We are delighted to welcome Dr Katherine Bridge and Professor Alex Tonks to our Research & Review Committee.
The Committee is comprised of leading scientists and clinicians appointed by our Board of Trustees to evaluate applications submitted to the charity’s annual research grant scheme. In addition to assessing proposals, the Committee provides expert guidance on emerging and promising areas of research that align with our mission, particularly the development of stem cell–based therapies for people affected by blood cancer.
Dr Katherine Bridge,
Dr Katherine Bridge is a Lecturer at the University of York and Co-Founder of Antigonie Biosciences. Dr Bridge’s research sits at the forefront of RNA biology and translational oncology, with a focus on developing smarter, more precise therapies for blood cancers.
At the Centre for Blood Research, Dr Bridge’s laboratory investigates how hypoxia, transcription, and RNA splicing disrupt healthy blood stem cells and drive malignancy. Their work aims to uncover the mechanisms that underpin blood cancers and translate these discoveries into meaningful clinical advances.
Dr Bridge recently launched the BLood Cancer in yorK (BLOCK) study, a community-engaged initiative connecting clinicians, patients, and the public with blood cancer research in York. The project has already gained national attention, including coverage on BBC News. She also established an umbilical cord blood donation service with York Hospital, enabling vital stem cell research at the University of York.
Alongside her academic achievements, she is a patent holder and has successfully translated laboratory discoveries into clinical innovation, including founding a university spinout company developing advanced lipid nanoparticle – RNA therapeutics for blood cancer.
As a member of the RRC, Dr Bridge is committed to ensuring that high quality biomedical discovery leads to tangible patient benefit. She is passionate about supporting Early Career Researchers, championing diversity, and contributing to LMRUK’s mission through rigorous and balanced assessment.
Beyond her scientific work, Dr Bridge is a strong advocate for equity and inclusion in research. As a mother of three, she is particularly dedicated to supporting women and parents in STEM. She holds several roles within international haematology organisations and initiated a taskforce developing a global mentorship programme with the European Haematology Association. She is also a frequent speaker on mental health awareness and the realities of navigating an academic–entrepreneurial career.
Professor Alex Tonks
Professor Alex Tonks is Co‑Director of the Division of Cancer & Genetics at Cardiff University’s School of Medicine, where he also leads the Department of Haematology. His research centres on understanding how disruptions in haematopoietic (blood cell) development contribute to the onset and progression of blood cancers.
Alex leads a multidisciplinary research group investigating the genetic and developmental abnormalities that drive haematological malignancies. Supported by charitable organisations, government bodies and UKRI, his work focuses particularly on acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). His team aims to identify new biomarkers, therapeutic targets and drug‑development opportunities, with a strong interest in how AML‑associated genes dysregulate normal stem and progenitor cell development.
Alongside his research, Alex is committed to supporting early‑career scientists. He works closely with postgraduate researchers, postdoctoral fellows and junior faculty, and contributes to the wider research community through his involvement in several national and international funding panels.
