Alongside the University of Glasgow, we are proud to announce the award of two PhD studentships funded by Medical Research Scotland. This collaboration brings together world-class expertise to tackle critical challenges in cancer and metabolic disease research while fostering the development of early-career scientists in Scotland.

The first studentship is awarded to Professor Kostas Tokatlidis, a global authority in mitochondrial biology and Director of Research at the School of Molecular Biosciences, University of Glasgow. Professor Tokatlidis will supervise Tora Gulstad to carry out the project, which will focus on developing innovative therapeutic approaches to target energy metabolism in cancer - a highly promising field for developing new anti-cancer medicines.

The second studentship is awarded to Dr. Brian Hudson, based in the Centre for Translational Pharmacology at the University of Glasgow’s Advanced Research Centre, who will supervise Andreia Moniz e Castro. The project will work towards developing new predictive models for insulin resistance in adipocytes, paving the way for the discovery of new drugs for the treatment of metabolic disorders.

Both projects exemplify the strong, ongoing partnership between the University of Glasgow and BioAscent in translational disease research and underscore their shared commitment to advancing drug discovery.

“We’re delighted with the successful outcome of the applications for PhD studentships to Medical Research Scotland,” says Stuart McElroy, Director of Biosciences at BioAscent. “This enables us to continue supporting the education and training of early-career scientists locally, which is a key priority for BioAscent. Collaborating with the exceptional researchers at Glasgow University, we aim to develop cutting-edge disease models that will improve our ability to identify new drugs against cancer and metabolic diseases. These efforts further strengthen BioAscent as the CRO of choice for scientific innovation and excellence.”

Professor Kostas Tokatlidis, Cathcart Chair of the University of Glasgow, says: “This partnership will explore innovative approaches to modulating mitochondrial energy metabolism and biogenesis - an area that remains largely untapped in cancer research. By combining our expertise in mitochondrial and redox biology with BioAscent’s capabilities, we aim to translate groundbreaking discoveries into novel oncology applications. Our goal is to unlock the potential of mitochondria as a critical drug target in the fight against cancer.

“In this truly interdisciplinary project, BioAscent will provide the students with expertise on drug development using a combination of computational chemistry tools with high throughput cell-based compound screening, dedicated equipment and experience working in an industrial environment. This project will equip Tora and Andreia for a successful career in biomedical discovery and innovation at the forefront of the academic and pharmaceutical sectors.”

Dr Brian Hudson, University of Glasgow, says: “This studentship will build on a successful existing partnership between my research group at the University of Glasgow and BioAscent, aiming to identify new treatment approaches for type 2 diabetes. Working with BioAscent on this project will provide the student with access to facilities, equipment, industrial expertise and compound screening capabilities that will not only ensure the success of the research but also help to deliver a sector ready future drug discovery leader.”

Professor Heather Wallace, Chair at Medical Research Scotland, adds: “Medical Research Scotland is an independent charity supporting early-stage graduate researchers as they begin their medical research careers. We are delighted to work together with the University of Glasgow and BioAscent in these two exciting and cutting-edge projects, and we look forward to seeing the outcomes in due course.”

This partnership not only grows Scotland’s reputation as a hub for scientific talent and discovery but also contributes to the development of novel therapeutic approaches with global impact.