Masami Ando Kuri, a researcher at the Wellcome Sanger Institute near Cambridge, has been named one of six global recipients of the 2024 IBSA Foundation Fellowships. Her pioneering work in dermatology earned her a €32,000 grant, selected from a record 259 submissions worldwide.
Ando Kuri’s project focuses on Schwann cells, the most common glial cells in the peripheral nervous system, and their role in skin health and disease. While these cells are known for their involvement in tissue repair, their specific impact on conditions like atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and keloids is not well understood. Using advanced spatial and single-cell transcriptomic techniques, she aims to create a detailed cellular atlas of human skin Schwann cells.
Originally from Mexico, Dr. Ando Kuri holds a PhD in Medical Science from the University of Cambridge and is currently a postdoctoral fellow in Computational Biology. Her previous research experience includes roles at the Netherlands Cancer Institute, with numerous publications in leading scientific journals.
Now in its 12th year, the IBSA Foundation Fellowship supports early-career researchers in five key medical fields. In total, it has awarded funding to 58 projects across 60 countries. The program also recently introduced a new €5,000 Research Equity Prize to support work from researchers in developing countries.
Speaking about the award, IBSA UK Medical Director Marco Menabrito said, “Funding research isn’t just about science; it’s about giving bright minds the chance to make a real difference for patients.”
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