We are delighted to welcome two new Wellcome Trust PhD Programme students to the MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit (MRC-PPU) at the University of Dundee: Alex Musk and Callum Stanton.

Alex joins the lab of Dr. Ralitsa Madsen, whose research focuses on understanding the context-dependent regulation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) network and its links to various human diseases, including cancer and overgrowth syndromes. Dr. Madsen employs advanced quantitative and computational approaches to unravel the complexities of PI3K signalling.

Callum becomes part of Dr. Chiara Maniaci's lab, which is pioneering the "cleave-to-modify" concept to illuminate the "dark proteome"—the less-understood aspects of protein biology. Dr. Maniaci’s research aims to develop novel chemical biology tools to study proteolytic cleavage and its role in regulating protein function, with implications for understanding various diseases.

Callum says: "I'm very excited to be coming back to the PPU to join the Maniaci lab. There are many interesting avenues to pursue in uncovering cleave-to-modify mechanisms, and I'm thrilled to be doing my PhD in such a welcoming and supportive environment."

Alex says: "I am delighted to be returning to the lab of Dr Ralitsa Madsen, whose work focuses on context-dependent PI3K signalling. The disease-driven research in the lab, as well as its supportive environment, heavily influenced my decision to return."

Both Alex and Callum bring fresh perspectives and enthusiasm to our research community. We look forward to their contributions and the advancements they will make in their respective fields.

Please join us in giving Alex and Callum a warm welcome to the MRC-PPU!