Faculty of Biological Sciences

Researchers warn of hidden risk of wildlife corridors Efforts to reconnect fragmented habitats are vital for biodiversity, but new research warns that ecological corridors can also create unintended risks.

Wildlife corridors are vital for biodiversity, but new research warns they can also spread diseases, invasive species & wildfires.

A Nature Reviews Biodiversity paper from Josh Firth @universityofleeds.bsky.social Sarah Knowles @biology.ox.ac.uk & Ivan Jarić @ivanjaric.bsky.social

bit.ly/4iisAJR

What are the challenges of farming in an unpredictable climate?

New blog from @globalfoodleeds.bsky.social featuring faculty researcher Dr Ruth Wade 👇

And access the full publication in the Journal of Neuroinflammation here ▶️ rdcu.be/eQuzQ

Tickborne disease cases are rising in the UK, thanks to climate change As the UK’s tick habitats expand and infection risk rises, most TBEV cases remain undetected. Metabolic studies of biomarkers in infected patients could soon allow us to diagnose and manage this patho...

👀 Read a recent @bmj.com piece which features the study www.bmj.com/content/391/...

Tick on a branch against green background - image Adobe Stock

Dr Niluka Goonawardane, University of Leeds

Tick-borne encephalitis virus is on the rise in Europe.

Leeds research reveals how the virus alters brain molecules, providing a possible route to faster, clearer diagnosis.

Important study led by Dr Niluka Goonawardane @nilukaglab.bsky.social @wellcometrust.bsky.social

🔗 bit.ly/4r6qOiI

📆Save the date: 20-21 April 2026

#AstburyConvo26 is back with a bold new theme: Designing Biology.

Expect cutting-edge talks and the chance to shape the future of molecular science.

Register now: astburyconversation.leeds.ac.uk

@astburycentre.bsky.social @universityofleeds.bsky.social

🗣️ Professor Andrew Macdonald, Faculty of Biological Sciences Pro-Dean for Research and Innovation said:

“This continued investment is hugely significant. It creates opportunities to build new teams, develop pioneering ideas, and strengthen international partnerships.”

🔬Connecting molecular insight to disease

Professor Elton Zeqiraj @zeqiraj.bsky.social, with collaborators from @dundee.ac.uk will study how ribosomes work and fail in disease.

Both projects will use the world-class Astbury Biostructure Laboratory at Leeds and cutting-edge microscopy equipment.

🧪 Understanding amyloid fibrils

Professors Sheena Radford and Neil Ranson will explore how amyloid fibrils form and interact with cells - vital for understanding Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Type 2 diabetes.

Two more Wellcome Discovery Awards reinforce Leeds as leader in biological research Some of Leeds’ top biological researchers have received two new Wellcome Discovery Awards, confirming the university’s status as a centre of excellence in biological research.

Leeds researchers have secured two major Wellcome Trust Discovery Awards.

The awards bring £3.4 million to support research exploring life at the molecular level and to deepen our understanding of disease.

🔗Full story: bit.ly/4oW3D99

@astburycentre.bsky.social @universityofleeds.bsky.social

Sounds like a fantastic project!

Dr Carly Day joins growing team of experts in Sport and Exercise Medicine Leeds is continuing to strengthen its reputation as a leading institution in Sport and Exercise Medicine with the appointment of a new visiting professor.

A warm welcome to Dr Carly Day, who joins us as Visiting Clinical Professor in Sport and Exercise Medicine.

Bringing international experience from Purdue Athletics and the US U20 Women’s National Soccer Team, Dr Day is a fantastic addition to our teaching and research.

🔗https://bit.ly/3Jt76wS

Inspiring event here about resilience and leadership, with special guest speaker Shaunna Burke 👇

Interested in finding out more? Join one of Hannah's free 'Moving through menopause' workshops:

📆Tuesday 28 October, Thursday 30 October, Tuesday 4 November
🏋️‍♀️Gryphons Performance Hub, University of Leeds

Book your place here: festivalofsocialscience.com/events/movin...

How can we support women to thrive in menopause?

Listen to the podcast below to explore the science behind menopause, featuring the faculty's very own Dr Hannah Campbell alongside other expert academics.

Hannah is also running a series of free workshops this month and next. Details in the thread!

More great #WorldFoodDay content here from our colleagues at @globalfoodleeds.bsky.social 👇

Dr Hemant Tripathi

And... discover how Dr Hemant Tripathi's work on the FoSTA-Health project is examining how biodiversity can supports food production.

🔎https://shorturl.at/uZD8d

Dr Josie South

Explore Dr @josiesouth.bsky.social 's work on invasive species, climate change and sustainable food systems.

🐟 bit.ly/46TbcXZ

Dr Richa Yeshvekar

And in the first of our #WorldFoodDay researcher spotlights...

Find out how Dr Richa Yeshvekar's work on studying plant cell walls could help solve agricultural challenges in the face of climate change.

🌱http://bit.ly/47bugzs

How our food research supports better food futures This World Food Day (16 October), we take the opportunity to highlight just some of the many ways researchers in the Faculty of Biological sciences are working to improve food futures.

🌏Today is #WorldFoodDay.

From plant cell biology to influencing global policy, we're sharing just some of the inspiring research taking place in the faculty that is supporting healthier, more equitable food systems.

Take a look at the full round-up: bit.ly/4n47kIj

🌏A major new report from @afnnetwork.bsky.social calls for biggest transformation of UK food since World War 2.

News story here ▶️ bit.ly/472Ltwt and key recommendations in thread below 👇

@timgbenton.bsky.social @globalfoodleeds.bsky.social @priestleycentre.bsky.social #WorldFoodDay

Generation Delta participants Iman Federico-Awi and Zhané Murrell-Smith

"I felt energised to be in a space where people looked like me." 

Fantastic to hear Faculty of Biological Sciences PhD student Zhané Murrell-Smith share her experience of the @universityofleeds.bsky.social Generation Delta training programme.

▶️ Read all about it: www.leeds.ac.uk/news/article...

Ladybirds on a twig surrounded by leaves. Photo by Christopher Stites on Unsplash

We've seen reports of more ladybird spottings this week 🐞

Professor @ejduncan.bsky.social explains how climate change might be affecting insect behaviour.

Great to see the School of Biology's expert insights on the BBC! bit.ly/42x8AfS

#Biodiversity #Ladybirds

📷 Christopher Stites, Unsplash

Cheney graphic with chevron icon with cell illustration on the left and photo of microscopy image in blue and yellow on right

Entrance to the Cheney Biomedical Accelerator

Donors Susan and Peter Cheney officially open the new facility

Professor Michelle Peckham, Director of the Cheney PhD programme, PhD students Tom Mitchell and Kate Adamson, Susan and Peter Cheney, PhD students Monika Olejnik and Jake Browne

📣 Introducing the Cheney Biomedical Accelerator

Last week marked the opening of a new research facility here at Leeds.

But it's not just a physical space. The Accelerator brings discovery and clinical scientists together to drive bold health & bioscience discoveries.

Find out more: bit.ly/4pSoA65

More than tiredness - what's really behind post-stroke fatigue? Over half of stroke victims live with a debilitating and often misunderstood condition called post-stroke fatigue.

Researchers at Leeds and @ucl.ac.uk have been exploring what’s happening in the brain when stroke survivors experience long-term fatigue.

Dr Anna Kuppuswamy sheds light on post-stroke fatigue, and how sensory overload and attention filtering may be key to understanding it.

🔗 shorturl.at/Lz98Z

The former Leeds Social Sciences Institute has entered a new chapter...

The new Leeds Institute for Societal Futures will include challenge-led research, alongside postgraduate education and professional learning innovation.

Find out more below 👇

Great thread here summarising Professor Pippa Chapman and Dr Ruth Wade's latest paper on the challenges associated with regenerative agriculture research...

Promo graphic for the Yorkshire Post Health & Life Sciences Business Breakfast, main text says 'We're exhibiting'

We'll be at the Yorkshire Post Health & Life Sciences Business Breakfast this Wednesday!

Going too? Stop by for a chat about our world-leading facilities, as well as training and consultancy services, commercialisation and research collaborations.

#HealthInnovation #LifeSciences #YHLS2025

Professor Yoselin Benitez-Alfonso

🔬 What are plasmodesmata, and why are they important?

In this new case study, discover how the Faculty's Professor Yoselin Benitez-Alfonso's research into microscopic plant pores could help tackle climate change and global food insecurity.

bit.ly/4pocNvX

@researchleeds.bsky.social

University of Leeds farm to test climate-smart agriculture The farm is one of 10 across Europe taking part in a project to reduce agricultural emissions.

"A fantastic resource to lead research, knowledge exchange and teaching activities in future-proofing farming systems."
Dr Ruth Wade, School of Biology

The University farm is one of 10 in Europe to become a hub for climate research.
bit.ly/3VeXnfR
@globalfoodleeds.bsky.social @envleeds.bsky.social