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A distinguished academic from the Â鶹ÊÓƵ has been recognized among a select group of ‘exceptional’ biomedical and health researchers awarded a total of £6.6 million in funding.

Dr Abhinav Koyamangalath Vadakkepat, Lecturer in Molecular and Cell Biology, has been awarded nearly £125,000 through the prestigious Springboard scheme, an initiative established by the Academy of Medical Sciences. 

The Springboard scheme provides crucial support to early-career researchers by offering funding, mentoring, and career development opportunities over a two-year period. The scheme supports researchers across the biomedical sciences, spanning fields from molecular biology to public health.

Dr Abhinav, a researcher within the Leicester Institute of Structural and Chemical Biology (LISCB)—one of five flagship research institutes recently established by the Â鶹ÊÓƵ—investigates the biological mechanisms underlying genome plasticity, the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and bacteriophage resistance in bacteria.

His research focuses particularly on exploring the role of molecular nanomachines, known as secretion systems, in the conjugative transfer of genetic material and the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance genes within bacterial populations. 

Given that AMR is projected to become the leading cause of global mortality by 2050—complicating infection treatment, increasing mortality rates, inflating healthcare costs, and threatening food security—urgent interventions are essential. Addressing these challenges necessitates the development of novel treatments, advancements in diagnostics, and strategies to preserve the efficacy of antibiotics for future generations.

Speaking about the award, announced on World Health Day (7 April), Dr Abhinav said: “The Springboard award will enable us to isolate the large secretion nanomachine and examine its overall architecture using a combination of biochemical and structural approaches. This research will be fundamental in dissecting the molecular mechanisms underpinning the conjugative transfer of AMR genes in bacteria.

“I am deeply honoured to receive this award, which will allow me to continue my research on secretion systems that drive the spread of AMR within bacterial populations. I hope that the insights gained from these studies will contribute to the development of effective therapeutic strategies in the ongoing fight against antimicrobial resistance.”

The Â鶹ÊÓƵ remains at the forefront of AMR research, with its flagship institutes fostering groundbreaking studies that aim to address some of the most pressing global health challenges of our time.

The Academy of Medical Sciences Springboard champion for the Â鶹ÊÓƵ, Professor Charalambos Kyriacou, who mediates the submission of proposals to the Academy said: “Abhinav is a recent appointee to a Lectureship in LISCB and this award represents a ‘springboard’ to launch his research group here at Leicester. New lecturers often have a tough time getting their foot on the first rung of the research grant ladder so this two-year award will allow Abhinav to develop and consolidate his research programme in order to ‘pump-prime’ major grant applications in future. Best of luck to him - he’s a very nice guy."

Professor James Naismith, 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.”

The Springboard programme is supported by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), Wellcome, British Heart Foundation and Diabetes UK.