Katalin Kondas successfully gained a Daphne Jackson Fellowship for returnees, and is continuing her scientific career with Christian Speck, who leads the DNA Replication group at the LMS.

This is the first time that such an award has been granted to a scientist at the institute. The fellowships are intended for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) researchers who have taken a break from science for two years or more for family, caring or health reasons.

Katalin said that for her, after a five-year career break, the fellowship allows her to join an outstanding research team that works on exciting research projects. “Since STEM is a highly competitive and fast-paced environment, missing a few years can have a crucial impact on people’s career.”

“This two-year Fellowship provides an exceptional mentoring and training opportunity, and contributes to advancing my professional and career development. Also, it is important to highlight that this Fellowship helps me to maintain a healthy work-life balance. I work part time, and this flexibility allows me to support and take care of my children, whilst facilitating my professional growth.”

In her research project, Katalin focuses on the molecular and structural basis of gene silencing by a protein called Heterochromatin Protein 1 (HP1). This protein is crucially important in the formation of heterochromatin, a tightly-packed form of DNA. In such tightly-packed forms of DNA, or chromatin, the genes within that stretch of DNA are less likely to be expressed. Defects in this process are known to play a part in ageing, cancer and some neurological diseases. Yet the underlying mechanisms are not well understood.

Professor Daphne Jackson was a physics student at Imperial College London, and the UK’s first female physics professor. She was a lifelong campaigner for encouraging women in science to return to their careers after a break. This past year, 2016, has been the 30th anniversary of the first Daphne Jackson fellowship, following the launch of the scheme in 1986.

The Daphne Jackson Trust was established in her memory following professor Jackson’s death in 1991. It has now helped over 300 scientists and engineers return to their careers. Applications are open to men as well as women, for whom the trust was originally founded. The Trust’s aim is to support all returnees with the skills and confidence they need to re-enter the research environment. Once eligibility criteria are met, applicants are provided with comprehensive guidance throughout the application process.

Katalin Kondas’ award is sponsored by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). Find out more about Daphne Jackson applications here.

Imperial College London will sponsor its first Daphne Jackson Fellowship in 2017. Find out about how to apply for the Imperial-sponsored Fellowship here.

Contact
Susan Watts
Head of Communications and Public Engagement
MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences
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