Dr Lloyd-Lewis secured an esteemed 8-year Wellcome Trust Career Development Award, which recognises mid-career researchers who have the potential to be international research leaders. This award aims to support researchers in driving ambitious programs of work that lead to substantial shifts in understanding that could have significant implications for human health.
Stem and progenitor cells play pivotal roles in organ formation during embryo development, tissue repair, and regeneration throughout adulthood. Additionally, their involvement in cancer development and therapy resistance is increasingly established. Emerging evidence suggests that mechanical forces significantly influence cell identity, with tissue stiffness and scarring also impacting tumour development. Dr. Lloyd-Lewis will leverage this funding to integrate cutting-edge techniques in stem cell and developmental biology with biophysics and mathematical modelling to advance our understanding of how the physical properties of tissues influence dynamic stem cell fate decisions during normal organ development, and how abnormal tissue mechanics contribute to early cancer initiation.
Dr Lloyd-Lewis said: “I am incredibly grateful to receive this award from the Wellcome Trust. Fundamental, interdisciplinary research of this nature requires substantial, long-term investment and this award is a great recognition of our work’s importance and its potential to significantly contribute to the field. It provides us with an exciting opportunity to tackle ambitious research questions, foster new multidisciplinary collaborations and develop novel research tools. By uncovering the impact of mechanical forces on stem cell fate outcomes during normal and pathological tissue development, our findings may influence future research in basic developmental biology, regenerative medicine, and cancer biology for the ultimate benefit of human health.”
Professor Eugenia Piddini, CMM School Research Director said: “I am delighted that Dr Lloyd-Lewis has been awarded a Wellcome Trust Career Development Award. Dr Lloyd-Lewis is an outstanding scientist with creative and ambitious research plans to elucidate how the mechanical environment around stem cells affects their function and plasticity. Her research combines a host of very sophisticated methodologies, both in vitro and in vivo. This prestigious and competitive award from the Wellcome Trust recognises Dr Lloyd-Lewis' excellence and potential to make transformative discoveries and provides her with the resources to carry out this very exciting research plan.”