Bioengineering

An award-winning Bioengineering PhD student’s science writing has driven growing public and media engagement with brain ageing research, creating new opportunities to communicate emerging technologies beyond the lab.

Vanessa Drevenakova, a PhD researcher in the Morse Lab in the Department of Bioengineering, has seen her research reach new audiences following the publication of an award-winning science communication piece in The Observer. The article, which won the MRC Max Perutz Award for Writing, explores how emerging technologies could help support brain health as we age.

The piece introduces readers to microglia – small but vital immune cells in the brain – and explains their role in maintaining brain function over time. Vanessa’s research investigates whether gentle sound waves, delivered through focused ultrasound, can help “reawaken” ageing microglia so they behave more like they do in younger brains. By restoring their function, the work aims to better understand how cognitive decline associated with ageing might be slowed or prevented.

Writing to reach new audiences

Vanessa entered the MRC Max Perutz Award to challenge herself to explain her research to a non-academic audience.

“I loved the idea of explaining why my research matters to people outside the lab,” she said. “Focused ultrasound can sound very futuristic, so this felt like a great opportunity to show what it actually does and why it could be important.”

Although writing was outside her comfort zone, she deliberately chose the writing category.
“This was a chance to step away from scientific writing and focus on the story behind the research,” she said. “It was surprisingly enjoyable and refreshing.”

At the heart of her article was a desire to highlight the importance of microglia, which she feels are often overlooked in discussions about the brain. She hoped readers would come away with a deeper appreciation of how complex the brain is, and how new ideas are emerging that may help people stay healthier for longer.

Growing public engagement through national media

Since the article was published, Vanessa has attracted significant media and public interest, particularly from people living with the conditions her research aims to address.

In December, she was invited to speak on Sky News’ morning programme, where she discussed how focused ultrasound could help slow or prevent aspects of brain ageing. During the interview, she explained how dysregulated microglia can contribute to inflammation, cognitive decline, and neurodegeneration, and outlined how non-invasive focused ultrasound could provide a new approach to supporting long-term brain health.

She described the experience as “surreal in the best possible way” and said she was grateful for the opportunity to share her research with a broad public audience.

The value of science communication in Bioengineering

Vanessa believes science communication is particularly important in fields such as bioengineering, where technologies can feel unfamiliar or difficult to visualise.

“Sharing science in a clear and accessible way helps people understand how these ideas work and builds trust,” she said. “When people understand what we’re doing and why it matters, it sparks curiosity and helps correct misconceptions.”

The writing process also gave her space to step back from the day-to-day detail of laboratory work.
“It reminded me that behind all the experiments, the real aim is to help people age in a healthier way,” she said. “It made me think more about the people who might eventually benefit from this research.”

Shaped by public engagement

Vanessa’s approach to communication has been shaped by her time in the Department of Bioengineering, including opportunities to engage with the public at events such as the Great Exhibition Road Festival.

“People are genuinely curious about what we do,” she said. “Those conversations really highlight how important outreach is and shape the way you communicate.”

When she found out she had won the award, Vanessa said she was initially shocked.
“It meant a lot to know that the story resonated not only with scientists, but also with members of the public.”

She hopes readers will come away feeling hopeful about the future of brain health, and curious about how emerging technologies could shape it.

Vanessa also acknowledged the support of the Medical Research Council, The Observer, and the MRC Max Perutz Award for championing science communication, as well as her supervisors, collaborators and funders for creating the environment that makes this work possible.

Read Bioengineering PhD student wins MRC Max Perutz Award for science communication in full

This edition of News You Can Use brings together practical updates, funding calls, training opportunities and useful notices shared by colleagues across Bioengineering and Imperial.

Explore what is available, take advantage of opportunities that support your work or studies, and stay informed about important developments for our community.

Stay updated: Get alerts for new theses in Spiral

Did you know that most Imperial PhD theses are freely available online?

The majority are open access in Spiral, Imperial’s digital repository, while a small number are restricted to Imperial users only.

Want to be notified when new Imperial PhD theses are added? Or celebrate a student’s achievement when they complete their doctorate?

With Spiral, you can subscribe to collections and receive email alerts straight to your inbox whenever new theses are published.

For Imperial users:

1. Go to Spiral. https://spiral.imperial.ac.uk
2. Log in via MySpiral using your university credentials.
3. Open the collection you want to follow (e.g., Physics PhD theses).
4. Click Subscribe and select your preferred frequency.
5. Manage your subscriptions here.

More information about the theses we hold:

The majority of Imperial PhD theses are available on open access in Spiral. Some are restricted to Imperial users only.

Imperial students and staff also have access to some Imperial Master’s dissertations.

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/admin-services/library/find-books-articles-and-more/theses/

Societal Engagement Seed Fund

The Societal Engagement Seed Fund is open for applications. The fund aims to support Imperial staff in engaging the wider public with their research. We currently have funds available for engaging public, community, and school audiences. Full details and an application form are available on the Societal Engagement Seed Fund webpage.

If you have any queries or would like to discuss a funding idea, please contact the Public and Community Engagement team.  We hope the fund will remain open and available throughout the year, but funding is limited, so we encourage interested applicants to apply as soon as they’re ready.

Funding opportunity open to ALL STAFF for collaborations with West Africa, India, Singapore and the USA

Apply now for up to £8,000 to kick-start research, education or innovation projects with partners in regions represented by Imperial’s global hubs!

• Supporting interdisciplinary research consortia
• Developing innovation and enterprise activities
• Enhancing education and student experience

New one-stop shop for International Opportunities for Staff and Students

• £8,000 grants available to all staff to kickstart collaborations with any of our four global hubs
• a funded two-day workshop opportunity in Viet Nam (details also below)
• A networking and workshop opportunity in sub-Saharan Africa for PhD students
• A seed fund to collaborate with Turkey’s leading university
• PhD opportunities with CNRS in France

Read News You Can Use: Spring 2026 in full

There is a wide range of events taking place across Bioengineering and Imperial this term, including flagship lectures, skills workshops, networking sessions and community celebrations.

Whether you are looking to broaden your research perspective, build collaborations, develop new skills or connect with colleagues, these opportunities are designed to enrich your experience and help you make the most of our community!

Culture Evening 2026: Connecting communities through culture
📅19 February 2026

Black in STEM: Dr Faith Uwadiae
📅19 February 2026

Time: 18.00 – 20.00
Location: Skempton 301

Are you a Black Imperial student interested in scientific research and how it can be more inclusive? Join Black @ Imperial and the Black Doctoral Network for an inspiring and informative conversation with Imperial alum Dr Faith Uwadiae and current PhD researcher, Maya Thabal Herron. This event will also include an audience Q&A and informal networking over pizza and Afro-Caribbean snacks.

Dr Uwadiae completed her PhD in biomedical research in 2018. Currently, she works at the Wellcome Trust as an Ecosystems Manager, where she leads work to support Black-led initiatives that enhance the careers of Black-heritage researchers.

Dr Uwadiae will be interviewed by Maya Thabal Herron. Maya is currently researching smart textiles and soft sensing systems at Imperial. She also chairs the Black Doctoral Network, a community of Black heritage PhD researchers at Imperial College dedicated to supporting one another throughout the doctoral journey and beyond.

Please register to ensure there is enough catering for everyone.

🎟️Register your attendance

Sex Differences in Biology: Emerging Data and Insights Symposium
📅23^rd – 24^th February 2026

This two-day symposium at the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, will bring together leading researchers from Japan and the United Kingdom to discuss the latest discoveries in sex differences across a range of areas, including sex chromosomes, epigenetics, developmental biology, immunity, metabolism and cancer.

As places are limited, we kindly ask that you register only if you are able to attend in person. If you would prefer to attend online, please email tyrese.williams@lms.mrc.ac.uk to request inclusion as a virtual attendee.

The registration deadline is February 12^th, 2026. We encourage early registration, as places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

 Click Here to Register

Open Research training for PAs and Research Administrators
📅24 February 2026

11:00 – 13:00, online via MS Teams

 This training session is aimed at PAs, EAs, research managers, or administrators involved in any aspect of the research publication process, or those keen to learn more about open research, research data management, open access, bibliometrics, and copyright.

There will be time to speak individually with the relevant experts in breakout rooms on Teams, if you wish, as well as a general Q&A (see agenda below).

This session runs about once a year. If you have attended in the past, you are welcome to join for a refresher. There will also be some new content on copyright.

Please email r.hibbert@imperial.ac.uk if you would like to be sent the meeting invite, or if you are unable to attend and would like to be added to a list to receive the recording. Feel free to pass on to colleagues who may be interested.

🎟️Email Ruth Hibbert to register attendance. 

From Bench to Business: Making IP work for you
📅 25th February 2026

12:00 pm – 1:15 pm (followed by a networking lunch)
LT300, City & Guilds Building, South Kensington Campus

How do academics and researchers make IP work for them? Learn how to start with the end in mind, prioritise what’s valuable and protectable, ensure your intellectual property is investment-ready, and understand what makes a good licensable technology.

Our panel of patent attorneys, academic entrepreneurs and industry experts will share expert guidance in a dynamic panel discussion format. The event will be followed by a networking lunch.

🎟️Read more and register.

Bioengineering Department Seminar with Professor Maïwenn Kersaudy-Kerh​oas
📅25 February 2026 | 16:00

Estranged Students Support Group
📅25 February 2026 | 15:30

The group is open to any Imperial student who has no or little contact with both parents. You do not need to be eligible for the support of the Imperial Underrepresented Student Support Team or meet the requirements for Estrangement according to the Student Loan Company to join this group.

This is a recurring group at 13.00-14.00 on Level 8 of the Chemistry Building at the South Kensington Campus. The dates of the next sessions are:

• Wednesday 25 February (time change! 15:30-16:30)
• Wednesday 25 March
• Wednesday 29 April
• Wednesday 20 May.

The group is a joint project of the Underrepresented Student Support Team and the Student Counselling and Mental Health Advice Service, and staff from both services will be present.

If you would like more information about Imperial’s support for estranged students, please visit the Underrepresented Students Support Team’s webpage: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/student-support-zone/student-services/underrepresented-students/

🎟️Register to attend

School of Convergence Science, Health and Technology. Mission Launch and Engagement Town Hall
📅2 March 2026 | 13:00

• Health inequity, driven by social, economic, and environmental factors
• Spiralling global health costs
• Sudden shocks, such as pandemics, conflict and climate disasters, and health system resilience.

President’s Address 2026
📅 11 March 2026 | 13.00

Join us on White City Campus for the annual President’s Address, delivered by Professor Hugh Brady, on Wednesday 11 March 2026 at 13.00

The Address will be followed by a lunch reception at The Works, Sir Michael Uren Hub.

🎟️Register to attend

Sir Ernst Chain Annual Lecture: Science as Revolution
📅 25 March 2026 | 17:00 – 18:00

Abstract
Science has brought about revolutionary changes in our understanding of ourselves and the natural world, which have acted as major drivers of our culture and civilisation. This scientific knowledge has, in turn, brought about revolutions in the ways that we live and in the technologies that support society.  A case can be made that science is the most revolutionary activity of humankind.

The lecture will be followed by a public reception until 19.30. 

🎟️Please register to attend the lecture.

Lifeline – a musical on antimicrobial resistance
📅28 March – 2 May

A group of Imperial PhD students, alumni, and a Professor will be performing in a new musical, Lifeline, which will run at Southwark Playhouse Elephant from 28 March to 2 May 2026. The production has transferred to London from off-Broadway.

Lifeline tells a dual story: one strand explores the present-day challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), while the other traces Sir Alexander Fleming’s 20th-century discovery of penicillin and its far-reaching impact. A unique aspect of the production is its rotating chorus, which is made up of scientists and healthcare professionals, placing scientific voices at the heart of both the narrative and the performance.

The musical offers an engaging and accessible way to introduce the public to the realities of AMR, while celebrating the role of scientists and healthcare professionals in addressing global health challenges.

The Imperial-affiliated performers include:

• Cecilia Longoni – PhD student, Life Sciences
• Céline Driessen – PhD student, Life Sciences
• Ryo Kuno – PhD student, Chemistry
• Solen Marqueste – Alumna, Chemical Engineering
• Nurin Abdul Aziz – Alumna, School of Medicine
• Prof. Ashley Brown – Professor of Practice (Viral Hepatitis)

🎟️More information about the production can be found here: https://www.lifelinemusical.com/

Research Computing Showcase Day 2026 – Call for abstracts & registration
📅21 April 2026 | 10:00-15:00

• Abstract deadline: 16 February 2026
• Notification: by 6 March 2026

• In-person (South Kensington): register by 14 April 2026
• Online: register by 21 April 2026

Read Events: Spring 2026 in full

2026 has gotten off to an exceptional start in the Department of Bioengineering, with staff and students achieving recognition across research, education, innovation, and public engagement.

This Spring 2026 Staff and Student Successes round-up brings together a selection of highlights from the past term, including funding awards, fellowships, competition results, publications, and external recognition.

We encourage you to read through the full list and join us in congratulating colleagues and students on their achievements. Taking a moment to recognise and share in these successes helps celebrate the collective strength and impact of our department.

Enterprise Fellowship awarded for translational research

Congratulations to Aditi Sitolay, Bioengineering MDDE MRes alumnus, who has been awarded a prestigious Enterprise Fellowship from the Royal Academy of Engineering.

The one-year fellowship, worth £75,000, supports researchers and recent graduates in developing engineering and technology innovations with commercial potential, providing protected time, funding, and training to explore market need, refine their proposition, and build a pathway to impact.

Aditi’s fellowship will support the translational development of bioadhesive hydrogels from the Celiz Lab, advancing this research toward real-world application.

Translational funding awarded for dental biomaterials research

Congratulations to the Celiz Lab, which has been awarded a Translational Fellows grant from the Rosetrees Trust.

The two-year award, worth £150,000, will support the translation of a bioadhesive medical technology developed in the lab.

Funding will enable testing of bioadhesive hydrogels with bacteria and support their development for dental applications, with the aim of reducing gum disease and associated bone resorption.

Bioengineering undergraduate recognised by WIRED as a Game Changer

Congratulations to undergraduate student Tomas Cermak, who has been named a Game Changer of 2025 in Science by WIRED. At 19, Tomas is the youngest person included in the magazine’s annual selection of people recognised for their impact across technology, science, and the arts.

In its coverage, WIRED Czechia & Slovakia highlighted Tomas’s work in opening up science to younger audiences and demonstrating that meaningful scientific contributions can be made early in a career.

Mentor of the Year recognition for laboratory training

Congratulations to Dr Florent Seichepine, Engineering Core Facilities Manager, who has been recognised as Mentor of the Year by CSR Scientific Training Ltd for his management and mentorship of laboratory apprentices!

The award recognises his contribution to supporting apprentices through their training and development within the laboratory environment.

Florent was also recently featured in the College’s On the Sofa with the Department of Bioengineering video, along with fourth-year undergraduate student Neo Perera, where he discusses his role supporting research infrastructure and facilities.

Third-place finish in national Inclusive Additive Design Challenge

Bioengineering undergraduate students Yanzi Jiang and Xinjing Li have secured third place in the National Inclusive Additive Design Challenge 2025. The competition focuses on empathy-driven engineering and inclusive, low-cost design across ability levels, ages, and neurodivergence.

Working as part of a cross-departmental team with students from Electrical and Electronic Engineering, they developed a cane rest design addressing real-world usability barriers, supported by a working FDM prototype. The team represented Imperial at the national finals hosted by Aston University, achieving a strong third-place result!

Distinction awarded alongside doctoral studies

Congratulations to Leah Redmond, final year PhD student in the Higgins Lab, who graduated with a Distinction (98%) in her Clinical Trichology Diploma from the Institute of Trichologists.

Alongside her PhD, Leah completed two years of clinical training, including lectures, patient consultations, and treatment sessions focused on the diagnosis of hair and scalp disorders. She plans to combine this clinical expertise with her doctoral research on the genetic mediators of hair thickness, supporting future translational approaches to hair loss treatment.

Award recognition for doctoral research in childhood disability

Congratulations to Dr Caitlin Edgar, Research Assistant, who won the annual Pursuit Award in Childhood Disability from the Bloorview Research Institute for her PhD thesis.

The award recognises outstanding research with the potential to improve outcomes for children and young people with disabilities. Dr Edgar’s thesis focused on paediatric prosthetic limb provision in low-resource environments, addressing challenges in access, design, and delivery of prosthetic care.

Imperial researchers lead global AI benchmark for cardiac MRI

Researchers from Imperial College London have led a major international initiative to establish a new global benchmark for artificial intelligence–driven cardiac MRI reconstruction through the CMRxRecon2024 Challenge. The project brought together hundreds of research groups worldwide to advance the evaluation of machine learning methods for accelerating and improving cardiovascular imaging.

The challenge was coordinated by Fanwen Wang, Research Assistant and Dr Zi Wang, Research Associate (Department of Bioengineering and Imperial-X), working with Dr Guang Yang, other Imperial researchers, and a wide network of global partners across Europe, Asia, North America, and the Middle East. More than 200 teams from 18 countries registered to take part, reflecting strong international engagement.

CMRxRecon2024 introduced one of the largest and most diverse raw cardiac MRI datasets released to date, along with open and standardised benchmarks that reflect real-world clinical complexity. The resulting datasets and findings have been published in leading medical imaging journals, and the organising team is now planning the next phase of the challenge, CMRxRecon2026.

Live workshop delivery at the London Science Museum

Nana Asante Asamoah-Danso, Bioengineering Laboratory Support Technician, was invited to deliver live workshop sessions at the London Science Museum’s Skills Fair in November 2025, engaging large audiences of visiting school groups.

Nana’s contribution formed a key part of the event programme, introducing young people to technical skills and career pathways through hands-on activities.

In addition, he authored an article for Times Higher Education on routes to professional registration for technicians, sharing practical insights drawn from sector experience.

UK–India research collaboration and inaugural lecture highlights

Professor Julien Vermot was among the Imperial researchers involved in projects selected for support through the India Connect Fund in October 2025. The scheme supports early-stage research collaborations between Imperial and partner institutions in India, enabling new international partnerships and exploratory research activity.

More recently, Professor Vermot’s inaugural lecture on 21 January was well attended! A recording of the lecture is available on YouTube.

Bioengineering research informs menstrual blood health innovation

Bioengineering researchers at Imperial are contributing to new work exploring how menstrual blood could be used as a valuable data source to improve understanding of women’s reproductive health. The research underpins the work of Genie Fertility, a startup co-founded by Dr Andreas Hadjimitsis, who completed his PhD in the Department of Bioengineering.

The project draws on Bioengineering expertise from Professor Rodrigo Ledesma Amaro and Dr Sylvain Ladame to support the analysis of menstrual blood samples, generating insights that could enable earlier diagnosis and improved management of conditions such as endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome.

Bioengineering academic elected to the US National Academy of Medicine

Professor Molly Stevens has been elected to the US National Academy of Medicine in recognition of her contributions to biomaterials research and biomedical engineering.

Election to the Academy is considered one of the highest honours in health and medicine, recognising researchers whose work has made a significant impact on research, clinical care, and public health.

Professor Stevens’ research spans fundamental materials science through to translational and clinical application, and has informed new approaches to tissue regeneration, point-of-care diagnostics, and medical technologies. Her work focuses on designing advanced biomaterials and biointerfaces, with applications across regenerative medicine, diagnostics, and global health.

Royal Microscopical Society Scientific Achievement Award

Dr Periklis Pantazis has been selected as a winner of the Royal Microscopical Society Scientific Achievement Award 2025. The award recognises sustained, independent excellence in microscopy and imaging research and is open to mid-career researchers worldwide.

Dr Pantazis has been invited to receive the award in person at the Royal Microscopical Society’s Annual General Meeting, which will take place on Wednesday, 30 September 2026, at the Royal Society of Chemistry in London.

Bioengineering input supports Focused Ultrasound Centre of Excellence

Dr James Choi has contributed Bioengineering expertise to Imperial’s designation as a Focused Ultrasound Centre of Excellence. His work supports the development of focused ultrasound technologies that use targeted sound waves for non-invasive treatment across a range of clinical applications.

Dr Choi’s involvement forms part of a wider interdisciplinary effort linking engineering, imaging, and clinical research to advance focused ultrasound approaches in healthcare.

Bioengineering contribution to dragonfly wing research

Bioengineering researchers at Imperial College London contributed to a collaborative study with the Royal Veterinary College that sheds light on how dragonflies use wing sensors to monitor deformation during flight.

The work, led by Dr Alexandra Yarger in the lab of Dr Huai-Ti Lin, used neural recordings and detailed mechanical simulations to show how a small number of strategically placed sensors can effectively encode wing state, despite complex bending and twisting patterns.

The study provides insights into how biological sensor systems could inform future engineering and robotics designs by simplifying sensing and control requirements in flexible structures.

Read Staff and Student Successes: Spring 2026 in full