The eukaryotic genome contains two categories of information: genetic and epigenetic. While the genetic information (DNA sequence) provides the blueprint for the production of components creating a living cell, the epigenetic information layered upon it dictates how, when and where the genetic information should be expressed in developing organisms. Chromatin insulators are specialized DNA elements that lie in the heart of epigenetic regulation. Insulators set up boundaries between the genes on the chromosomes and are believed to act as a neutral barrier to prevent interfering influences from the neighbouring genes. Despite the emerging realization that chromatin insulators are important regulators of expression domains and networks, very little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying their function. Our recent observations suggest, that the process of poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation, or generation of modifying groups of an ADP-ribose polymer on proteins, could be one of the possible mechanisms regulating the function of insulators. We have demonstrated that one of the proteins, called CTCF, which is involved in the regulation of insulators, can also be modified by poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation. The main aim of the proposed study is to investigate these findings further by providing biochemical and functional data demonstrating how poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation can control vertebrate insulators via CTCF or also perhaps other proteins. As studies of the mechanisms of chromatin insulation are directly relevant to an understanding of mechanisms of regulation of gene expression, the proposed project will also lead to better understanding of many human genetic disorders, including cancer. The results of the work will be disseminated through usual routes (journal and conference publications). In addition, regular meetings are held together with the Essex Rivers NHS Trust to disseminate the results across a broad group of clinicians. My undergraduate and post-graduate academic teaching responsibilities also present an ideal opportunity to communicate the information across the Department and wider. Open Days and Science Days that are regularly held in the University provide another chance to disseminate my science to the younger audience (School children, college students etc). I also have good working relation with the local press (Evening Gazette, Colchester and Wywern, University of Essex) which cover our scientific findings, achievements and events. I also have written several popular science articles to publicize my research. Over the years I have given a number of external lectures to various audiences (general, medical, industrial etc) and am committed to communicating my science to the public in the future.

Building on theories of social determinants of health that implicate the immune system in the relationship between social ties (or a lack of, i.e., social isolation) and mortality or morbidity, this project explores the precise nature of the link between isolation and the immune system. In doing so the researcher will ascertain if and how (the linking processes/pathways) the immune system is related with social ties and determine whether the immune system is the link between isolation and mortality and morbidity, as theorised.

Connected and autonomous vehicles (CAV) holds great potentials for road safety and efficiency, but two major barriers need to be removed before its potentials can be fully unleashed: significantly enhanced vehicle to vehicle (eV2V) services with millimetre wave (mmWave) communications and reliable cooperative perception with autonomous vehicles (AV) sensors. However, the directional connectivity of mmWave presents new challenges for the whole protocol stack of V2V networks, while reliable cooperative perception requires novel design of deep learning (DL) models for object detection and fusion of sensor data from neighbour AVs. The above challenges underpinned by CAV demand a holistic design and tight integration of connected vehicles (CV) and AV technologies. This innovative and multi-disciplinary project VESAFE will train the outstanding Fellow candidate to tackle the key challenges with complementary expertise and realize the full potentials of CAV. A novel cross-layer design is proposed for the research of 5th generation (5G) eV2V schemes with mmWave and reliable cooperative perception for advanced CAV safety applications: the eV2V schemes are AV oriented and greatly assisted by the AV cooperative perception, and the reliable cooperative perception is boosted by the awareness of V2V network conditions. And this project propose a novel integrated evaluation of 5G eV2V and CAV applications to support system design and performance characterization. Through the cutting-edge research, this innovative project will produce robust eV2V schemes and reliable cooperative perception solutions, make breakthrough on 5G V2V and CAV safety applications. It will significantly improve the Fellow’s employability and career prospects, strengthen knowledge transfer, boosting the research and innovation (R&I) capacity and research quality, therefore contributing to Europe’s competitiveness and growth in critical sectors of 5G/6G and AV.

Intertidal and shallow subtidal zones are key areas for biochemical transformations, and particularly they play a crucial zone in the carbon cycle. In soft-bottom areas, most primary production is performed by photosynthetic microorganisms organised in biofilms, and called microphytobenthos. The organic matter they produce is rapidly respired by bacteria or consumed by higher trophic levels. Together, microphytobenthos and bacteria realise most carbon transformation in these areas, and are therefore important groups to study in a view to understand carbon cycling in coastal zones. Coastal areas are currently under influence of numerous stressors linked to anthropogenic effects. The impacts of ‘well established’ pollutants, e.g. metals, oils, nitrogen, are fairly well understood; however there is now evidence that new compounds, products of advanced technology, have the potential to disrupt the environment. The aim of this project is to understand how a recently developed family of compounds, namely nanoparticles (NPs), influences the development of biofilms and their impact on the carbon cycle. NP concentrations are increasing dramatically in the environment, but their effect on organisms and ecosystems is currently poorly described. Yet, genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of NPs have been demonstrated, including on microorganisms. In this project, laboratory and field experiments will be performed to characterise the effects of NPs on microphytobenthos and bacteria, on their trophic interactions and on their roles in carbon and nutrient cycles. Two common types of NPs will be tested in a wide range of environmental conditions, to decipher in which conditions NPs are more or less harmful to organisms and processes. Such understanding will allow developing strategies to reduce the impacts of NPs and will be beneficial to environment and human well-being in EU and elsewhere.