Viva success for Jo and James

Many congratulations to Jo and James who both passed their PhD vivas with minor corrections! 🤩 Thank you to all the examiners (Dr Kyra Campbell, Dr Choon Hwai Yap, Dr Prof Darryl Overby & Prof Sarah Waters) for their sterling efforts in putting Jo and James through their paces. Thank you too to former group members who rejoined us for the celebrations 🥳

End of summer lunch

In picture (from left): Niamh, Karin, Sophie, Pieter, Sarah, Margot and Namdev.

To thank our summer student Sophie Oatley and to treat ourselves after a busy schedule of tissue sampling, the extended group went for a nice lunch in the UCD University Club. Best of luck to Sophie as she continues her Biomedical Engineering studies in the University of Cambridge!

Congratulations Nidal on ORS New Investigator Recognition Award!

Nidal was awarded the prestigious New Investigator Recognition Award (NIRA) from the Orthopaedic Research Society (ORS) at their 2022 Annual Meeting in Tampa, Florida, USA. NIRA finalists present a poster and give a podium presentation and are interviewed by the NIRA committee, and award recipients chosen based on quality and presentation of material. Awardees receive a certificate and a generous cash prize. Many congratulations Nidal on the fantastic achievement!

Nidal at his poster.
Nidal hanging out at his posters with fellow NIRA nominees.

Group Retreat in Dublin

The Developmental Biomechanics Group finally met in person again in November 2021, when the London contingent travelled to Dublin for three days. The retreat kicked off with a beautiful hike around Howth Head on a windy but lovely and sunny day. James kept Niamh distracted from the steep cliff edges and Kinder Buenos kept the blood sugar levels up. The walk was nicely rounded off by some traditional fish and chips at the harbour. The next two days were filled with in-depth updates from the seasoned group members. It was so great to be together again and discuss all the exciting data everyone has been gathering over the pandemic.

Dr Nowlan appointed Professor of Biomedical Engineering at University College Dublin, Ireland

Dr Nowlan has accepted a Professorship position in the School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at University College Dublin (UCD), Ireland, with effect from January 2021. Her web profile at UCD can be found here. For the next few years, the Developmental Biomechanics group will be split between London and Ireland, with plenty of travel between (once feasible). Niamh is excited about this new opportunity and for what the future holds for the research group and programme!