British Neuroscience Association rewards excellent science at the Babraham Institute

11th January 2005

A research scientist at the Babraham Institute has won the British Neuroscience Association's postgraduate prize for 2004.  Judges from the BNA Committee considered the PhD project and thesis of Dr William Davies to be the finest, from applications covering a range of neuroscience topics

Dr Yvonne Allen, Executive Director of the BNA, said, "There is always fierce competition for the BNA Postgraduate award; the standard of science is impressively high.  William impressed us with his clarity of style and his promising publication record. He is also clearly very enthusiastic to present his work at as many prestigious conferences as possible."

William's thesis describes how he obtained evidence for the existence of imprinted genes on the X chromosome that specifically affect a particular aspect of behaviour.  Imprinted genes are special, chemically marked genes; the chemical marks distinguish whether the gene came from the father or the mother, and whether or not it should be used in the offspring.  The X chromosome is loaded with genes that are essential for brain and behavioural functioning.

"William's findings are important because imprinted genes have been implicated in common mental disorders such as autism.  Greater knowledge of these genes may therefore help us to understand and eventually treat such disorders," stated Dr Lawrence Wilkinson, William's PhD supervisor.

"Additionally, locating imprinted genes on the X chromosome may provide new insights into why men and women behave differently, and why they show different vulnerabilities to certain mental problems." Dr Wilkinson continued.

Dr Richard Dyer, Director of the Institute, said, "I am delighted that the BNA has recognised the significance of William's work.  The award is testament to the hard work put in by William and the quality of the training environment provided by the Babraham Institute for young scientists."

William is currently a post-doctoral research scientist in the Laboratory of Cognitive and Behavioural Neuroscience at the Babraham Institute.

More about imprinted genes

In the early 1980s, it was discovered that embryos need an input of genetic material from both their father and from their mother to develop to term.

The molecular explanation for this finding is that there are a handful of genes that are only expressed when they come from the father, and another handful that are only expressed when they come from the mother.  Both types must be present to ensure normal development of the embryo.  These genomic keys to successful development are known as imprinted genes.

In addition to effects on general growth and development, animal and human studies have revealed that imprinted genes can also impact upon brain and behavioural characteristics.

The BNA Prize

Each year, the BNA awards a postgraduate prize to students considered to have made a significant contribution to neuroscience and to have achieved an outstanding performance in their viva voce.  William received £500 as the award winner for 2004.

About the BNA

The British Neuroscience Association is a professional learned society with nearly 2000 members in the UK mostly.  It strives to represent the interests of academics, clinicians, educationalists and industrialists working in the multi-disciplinary field of neuroscience.  The society organises conferences, symposia and publications to support this goal.  It also supports neuroscientists in training with prizes and bursaries.  For more information about the BNA see www.bna.org.uk.

About the Babraham Institute

The Babraham Institute's scientists aim to understand how normal cellular processes operate and change during development, with age and with experience. They are defining the underlying mechanisms of gene regulation and cell signalling (communication within and between cells), focussing on important processes early in development and key functions in the brain, heart and immune system. Knowledge gained from this research may be translated into medicines or therapies for human disease.

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Dr Claire Cockcroft
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