1. Can I Have Your Attention? An Experimental Measure of Monotropism

Beatrix Butnicu, Psychology, 1-2pm

Autistic attention is often described as a paradox: intense focus alongside high distractibility. Monotropism, an autistic-led theory, proposes that it works through depth rather than breadth. When a strong personal interest is engaged, attention tunnels in, producing deep focus and flow. Without an anchor, distraction and overload are more likely. 

We developed a task to measure the attention tunnel in a neurodiverse adult sample (N = 49). Each participant completed a condition tailored to their strongest interest, and a control. We measured task performance, flow and noticing of an unexpected on-screen item.

Participants looked longer and reported significantly higher flow in the Interesting condition. Accuracy was at ceiling, and many noticed the unexpected item, suggesting the task was too easy to fully capture attentional narrowing. The findings provide early support for experimentally measuring the attention tunnel and indicate how future designs can improve sensitivity.

2. Linking ECM Stiffness to Splicing Regulation and Tumour Progression in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Jiawei Li, Biosciences, 1-2pm

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is highly aggressive but lacks established biomarkers. Increasing evidence links tumour stiffness to TNBC behaviour, while recent studies suggest that mechanical cues can regulate alternative splicing in cancer. However, an in vitro framework connecting ECM stiffness, splicing-factor regulation, alternative splicing and TNBC progression is still lacking. Using RNA-seq from TNBC cells cultured on matrices of defined stiffness, I identified stiffness-dependent splicing events with two bioinformatic pipelines. Candidate cassette exons were prioritised using TCGA stiffness surrogate signatures, followed by motif analysis, IF and RT-PCR. I identified five stiffness-driven splicing events linked to three RNA-binding protein families.

3. From Hamiltonian Mechanics to Symplectic Topology

Haoran Shi, Mathematics and Statistics, 1-2pm

Symplectic geometry and topology originated in Hamiltonian mechanics, where a physical system is described by its evolution in phase space, with coordinates given by position and momentum. The mathematical structure of phase space encodes key features of dynamics and leads naturally to geometric questions about motion and invariants. My research studies the geometry and topology of symplectic manifolds, which generalise phase spaces in Hamiltonian mechanics. A central problem is to understand the dynamics of Hamiltonian diffeomorphisms through their fixed points. In symplectic topology, this is closely related to the Arnold conjecture, a counterpart of classical fixed point theory in algebraic topology. A key tool is Floer homology, which can be viewed as an infinite-dimensional analogue of Morse theory on the loop space of a symplectic manifold.

4. Optimising Every Drop: Exploring Shampoo Formulations Using a Closed-Loop Optimisation System

Louise Efford, Chemistry, 1-2pm

Finding optimal formulations using traditional methods can be time consuming, wasteful of resources and costly. Shampoo is a complex mixture and finding the perfect mixture can be like finding a needle in a haystack. To solve this we are using machine learning and optimisation algorithms to find new shampoo mixtures that can satisfy multiple different needs. These algorithms work with a self-driving closed-loop laboratory system to rapidly and autonomously explore mixtures of shampoo. Optimisation algorithms use data to choose the next experiment to run, with the resulting mixture created using a computer controlled pump system and analysed via several techniques, including small-angle X-ray scattering.

5. Investigating the Impact of Genome Damage on Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Fate

Dagmara Szmaglinska, Biosciences, 1-2pm

Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) are widely used in regenerative medicine to replace damaged tissues. However, the large-scale cell growth needed for these applications can introduce genetic changes, some of which resemble those seen in cancer, raising safety concerns. The persistence of these changes depends on three steps: mutation, tolerance, and selection, suggesting that some mutations confer a growth advantage. We have shown that hPSCs experience elevated DNA damage, particularly double-strand breaks, linked to replication stress. Such damage may be repaired incorrectly, producing mutations, or remain unrepaired, leading to cell loss. This project investigates how hPSCs respond to DNA damage at the molecular level. We induce damage and quantify key repair markers using imaging. Ongoing work examines how damage influences cell fate decisions during differentiation, with the aim of improving culture conditions and reducing the expansion of genetically altered cells.

6. What are the barriers and facilitators to the confrontation of intergroup bias? A systematic review and qualitative metasynthesis

Lilith Roberts, Psychology, 1-2pm

There is a growing body of literature on the efficacy of interpersonal confrontation ("calling out") of intergroup bias (e.g., prejudice) and what can help or hinder this. The need for behaviour change interventions to raise the likelihood of confrontation is clear, but no attempts have been made to systematically understand the barriers and facilitators to confrontation through the application of established behavioural science frameworks designed to understand these and provide recommendations for interventions. This research features a systematic review and qualitative metasynthesis of literature exploring experienced and perceived barriers and drivers to confrontation, mapping these to behaviour change frameworks (COM-B model) while evaluating a previous model explaining the decision-making process behind confrontation (Confronting Prejudiced Responses model). The research aims to inform the development of interventions facilitating the confrontation of weight stigma in healthcare.

7. Predicting Particle Fate Following Phagocytosis with Explainable Machine Learning-Based Microscopy

Rebecca Betts, Physics and Astronomy, 1-2pm

Phagocytosis, the engulfment and elimination of particles by cells, is a fundamental component of the innate immune response. Macrophages (phagocytosing white blood cells) phagocytose bacteria to clear infections. S. Aureus bacteria which have been phagocytosed by macrophages have been observed to survive, replicate, and escape the host cell, killing it. Mechanisms of why this occurs have been identified, such as reduced acidification of the phagosome (compartment into which the bacteria is engulfed), however why this occurs in particular individual macrophages but not others is not clear. Machine learning will be used to predict whether and when bacteria will escape out of a given macrophage using observed features measured over time including intracellular and extracellular bacteria density as well as morphological features. SHAP analysis of these models will then be used to identify which features and time periods contribute to the models prediction.

8. Effects of climate change on native and non-native tree leaf quality for herbivores

Jamie Howe, Biosciences, 1-2pm

Urban trees provide key resources for biodiversity but face high levels of stress, including elevated temperatures from climate change and the urban heat island effect. Planting non-native species may increase the resilience of urban forests, but the effect of elevated temperatures on their relative suitability for biodiversity is poorly understood. We tested the effects of a +4°C increase in temperature on leaf quality, metabolite content, and subsequent indirect effects on a generalist herbivore (Spodoptera littoralis) across five native and non-native pairs of UK urban tree species. Elevated temperature reduced larval growth, altered leaf biochemistry, and accelerated leaf emergence. Reductions in performance were twice as severe for insects fed heat-exposed native compared to non-native trees. Our study indicates non-native tree species may be more resilient to elevated temperatures than native and provide a means to mitigate expected quality loss.

9. Electrochemically Active Ruthenium Macrocycles as Potential Hosts and Sensors for Bio-anions and Bio-molecules

Maddison Gilbey, Chemistry, 1-2pm

Using self-assembled metalloorganic macrocycles as molecular sensors is an established and expanding field. Nucleotide based ligands are of interest as they form discrete self-assembled architectures. Their functionality and planar aromatic structure, allow strong non-covalent interactions to drive coordination based self-assembly, such as ruthenium based macrocyclic sensors, first being seen in 2000. 

Previous work found that when ruthenium is complexed with adenine derived ligands, the systems form bowl-like structures that have two potential binding cavities and are kinetically inert.  This work focuses on modifying the 9-position on the adenine ligand with different R-groups, aiming to change the depth of the aromatic pocket formed upon complexation. A deeper cavity can be used in the design of sensors for small biological molecules. These R-group modifications could also allow for the bowls to be photoactive, providing an optical pathway to sensing capabilities.

10. Understanding signalling pathway diversity in cancer-associated fibroblasts through agonist stimulation

Iqra Hussain, Biosciences, 1-2pm

My PhD research, “Understanding signalling pathway diversity in cancer-associated fibroblasts through agonist stimulation,” investigates how fibroblasts in the breast cancer tumour microenvironment exhibit heterogeneous signalling responses. The project focuses on comparing normal fibroblasts and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) by analysing activation of key pathways including the ERK signalling pathway, NF-κB signalling pathway, and STAT signalling pathway. Using live-cell fluorescent imaging and automated microscopy, signalling dynamics are monitored through nuclear translocation following stimulation with specific agonists. This work aims to identify signalling patterns that distinguish CAFs from normal fibroblasts and to develop protocols that induce CAF-like behaviour in vitro, improving understanding of stromal signalling heterogeneity in breast cancer.

11. Dynamical Dark Energy emerging from the QCD vacuum

Dong Ha Lee, Mathematics and Statistics, 1-2pm

Dark Energy is the name given to the phenomenon driving the late-time acceleration of our universe. Despite being responsible for nearly 70% of the current energy density of the universe, there is little consensus on the physics behind this phenomenon. 

Here, we try to describe it from within the Standard Model of physics via a dynamically emerging vacuum energy of the QCD gauge field. Hence, we attempt to simultaneously tackle the problems of the fundamental nature of dark energy, the requirement for beyond Standard Model physics and the potential dynamic nature of dark energy, a problem that has come into the forefront of cosmology in the past decade.

12. Interactions of Gambian Streptococcus pyogenes isolates with components of the human host

Sona Jabang, Biosciences, 1-2pm

Streptococcus pyogenes is a major human pathogen responsible for around 500,000 deaths annually and is commonly linked to skin infections and Rheumatic Heart Disease in The Gambia. To better understand how this bacterium interacts with the human body, we studied 105 isolates from The Gambia and examined their ability to attach to human extracellular matrix proteins (collagen I, collagen IV, fibronectin and fibrinogen) and to primary skin and tonsil cells. The isolates showed varied binding to these proteins, with the greatest variation seen for collagen, suggesting that genetic differences influence collagen binding. Overall, 28% of isolates bound collagen IV, 25% bound collagen I, and 23% bound both. Adhesion to human cells also differed between strains: emm119 isolates preferred tonsil cells, whereas emm229 isolates adhered better to skin cells. These differences suggest that strains may use distinct infection mechanisms, which require further investigation.

14. SUMOylation of the ER chaperone BiP regulates ER–mitochondria communication and calcium signalling at organelle contact sites

Shihui Wang, Biosciences, 1-2pm

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is an essential cellular structure that helps proteins fold correctly, stores calcium, and communicates with other organelles such as mitochondria. These interactions occur at specialised regions known as membrane contact sites, which allow cells to coordinate metabolism, stress responses, and energy production. However, the molecular mechanisms that control communication at these contact sites remain poorly understood.

This project investigates a small protein modification called SUMOylation, which can rapidly alter how proteins function and interact with other molecules. In particular, the study focuses on BiP, a key ER chaperone that helps cells manage stress caused by misfolded proteins.

Using biochemical assays, live-cell imaging, and proteomics, this work aims to identify SUMO-modified proteins at ER contact sites and determine how they regulate calcium signalling and inter-organelle communication.

15. Topological Analysis of Non-Hermitian Systems

Mohammadreza Moeini Fakhrdavood, Physics and Astronomy, 1-2pm

Real-world systems rarely exist in isolation; they exchange energy with their environment, like a pendulum slowing from air resistance. These open, "Non-Hermitian" (NH) systems behave differently from closed ones. Two striking features are "exceptional points"—where distinct states merge—and the "NH skin effect," where states accumulate at physical boundaries. We are interested in how random "disorder" impacts NH systems. We analyse this using topology, a mathematical framework focusing on properties that survive structural deformation. Topology effectively identifies invariant characteristics in disordered systems. To verify our theories, we conduct experiments using transmission lines.  These affordable, customizable circuits practically bridge electronics and photonics, which is a great advantage for studying NH systems.

16. Assessment and Quantification of Factors Affecting Human Hair Structural Morphology

Eryn Meyers, Chemistry, 1-2pm

Human hair is a complex biological fibre whose hierarchical keratinous structure determines its strength, appearance, and response to styling and environmental stress. This project investigates how factors such as heat, hydration, and chemical treatment alter hair at the nanoscale. Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) is used to probe the internal arrangement and orientation of keratin fibrils, providing quantitative insight into structural disorder and damage. Complementary techniques, including Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Dynamic Vapour Sorption (DVS), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), are used to assess thermal behaviour, moisture interactions, and molecular conformation. By combining these approaches, this work aims to link microscopic structural changes to macroscopic properties.

17. Long Term Memory Speeds Encoding, Independently of Attention

Abi Wylie, Psychology, 1-2pm

Recent studies suggest that familiar objects benefit from faster Working Memory (WM) encoding, leading WM models to suggest a Long Term Memory (LTM) “template-matching" mechanism, which speeds standard encoding processes. In this study, we examined whether LTM template-matching can be dissociated from selective attention. Experiments 1-2 supported the existence of a familiarity benefit as participants had greater accuracy in an RSVP task when targets were in their native (familiar) language. Experiment 2 also found familiar and unfamiliar distractors to be equally effective at capturing attention and generating an Attentional Blink effect. Finally, experiment 3 found reducing reliance on LTM eliminated the familiarity effect, suggesting that the observed familiarity benefit depends on LTM-held representations. Overall, the current study provides robust evidence that LTM template-matching speeds encoding of familiar items, independently of attention.

18. Black Hole Separability: Umbilical Foliations and the Generalised Killing-Yano Polyform

Amin Omarouayache, Mathematics and Statistics, 1-2pm

An investigation into the mathematical machinery underpinning the description of a broad class of black holes. The project aims to give a geometric origin for the existence of the remarkable symmetry properties we observe in black hole theories.

19. The Impact of Obesogenic Diets on Skeletal Muscle Stem Cell Function

Abeer Al Marzouqi, Biosciences, 1-2pm

Skeletal muscle regeneration is driven by muscle stem cells (MuSCs), or satellite cells (SCs), which remain quiescent until activated by injury. They then proliferate, self-renew, or differentiate to form new muscle fibres. The primary cilium acts as a signalling hub regulating these processes.

Obesity is linked to disrupted cilia function and impaired SC activity, suggesting metabolic alterations may hinder muscle regeneration. This project investigates how an obesogenic diet affects SC regenerative capacity and self-renewal, and how metabolic changes influence primary cilia function during muscle repair.

20. Pseudopotential-based Correlation Consistent Basis Sets for Explicitly Correlated Wavefunctions  (3d transition metals Sc-Ni)

Sarah Alharbi, Chemistry, 1-2pm

New pseudopotential-based correlation consistent basis sets for 3d  elements (Sc-Ni) have been developed specifically for use in explicitly correlated F12 calculations. This includes orbital basis sets for valence only (cc-pVnZ-PP-F12, n = D, T, Q) and outer core–valence (cc-pCVnZ-PP-F12, n = D, T, Q) correlation, along with both of these augmented with additional high angular momentum diffuse functions. All of the basis sets are to be used in conjunction with small-core relativistic pseudopotentials. The accuracy of the basis sets is determined through benchmark calculation at the explicitly correlated coupled-cluster level of theory for various properties of atoms and diatomic molecules.

21. Correlative Super-resolution Fluorescence and Atomic Force Microscopies reveal the Molecular Architecture of the Cell Wall during Division in Streptococcus pneumoniae

Nishan Nathoo, Biosciences, 1-2pm

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause of pneumonia, and rising antimicrobial resistance requires deeper understanding of its peptidoglycan (PG) cell wall. Unlike other Gram-positives, S. pneumoniae undergoes cell division with simultaneous synthesis and hydrolysis. While fluorescence identifies the timing and location of nascent PG synthesis, and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) reveals nanometer-scale surface topography, but alone each does not provide a complete structural-functional map. We present "STORMForce," a correlative approach to overcome technical incompatibility between fluorophore blinking buffers and AFM cantilever interactions. Using click chemistry and automated analyses, we achieve 20nm resolution to map PG architecture throughout the division cycle. These findings reveal how PG evolves, offering new insights into ovococcal shape maintenance, and provide a powerful tool for characterizing bacterial phenotypes.

22. Integration of Spray Coated Perovskite Solar Cells onto Carbon Fibre Substrates

Dinesh Behera, Physics and Astronomy, 1-2pm

The integration of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) substrates offers a route toward lightweight, high specific power structural photovoltaics for aircraft, UAVs, wind turbines, and structural batteries. However, substrate roughness and thermal mismatch challenge device fabrication. Gel-coated CFRP variants were engineered to improve surface uniformity, durability, and thermal stability, enabling stable ITO sputtering with reduced cracking. As a foundational step toward CFRP integration, triple-cation perovskites were deposited via ultrasonic spray coating combined with vacuum-assisted solution processing, yielding uniform, highly crystalline films. Incorporation of Me-4PACz enabled a simplified device architecture, delivering >15% efficiency on ITO/glass. This scalable framework establishes a pathway toward multifunctional structural energy systems.

23. Global variation in density-dependent recruitment of Plantago lanceolata

Matthew Clements, Biosciences, 1-2pm

Despite being widely accepted as key drivers of variation in plant demography, density dependence and persistent seedbanks are often absent in empirical population studies. Whilst direct observation of these phenomena can be challenging, with sufficient data they can be estimated using probabilistic computational methods. We combine a Bayesian modelling approach with a multi-year international dataset to explore the recruitment dynamics of Plantago lanceolata L., a herbaceous perennial with economic and ecological importance as a forage crop and an invasive weed. We find evidence of a persistent seedbank, and examine how both seed availability and establishment opportunity can act to mediate recruitment in P. lanceolata across its native and invasive ranges.

24. Exploring Mental Health and Wellbeing Among Autistic University Students: A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review of Lived Experiences and Measurement Approaches

Georgia Smith, Psychology, 1-2pm

Autistic students in higher education experience high levels of mental health difficulties. Although support services exist, many students report unmet needs and a lack of autism-informed approaches. This review will provide a foundation for developing autism-informed approaches to supporting mental health and wellbeing in university contexts.

This mixed-methods systematic review synthesised qualitative evidence on autistic university students’ experiences of mental health and wellbeing and mapped the tools used to assess these outcomes. The findings reveal a mismatch between what is measured and what autistic students describe as central to their wellbeing. The review highlights the need for co-produced, autism-informed assessment tools that reflect autistic students’ experiences and support inclusive approaches to wellbeing in higher education.

25. Investigating the structural basis of eRNA:CBP binding using CryoEM

Owen Godwin, Biosciences, 1-2pm

Enhancer regions are regions within genomic DNA that are integral for the regulation of gene transcription. Non-coding RNA molecules are produced at these regions, and they have been shown to activate histone acetyl transferases such as CBP, leading to the 'switching on' of targeted genes. I aim to investigate the interaction between these RNAs and CBP with Cryogenic electron microscopy. 

26. Category Theory and Convex Analysis

Lily Bennett, Mathematics and Statistics, 1-2pm

If we focus on one area of mathematics, we may see things behaving and relating to each other in certain ways. Moving onto another area of mathematics and dealing with different things, we can sometimes still spot them behaving and relating to each other in similar ways. Category theory can be used to express patterns of behaviour across different areas of mathematics, and this poster aims to explain how we can spot some known behaviours in the area of convex analysis. 

27. Electrifying the Fight Against Antimicrobial Resistance: Plasma-Triggered Hydrogels for Precise, On-Demand Antibiotic Delivery

Eleanor Yates, Chemistry, 1-2pm

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is an ionised gas generated at atmospheric pressure and temperatures below 40°C which has shown significant potential in wound care and oncology. While it is an effective treatment on its own, there is growing interest in how combining CAP with drugs enhances their efficacy.  However, the direct mixing of drugs and plasma can cause unwanted chemical modification and systemic delivery (such as oral antibiotics) often leads to poor bioavailability at the target site. To combat this, my research focuses on the development of a composite hydrogel system which acts like a magnetic safe, electrostatically trapping the antibiotics within its structure. By using the plasma's ability to acidify the hydrogel, we can then trigger a pH-dependent release of the trapped drugs on demand. My project aims to optimise this system to improve its structural properties, maximise antibiotic delivery and create a robust novel method for treating drug-resistant infections.

28. Counting Sheep: Epigenetic Ageing In Soay Sheep

Lucy Barnard, Biosciences, 1-2pm

Ageing “biomarkers” can be used to make predictions of an individual’s age, health, and potential lifespan. In recent years, the most exciting biomarker is DNA methylation. Addition and removal of methylation happen across the genome and can be used to create age predictive models called epigenetic clocks. To create an epigenetic clock for the Soay Sheep, we used 1067 blood samples from 764 individuals. Using a specialised DNA sequencing technique, we measured the methylome for the whole age range (0-15) of Soay Sheep, from both sexes. We used a statistical method called elastic net regression to select the most informative methylome positions, called CpG sites, for predicting age, and then validated the model using a technique called leave one animal out cross validation. The resulting epigenetic clock was able to predict age to within 0.77 years for males and 1.05 years for females. There was a correlation of 0.820 between an individual’s true chronological age and the predicted age.

30. The effects of vertical transmission on a spatially-structured host-parasite model

Jack Woodruff, Mathematics and Statistics, 1-2pm

Vertical transmission occurs when an infected host reproduces and passes the infection on to their offspring, whereas horizontal transmission (usually) occurs via contact between an infected and susceptible host. The role of vertical transmission in host-parasite dynamics is explored through analysis of a spatially-structured mathematical model. The key questions of the model are, what are the different long-term outcomes of the model? Can vertical transmission determine invasion? How does spatial structure affect the dynamics? A second model is then considered, where a pathogen that has horizontal transmission only is prevalent. A mutant strain then emerges that can also be transmitted vertically. The questions here are, does initial growth of the mutant strain predict the long-term dynamics? How likely is it that the mutant strain will invade? How do the dynamics change when there is a trade-off between vertical and horizontal transmission?

32. Characterisation of Zebrafish Semicircular Canal Mutant tp219e

Aaron Bailiff, Biosciences, 1-2pm

The inner ear contains three fluid-filled loops that control our sense of balance. Building these loops requires cells to project and fuse together — if this fails, balance is permanently disrupted.

We study this process using zebrafish, whose transparent embryos let us watch organ development in real time. We investigated a mutant zebrafish line, tp219e, in which these projections fail to fuse correctly, leading to balance problems.

To find the faulty gene, we sequenced RNA from mutant and normal fish to identify genes behaving differently, and used DNA mapping to narrow down the location of the mutation. This pointed us to a gene called tmprss5, which is normally active at the tips of the growing projections. We confirmed this using CRISPR gene-editing to independently disable tmprss5, which produced identical defects.

tmprss5 had no previously known role in ear development. Understanding how it works could shed light on the genetic causes of balance disorders in humans.

33. Two-Dimensionally extended -Conjugation of Donor-Acceptor Copolymers via Alkyne Substitution for Efficient Polymer Solar Cell 

Aisha Almehmadi, Chemistry, 1-2pm

In recent years, organic solar cells (OSCs) have made significant progress, reaching power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of about 20%. Considering that early OSCs showed efficiencies below 1% decades ago, this represents an important technological milestone.

Organic semiconductors offer strong potential due to their tunable optical properties and transparency, enabling selective absorption across UV, visible, and NIR regions through molecular engineering.

The objective of this project is synthesizing polymer donor with wide band gab which composed of highly planar electron-donating building blocks (TBDT) with an electron-accepting building block (BDD). In order to blend with high performance NFAs like Y6, side chains are also chosen with low EHOMO levels and good solubility in mind. The TBDT was synthesized successfully and the identity of all synthetic routes of the TBDT have been confirmed by 1H and 13C, XRD, elemental analysis, mass spectroscopy and IR spectroscopy.

34. The Role of Myosin VI in the Development and Function in the Auditory Hair Cells

Mengshu Wang, Biosciences, 1-2pm

 The absence of Myosin VI causes non-syndromic deafness in mammals, which leads to stereocilia abnormalities, MET dysfunction and abnormal signal transduction at ribbon synapses. However, these conclusions were obtained using constitutive mutant mouse models, which lose Myosin VI from embryonic stages, leading to secondary effects derived from the abnormal development of the stereocilia, which bias our understanding on its true role in hair cells. Therefore, the proposed study aims to investigate the direct role of Myosin VI in the function of hair cells without the bias of secondary effects. This project will reveal the mechanism regulated by Myosin VI in hair cells and also identify potential therapeutic targets for future hearing restoration.