Two talented Pirbright researchers have been awarded with Strategic Career Development Awards (SCDAs) to advance their research and career trajectories.
Dr Rory Fortes de Brito, a Senior Postdoctoral researcher in the Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) Immunology group and Dr Lidia Dykes, Senior Postdoctoral Scientist in the Vesicular Disease Reference Laboratories group will gain new opportunities to deepen their scientific contributions and professional growth.
Designed to support the development of promising early-career researchers, the SCDAs provide a platform to lead strategically significant research projects.
This initiative empowers recipients to enhance their expertise, build a competitive profile for Fellowship schemes and lectureship roles, and contribute to impactful scientific advancements.
This year marked a new chapter for the SCDA programme, as it welcomed applications from both internal and external candidates for the first time.
Dr Rory Fortes de Brito (left) and Dr Lidia Dykes (right)
Dr Rory Fortes de Brito said: "My SCDA aims to uncover how porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) may direct the responses of host macrophages to drive the negative regulation of adaptive immune responses. I plan to deepen my research niche in molecular immunology, focusing on virus-host interactions and the crosstalk between innate and adaptive responses and how this can guide vaccine development.
"The SCDA will allow me to conduct independent research, enabling my growth as a principal investigator with the mentorship of experienced Pirbright group leaders. Additionally, it will help me generate data to strengthen future fellowship and group leader applications."
Dr Lidia Dykes said: “I am very pleased to be awarded the SCDA and look forward joining the Genomics group to identify conserved RNA structures in veterinary virus genomes.
"This award will expand my experience in computational approaches and allow me to drive independent research in viral genomics. I am excited about collaborating to uncover the functions of these RNA structures, which could deepen our understanding of virus-host interactions. I would like to thank everyone within and outside Pirbright who supported me throughout this journey."
Prof. Nicolas Locker, Viral Stress Response group leader who chaired the interviews said “I was particularly impressed this year with the quality of applications received. This reflects both the breadth of science we conduct and want to develop at the Institute, as well as the excellent mentorship supporting early career researchers take their first steps towards independence. I am really excited to see these SCDAs translate into impactful science.”
Rory and Lidia will take up their awards in early 2025.
