Society for Applied Microbiology New Lecturer Research Grant

We are delighted that Maitreyi has been awarded a Society for General Microbiology New Lecturer Research Grant to investigate disinfection of norovirus using a novel catalyst.

Norovirus is a pathogen that causes gastroenteritis, and is a major concern in hospitals and healthcare settings where young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals might be at risk of infections. Norovirus can persist in the environment for several weeks, and identifying effective disinfectants against the virus that minimise the likelihood of resistance development is crucial.

In this project, we will investigate the use of a novel Fenton's-like modified polyacrylonitrile catalyst to improve the biocidal activity of hydrogen peroxide against the virus. The work will be conducted in collaboration with Prof Katherine Huddersman (De Montfort University) and Prof Susannah Walsh (Robert Gordon University).

Escape Lab: Fight the Virus!

We are so excited to announce our Escape Lab activity at the British Science Festival in Leicester this year!

Inspired by our drug discovery research, you will have the opportunity to find the next new antiviral drug in this lab-themed 20-minute escape room. Can you develop a novel drug and prevent a pandemic?

Brush up on your puzzle-solving skills and drop in to the LCB Depot on 16 September 2022.

The British Science Festival has hundreds of events, talks, activities, and workshops all over Leicester between 13 - 17 September 2022. Explore the full programme here.

Congratulations to Bethanie and Gemma!

The lab had great success at the DMU Health and Life Sciences Faculty Post-Graduate Research Conference on 6 April 2022. Congratulations to Bethanie Dean and Gemma Cooper on their excellent prize-winning presentation and poster!

Bethanie presented her MRes work on the synthesis of bioactive xanthones, winning first place in Oral Presentations; while Gemma presented a poster on her PhD work investigating the antiviral activity of natural product compounds against coronaviruses, winning first place in the Posters.