Submitted by aml95 on Thu, 10/04/2025 - 12:14
Congratulations to one of our Affiliated PIs, Dr. Eleanor Raffan from the IMS-MRL and Department of Physiology, Development and Neurosciences, who has been awarded £125,000 through the Springboard programme from the Academy of Medical Sciences. This grant, alongside mentoring and career development support will allow her to continue her groundbreaking research exploring the genetic connections between obesity and appetite by comparing canine and human genetics. Eleanor's unique approach leverages the fact that pet dogs not only develop obesity similar to humans but also have genetic traits that are easier to map due to selective breeding. Her study will analyse the DNA of over 1,000 dogs to identify obesity-related genes, then determine whether these same genes influence weight and eating behaviours in humans. By focusing on genes that affect both species, this research could identify previously undiscovered biological pathways contributing to obesity. The findings could transform our understanding of why some people struggle more with weight management than others and potentially lead to new treatments for a condition affecting one in four adults in the UK.
Speaking about the award, Dr Raffan said:
"I’m delighted to be part of the Springboard programme – both because the funding will accelerate an exciting new project studying the genes which affect appetite and obesity, and because the career support will help me operate strategically and effectively at a key career stage."
At £7.6 million, the Springboard programme is the largest-ever funding initiative for early-career researchers by the Academy of Medical Sciences and will support 62 exceptional scientists across 41 UK institutions who are pioneering innovative approaches to improve human health and wellbeing.
Professor James Naismith FRS FRSE FMedSci, Vice-President (Non-Clinical) at the Academy of Medical Sciences, said: “This record investment demonstrates our unwavering commitment to supporting the next generation of research leaders. By backing these talented early-career researchers, we’re not only addressing today’s urgent health challenges but also strengthening the UK’s position as a global leader in medical research. The breadth and ambition of projects funded by the Academy’s Springboard programme is remarkable – from understanding teenage drinking behaviours to investigating why women are disproportionately affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Each Springboard awardee brings fresh perspectives and innovative approaches that will ultimately translate to improved health outcomes for patients and the public. The Academy is proud to provide the financial resources and career development support needed to help these outstanding scientists establish their independent research careers.”
UK Science Minister Lord Vallance added: “Research supported by the Springboard programme can help to address some of the most pressing health challenges, like antimicrobial resistance and cancer, by giving early-career researchers across the UK the opportunity to test their ideas.Through this programme we are supporting the next generation of researchers to lead their own groundbreaking research so that the UK can continue to be a pioneer in medical science.”
