Congratulations to Zixuan Wang, a PhD student in our group, who has been awarded a 2026 Cambridge Society for the Application of Research (CSAR) PhD Student Award.
The CSAR PhD Student Awards recognise outstanding PhD students across the University of Cambridge whose research has the potential for real-world impact. Zixuan was selected as one of 12 award winners from more than 200 applicants across the University. Each winner receives a £1,000 award.
Zixuan’s research in chemical biology focuses on developing new therapeutic strategies that target G-quadruplex (G4) DNA structures, unusual DNA structures found in the genome that can influence gene regulation and cancer biology. Her work explores the use of targeted molecular technologies to selectively disrupt G4-associated proteins and reprogramme cancer cells, with the longer-term aim of developing more precise cancer treatments with fewer side effects.
The 2026 awards were presented by Professor Tim Minshall, Professor of Innovation and Head of the Institute for Manufacturing at the University of Cambridge, at an award ceremony held in the Palmerston Room at St John’s College.
Speaking at the ceremony, Professor Minshall highlighted the importance of research that addresses real-world challenges and emphasised that major advances are achieved through researchers working together as teams.
The award recognises Zixuan’s contribution to developing innovative approaches at the interface of chemical biology, nucleic acid structure and targeted therapeutics, and the potential of this research to translate fundamental discoveries into new approaches for cancer treatment.
Congratulations to Zixuan on this excellent achievement!