معرفی
Dr Maria Victoria Niklison Chirou is a Lecturer in Cell and Molecular Biology at the Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, and a member of the Centre for Therapeutic Innovation. She holds a PhD from Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Argentina, and has held research positions at the MRC Toxicology Unit and Queen Mary University of London. She joined the University of Bath in 2020 and is actively involved in research on childhood brain tumours, particularly medulloblastoma.
Education:
- Doctor of Philosophy, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán (2009)
- Master of Biochemistry (2004)
Her research focuses on cancer metabolism, particularly how metabolic pathways such as glutamine and lipid metabolism are hijacked in aggressive tumours. She investigates the role of the p53-family proteins in metabolic reprogramming and aims to develop less toxic, targeted therapies for paediatric brain cancers. Her lab explores strategies to starve tumours of essential nutrients to enhance chemotherapy efficacy.
The recent publications reflect a strong trend in targeting metabolic vulnerabilities in brain and pancreatic cancers, with a focus on lipid droplets, mevalonate pathway inhibition, and proteasome inhibition. Her work bridges molecular oncology and translational drug discovery.
Scientific Awards:
- BNOS Young Investigator Award (2019)
- Faculty of Science Recognising Excellence scheme (2024)
- Nominated for Tutor of the Year (2024)
- Honorary Lecturer (2020)
Dr Niklison Chirou supervises doctoral and master’s students and is accepting new PhD candidates with funding. She leads multiple projects funded by Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group and The Academy of Medical Sciences. Her public engagement includes school outreach and science communication on repurposed drugs for brain tumours.
Lab Members:
- Philip Ragan (PhD student, 2021–2024)
- Maria Parikian (MSc student, 2021)
- Jasmin Kimya Farshchi (ERASMUS visiting student, 2021)
