Queen Mary researcher Dr Elena Torlai Triglia awarded prestigious Springboard Award from the Academy of Medical Sciences
Dr Elena Torlai Triglia, lecturer and researcher in the School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, has been awarded a prestigious Springboard Award from the Academy of Medical Sciences to support her innovative research into melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
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As part of a record-breaking £7.6 million funding round, the Academy has recognised 62 outstanding early-career researchers across the UK. Dr Torlai Triglia will receive £125,000 to establish her independent research group and advance her pioneering work in cancer genomics.
Her research seeks to decode how changes in the DNA sequence and structure drive melanoma progression. Melanoma has the highest number of mutations of any cancer type, making it especially challenging to treat. Dr Torlai Triglia’s team uses state-of-the-art laboratory models that replicate patient tumour DNA, enabling them to pinpoint how specific mutations affect gene regulation, cell behaviour and resistance to treatment.
The ultimate aim is to support the development of more personalised, targeted therapies—improving outcomes and reducing side effects for patients. With melanoma rates rising faster than any other cancer in the UK, this work addresses an urgent and growing public health challenge.
Speaking about the award, Dr Torlai Triglia said:
“I am thrilled to be one of this year’s recipients of the AMS Springboard. This award provides invaluable support for establishing my independent research group, including access to tailored career development opportunities and a renowned mentoring programme. I am looking forward to becoming part of the Academy’s community, meeting the other awardees and fellows.”
The Academy’s Springboard programme—now in its tenth year—supports emerging leaders across biomedical sciences, from molecular biology to public health. Backed by the UK Government’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, Wellcome and the British Heart Foundation, the initiative helps early-career researchers launch their independent careers with funding, mentoring and networking opportunities.
Professor James Naismith, Vice-President (Non-Clinical) at the Academy of Medical Sciences, said:
“By backing these talented early-career researchers, we’re not only addressing today’s urgent health challenges but also strengthening the UK’s position as a global leader in medical research.”
Congratulations to Dr Torlai Triglia on this significant achievement, which reinforces Queen Mary’s commitment to leading-edge research with real-world impact!