”
Professor Douglas Kell, Chief Executive, BBSRC said, “We are delighted to see yet more BBSRC-funded researchers continuing to join the ranks of some of the world’s most eminent researchers. BBSRC funds world-leading bioscience and it is wonderful to see acknowledgement of the excellence in our community through election to Fellowship of the Royal Society. I am really delighted to see Phill’s superb and ground-breaking work recognised with this important honour.”
Contact details: The Knowledge Exchange Office Email: kec@babraham.ac.uk Tel: +44 (0)1223 496206
The Babraham Institute Babraham Research Campus Cambridge CB22 3AT United Kingdom Notes to Editors: About the Babraham Institute: The Babraham Institute undertakes world-class life sciences research to generate new knowledge of biological mechanisms underpinning ageing, development and the maintenance of health. Our research focuses on cellular signalling, gene regulation and the impact of epigenetic regulation at different stages of life. By determining how the body reacts to dietary and environmental stimuli and manages microbial and viral interactions, we aim to improve wellbeing and support healthier ageing. The Institute is strategically funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), part of UK Research and Innovation, through an Institute Core Capability Grant and also receives funding from other UK research councils, charitable foundations, the EU and medical charities. Website: www.babraham.ac.uk The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) is the UK funding agency for research in the life sciences. Sponsored by Government, BBSRC annually invests around £450 million in a wide range of research that makes a significant contribution to the quality of life for UK citizens and supports a number of important industrial stakeholders including the agriculture, food, chemical, health and well-being and pharmaceutical sectors. BBSRC carries out its mission by funding internationally competitive research, providing training in the biosciences, fostering opportunities for knowledge transfer and innovation and promoting interaction with the public and other stakeholders on issues of scientific interest in universities, centres and institutes. Website: bbsrc.ukri.org/
03 May 2013