Royal Society appoints Bradford researcher to University Research Fellowship
The Royal Society has announced the appointment of a University of Bradford researcher as a University Research Fellow (URF).
Dr Nicolas Barry is one of 44 newly appointed research fellows and received the prestigious fellowship for his project ‘The design, chemistry, and biochemistry of carborane metallated particles’.
The project involves the search for new, safer, and more effective medicines. Metallodrugs (molecules that contain one or several metal atoms) offer unique biological properties which can be used both for therapy and for diagnosis.
Dr Barry proposes to combine inorganic medicinal chemistry and nanotechnology tools in order to develop efficient, and safer metal-based drug candidates. He will synthesise innovative molecules combining unusual ligands (carboranes), and precious metals. To improve their biological activity, these metal-based drug candidates will be encapsulated in particles made of polymers.
The University Research Fellowship scheme aims to provide outstanding early career scientists, who have the potential to become leaders in their chosen fields, with the opportunity to build an independent research career. The scheme is extremely competitive and many URFs have gone on to enjoy significant national or international recognition for their work.
Nicolas said: “I am immensely proud and privileged to have been chosen as a Royal Society University Research Fellow and I’m looking forward to working with the University of Bradford to take forward this important research.”
Professor Robert Parkin, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Knowledge Transfer) said: “It is a great achievement to be appointed as a Royal Society research fellow and we are very proud of Nicolas. His research is tackling a hugely important subject and one with great potential.”