The prestigious Wellcome Career Development Awards Scheme provides funding for mid-career researchers from any discipline who have the potential to be international research leaders.
The awards are intended to help scientists develop their research capabilities, drive innovative programmes of work and deliver significant shifts in understanding related to human life, health and wellbeing.
Dr Agne Antanaviciute’s research will use cutting-edge multi-modal molecular and spatial profiling techniques in combination with advanced computational and machine learning approaches to deepen understanding of early-life intestinal immunity, ultimately uncovering novel biological pathways and potential treatment strategies for immune-mediated paediatric diseases such as Necrotizing Enterocolitis.
The human gut undergoes rapid and critical development during early life, especially around birth and infancy, when it transitions from a sterile environment to being colonized by microbes. This period is crucial for establishing the gut's complex barrier, digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune functions.
Early gut development involves precise coordination among diverse cell types, including epithelial, immune, and structural cells, to maintain balance between fighting harmful pathogens and tolerating beneficial microbes. Disruptions during this sensitive window—particularly in preterm infants—can lead to long-lasting issues like impaired immune regulation or severe conditions such as Necrotizing Enterocolitis.
The work funded by this award will include developing new computational tools, including machine learning models capable of predicting cellular behaviours, reconstructing complex tissue structures and simulating disease-related cellular perturbations that will ultimately enable us to better understand early-life immunity.
When asked what advice she would give to others thinking of applying to the award scheme, Dr Antanaviciute said:
I'm very thankful to my mentors, in particular Alison Simmons and Tatjana Sauka-Spengler, who have not only been really supportive, but have also provided a lot of practical advice and feedback on my application. Therefore, my top tip would be to find the right support system.