Congratulations to Tiago Marques Pedro from the MacFarlane lab who successfully passed his PhD viva last week 🎉

Congratulations to the winners of the 2026 Cambridge Independent Science and Technology Awards, including Tox Unit researcher Prof Kiran Patil who was Highly Commended in the Researcher of the Year award Read more about the awards here: buff.ly/Llvs9zv

Our scientists were proud to showcase their research at the British Toxicology Society Congress 2026 🧪 From cutting-edge safety science to collaborative discussions, it was a great opportunity to connect with the toxicology community and share our work. 🔗 Read more:

Congratulations to PhD student Griff of the MacFarlane lab for receiving the BTS Student Poster Prize at the BTS Congress last week!

The Patil group is part of a new collaboration that aims to understand how changes to our gut microbiome in early life impact neurodevelopment. The project is part of Wellcome LEAP's Foundation Of a Resilient Microbiome (FORM) initiative Read more:

Great to see our early career scientists presenting their research during the Oral Communication sessions at the #BTSCongress2026! Congratulations to Marguerite Colin, Niall Buckley and Xiaoteng Jiang on a great job! @brittoxsoc.bsky.social

The BTS Ambassadors met this morning to discuss how we can get members actively engaged in the BTS. What local BTS events would you like to see and take part in? #BTSCongress2026

Upcoming seminar: 🎓 @diniscalado.bsky.social, Senior Group Leader, Immunity and Cancer Laboratory @crick.ac.uk 📢‘Good and Evil Plasma Cells: Guardians & Saboteurs of Immunity’ 📅 4-5 PM, Thu 30 Apr 📍JCBC @cambridgebiocampus.bsky.social buff.ly/9PtbIn8 #CITIID

PhD STUDENTSHIP AVAILABLE! We are accepting applications for a PhD student on occupational exposure of non-exhaust emissions. This is a four year EPSRC IDLA studentship commencing on 1st October 2026. More information and how to apply can be found here: buff.ly/zHbn1yp Apply by 11th May 2026

BTS Skills Gap Initiative is pleased to confirm that registration for the Training Module 'Carcinogenicity' is now open! The module will cover requirements for testing under different regulated sectors, pathological and statistical aspects, and use of NAMs. www.thebts.org/skills-gap-i...

We are looking forward to this year’s BTS Annual Congress with several of our researchers showcasing their work to highlight the broad scope of the safety science research carried out at the MRC Toxicology Unit. Looking forward to connecting with colleagues across the community #BTSCongress2026

mRNA vaccines rose to prominence during COVID-19, but their potential goes far beyond infectious diseases. For #WorldImmunisationWeek, explore our latest #CelebrateVaccines blog on how this technology could be used in cancer and autoimmune conditions 👇 vist.ly/4zmqz

CLOSING SOON: Interested in using machine learning to predict the toxicity of novel therapies? The Patil lab are recruiting a Bioinformatician to work on this in collaboration with @cambiochem.bsky.social & AstraZeneca 💵 £42,254-£56,535 📆 Apply by 20th April Apply here: buff.ly/C8UtZ2n

PhD STUDENTSHIP AVAILABLE! We are accepting applications for a PhD student on occupational exposure of non-exhaust emissions. This is a four year EPSRC IDLA studentship commencing on 1st October 2026. More information and how to apply can be found here: buff.ly/zHbn1yp Apply by 11th May 2026

Researchers in the Patil lab found that co-culturing bacteria profoundly alters each species' behavior. Because the gut microbiome directly affects our health, understanding these interactions helps show how it responds to challenges (e.g. drugs) Read the full story: buff.ly/dZ42Vnx

We had a fantastic time taking part in the Cambridge Festival over the last few days. Scroll to see a snapshot of highlights ⏭️ A huge thank you to everyone who came along and also to our volunteers too. We hope you had a wonderful time and we can’t wait for next year.

Are you interested in using machine learning to predict the toxicity of novel therapies? The Patil lab are recruiting a Bioinformatician to work on this in collaboration with @cambiochem.bsky.social & @astra-zeneca.bsky.social 💵 £42,254-£56,535 📆 Apply by 20th April Apply here: buff.ly/C8UtZ2n

Just 1 week to go ⏳ Join our free Policy Spotlight webinar on 1 April and learn how to connect with policymakers, influence real-world decisions, and amplify your impact as a microbiologist appliedmicrobiology.org/ems-event-ca...

Our new science tattoo designs are here ready for our temporary Tattoo Parlour at the Cambridge Festival Come and get yours at Granta Pl, Mill Lane, Cambridge CB2 1RU from 11am-4:30pm on Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th March and learn more about our research that has inspired these designs!

Hear from #CITIID scientists Ravi Gupta, @lab-rihn-th.bsky.social & @thav-lab.bsky.social @mrc-tu.bsky.social part of @cambridgefestival.bsky.social 📢 Preparing for the Next Pandemic 🗓️ Tue 17 March, 6-7pm 📍 Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, @cambridgebiocampus.bsky.social Book here: bit.ly/46a9elm

Hear from one of our Group Leaders, Dr Ritwick Sawarkar, tomorrow (Thurs 12th March) as part of @cambiochem.bsky.social seminar series. He will be talking about the regulation of tRNA gene expression.

Happy to share our review on non-model microbes and microbial communities in biotechnology! With @sonjablasche.bsky.social @indraroux.bsky.social @kiranrpatil.bsky.social see below 👇🏼

Rob Bradley, a research associate in the Patil group, recently took part in the Dementia and Parkinson’s Disease Open Day, a meeting held at Addenbrooke’s Hospital with patients and their relatives. Rob shares what the meeting was about and how he found the experience here: buff.ly/rUZU44N

Want a sneaky closer look at one of our activities for this year's @cambridgefestival.bsky.social? Then look no further! You will find us at the BIG Family Weekend on the 28th (10am-4pm) and 29th March (11am-4pm) at the University Centre, Granta Place Mill Lane. Will we see you there?

One of the biggest challenges in microbial biotechnology? Unlocking the potential of non-model microbes and synthetic communities! Glad to share our review @sonjablasche.bsky.social @simonemozzachiodi.bsky.social @kiranrpatil.bsky.social @cambridgebiosci.bsky.social🧵(1/7) doi.org/10.1016/j.co...

How are we preparing for the next pandemic? Join one of our researchers Dr James Thaventhiran along with two other researchers from the Department of Medicine for a special event exploring just that 🎟️ The event is FREE but booking is required! 🔗 Link to book tickets: buff.ly/VoElzRU

If you know a scientist who is struggling with self-doubt, please send them these stories. "Simply realising that I am not alone has given me a profound sense of strength... reading your work has already helped more than I can express." - Dr Nicola-Maria Riley www.cam.ac.uk/stories/camb...

I am excited to share our latest publication in @narjournal.bsky.social 🤩 Thanks to everyone who made this possible @mrc-tu.bsky.social Functional characterisation of tumour suppressor PDCD4 reveals previously undisclosed role in the control of cell adhesion url: academic.oup.com/nar/article/...

It's the last week to apply for the LMB’s rotation work experience placements! 🗓️ 27th to 31st July Eligibility and selection criteria apply. Apply by 01/03 Read more: mrclmb.ac.uk/careers-and-... #STEM #WorkExperience #BiologyCareers

Prof Kiran Patil was featured today on the first episode of Toxic! - a three part series for BBC Radio 4 - which explores the world of 'forever chemicals' and his lab's exciting science that might one day help us flush PFAS out of our bodies more quickly. Listen to the episode here: buff.ly/8GmWIs3

We will once again be heading back to @cambridgefestival.bsky.social this year with our temporary tattoo parlour which is always a hit & a new cell-based activity. Sneak peek coming soon 👀

We have extended the deadline for our fully funded MPhil programme until the 2nd April for people from underrepresented backgrounds. You can also still apply for self-funded places available to everyone. Learn more and apply here: buff.ly/Yw1w4Lr @cambridgebiosci.bsky.social

Congratulations to our 2025 science art competition Audience Prize winner: Ivan Yang-Ji 🏆️ 🎨 The mockumentary style video captures the intricate dance of in vitro transcription—the process of synthesising mRNA outside the cell, which is central to our research on mRNA vaccines:

This International Day of Women and Girls in Science we want to recognise: ALL contributions that turn scientific ideas into real-world impact. ALL the roles that support our research. ALL of them matter. Thank you to them all! #IDWGS2026 #womeninscience

Researchers in the Willis lab have found that the loss of the PDCD4 protein affects cell adhesion, which could make it easier for cancer cells to detach and metastasise. Find out more about the findings on our website:

Wonderful news that the @kiranrpatil.bsky.social Lab's research on removing PFAS 'forever chemicals' from the human body has been developed into a probiotic and can be clinically tested through this investment. 👏 👏 👏

We're hiring! This role might be for you if you: ✔️ Have experience in building services/maintenance ✔️ Like fixing problems properly, not patching them ✔️ Want long-term value from your work 💷 £33,951–£39,906 + excellent benefits ⏳️ Apply by 18th Feb 👉 Learn more & apply: buff.ly/HvLRnZZ

Congratulations to joint winners of our Judges Prizes of our 2025 science art competition: Dr Simran Aulakh and Dr Kadri Seppa 🏆️ 🎨 Audience Prize winner announcement coming next week 👀 Learn more about their entries on our website: buff.ly/gOeA1lg

Registrations are now OPEN! Join us in Newcastle for the “RNA in Physiology and Disease” conference, an international meeting bringing together world-leading RNA biologists and emerging researchers. Early bird deadline: 1 May Abstract deadline: 30 June Register now: genetics.org.uk/events/rna-i...

Congratulations to Veronica, the Willis lab & their collaborators on their most recent publication! 🎉

Our new book "Self-Doubt" is written by scientists for scientists. You might think you are alone when you doubt your ability or suitability for science - you aren't. We all question ourselves and carry doubt with us daily. www.amazon.co.uk/Self-Doubt-A...

📣 Applications are open for work experience 🧪🔬 Aimed at local Y12 students from underrepresented backgrounds interested in science 🗓️ 27/07 – 31/07 Eligibility and selection criteria apply Applications by 01/03 More info: mrclmb.ac.uk/careers-and-... #STEM #WorkExperience #BiologyCareers

MRC Toxicology Unit and Cambridge University spin out Cambiotics has successfully closed a Seed investment round of EUR ~4 million with an international consortium. Read more: buff.ly/8tGF6j9 @cam.ac.uk @cambiochem.bsky.social

We are delighted to share that we have been awarded Silver Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF) accreditation. This is a significant achievement in the MRC Toxicology Unit’s journey to conduct research more sustainably. Read more about the award: www.mrc-tox.cam.ac.uk/news/unit-re...

Congratulations to Dr Ritwick Sawarkar and Dr Kadri Seppa who have been awarded €150,000 to develop a novel mRNA therapeutic approach to treat Alzheimer's disease. Read more about the award: buff.ly/Tfk9Na7 #ERCPoC #mRNAtherapeutics #alzheimersdisease

Applications are only open for the MRC Toxicology Unit MPhil programme until this Friday (30th January)! There are four funded studentships for people from underrepresented groups, with self-funded places available to everyone. Learn more & apply here: buff.ly/Yw1w4Lr

Congratulations to Dr Sarah Aitken, former investigator at the MRC Toxicology Unit, who has been awarded the Wyllie Medal.

Tickets are still available for our 2026 Rare Diseases Conference, taking place on Monday 23 February. 📝 Abstract submission deadline: 12th Jan. 🎟️ Registration deadline: 16th Feb. Learn more and book tickets 👇 www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/5th-crick-...

How is RNA regulation shaped across tissues and species? Join us for two exciting talks by Roberto Campalastri (tRNA gene regulation) @mrc-tu.bsky.social and Meenu Bhati @meenubhati.bsky.social (lncRNA discovery in the bovine genome) Don’t miss it! Thursday 22nd 16:30h Zoom @cambiochem.bsky.social

As we mark the start of another year, our mission remains the same: to make our medicines and environment safer & have a lasting impact on your health. Hear from our scientists and discover more about our ground-breaking work in this longer video: buff.ly/Ph7sk8C #research #science #medicine