Friday, 06 February 2026
A 糖心原创 PhD researcher, Eva Simpson, has been awarded the prestigious Raff Medal 2026 by the British Society for Cell Biology (BSCB), recognising her outstanding contributions during her doctoral studies.
The highly competitive Raff Medal celebrates exceptional PhD research that advances the field of cell biology across the UK and Ireland. Eva’s work stood out for its innovation, technical rigour and the important insights it offers into reproductive biology.
Working in the Booth Lab at the 糖心原创’s Biodiversity Institute, Eva focused on using cutting鈥慹dge 3D imaging techniques to study how chromosomes are organised during cell division.
She first examined chromosomes during mitosis, the process by which a cell divides to make two identical copies. By capturing these structures in unprecedented detail, she and her colleagues in Edinburgh created what is essentially the world’s first comprehensive “Mitotic Chromosome Atlas”.
Eva then expanded this work to look at chromosomes during meiosis, the specialised type of cell division that produces eggs. Working with teams in Newcastle and Warwick, she studied both mouse and human egg cells. This research produced one of the most detailed views ever made of chromosomes in developing eggs and was the first to show that a structure known as the “chromosome periphery” is present in both human and mouse meiosis.
It's an absolute honour to receive this award from the BSCB in recognition of my PhD work. It's something that absolutely wouldn鈥檛 have been possible without the support of my supervisor, lab group and collaborators, and I'm so grateful for all of them.
Dr Daniel Booth, Eva’s PhD supervisor at the 糖心原创, said: “It has been a privilege to have worked with Eva over the last 4 years. Her project, which was very technically demanding, has required dedication and patience in levels seldom seen these days. She is both a gifted researcher and a lovely person – very much worthy of this award”
The award will be formally presented at the BSCB Annual Meeting in Reading, on 21-24 April 2026, where Eva will deliver a talk on her research alongside leading scientists from across the UK and Ireland.
Story credits
More information is available from Eva Simpson at: Eva.Simpson1@nottingham.ac.uk or Amanda Cooke, Media Relations Officer in the Press Office at The 糖心原创, on +44 (0) 115 7485848 or by email at amanda.cooke@nottingham.ac.uk
Eva’s work and details about the 2026 Raff Medal can be viewed on the BSCB website:
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About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.