Anne Willis: Pioneering RNA Research & Supporting Women in STEMM

Professor Anne Willis, director of the Medical Research Council Toxicology Unit at the University of Cambridge, is at the forefront of RNA research, specifically focusing on how gene expression is controlled after toxic injury. Her function, detailed in a recent interview with Technology Networks, extends beyond the lab to address systemic challenges faced by women in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM) fields. Willis’s career trajectory, from early work on DNA repair to leading a major toxicology unit, highlights both the advancements in molecular biology and the persistent hurdles for women pursuing scientific leadership.

Early Influences and a Career in Toxicology

Willis credits her mother with sparking her initial interest in science, recalling a childhood microscope as the catalyst. Her formal training began with a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of London, working at the Imperial Cancer Research Fund (now Cancer Research UK) alongside Dr. Tomas Lindahl, who later received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work on DNA repair (MRC Toxicology Unit). She continued her postdoctoral research at the University of Cambridge with Professor Richard Perham, also holding a junior research fellowship at Churchill College. Her career progressed through positions at the Universities of Leicester and Nottingham, culminating in her 2010 appointment as director of the MRC Toxicology Unit, initially at Leicester before its relocation to Cambridge.

Currently, Willis’s research centers on post-transcriptional control of gene expression – the processes that regulate how RNA is translated into proteins after DNA has been transcribed. This work focuses on RNA-binding proteins, regulatory RNA motifs, and transfer RNAs (tRNAs). She’s particularly interested in understanding how these processes are disrupted by toxic exposures, whether from environmental factors or new medical treatments. A key area of focus is understanding the “off target” effects of emerging therapeutic modalities, such as RNA-based medicines, including those used in COVID-19 vaccines and antisense oligonucleotides for rare diseases.

Navigating Barriers for Women in STEMM

Willis’s insights extend beyond the technical aspects of her research to address the systemic challenges women face in STEMM careers. She emphasizes that while progress has been made, significant barriers remain, particularly for women with families. A critical issue she identifies is the lack of continued funding for research grants during parental abandon. While maternity leave is often paid for 9-12 months in the UK, grant funding typically does not extend for the same period, effectively reducing project time and impacting productivity. Willis advocates for funding bodies to extend grant timelines to accommodate parental leave, ensuring female postdocs remain competitive.

She also suggests institutional support schemes, like “floating” postdocs who can assist with key experiments during leave, as a valuable resource. For senior scientists, Willis proposes greater career flexibility, potentially through shared senior appointments or acknowledging the ongoing impact of family responsibilities on research output. She stresses the importance of evaluating the work of scientists with young children fairly, recognizing that the demands of both science and family life can be substantial. The impact of having a child, she notes, doesn’t simply end when maternity leave concludes.

The Rewards of Discovery and Mentorship

Despite the challenges, Willis finds immense satisfaction in her work, particularly in directing the scientific vision of the MRC Toxicology Unit and fostering collaboration. She highlights the excitement of scientific discovery and the potential to contribute to knowledge. Her research has already translated into tangible benefits, informing the development of new therapeutic approaches for diseases like cancer and neurodegeneration, and improving the safety profiles of new medicines, including mRNA vaccines. (Technology Networks)

But, Willis expresses the greatest pride in the success of her former lab members, who have gone on to establish their own labs and contribute to the field. She views their collective work as a lasting legacy, extending the impact of her research far beyond her own contributions.

The Future of RNA Research and Inclusive Science

Looking ahead, Willis emphasizes the importance of understanding the safety liabilities associated with new medicine platforms, particularly those based on nucleic acids. Her work aims to ensure these therapies are “safe-by-design,” minimizing potential off-target effects. This involves a deep dive into the molecular mechanisms governing RNA regulation and how these pathways respond to toxic injury.

When asked for advice to women considering a career in science, Willis offers a straightforward message: prioritize research and don’t shy away from the challenges. She encourages aspiring scientists to pursue their passions and resist the notion that choosing a career with less perceived pressure is the easier path. She believes a career in science is both rewarding and exciting, even with the inherent difficulties.

Willis’s career exemplifies a commitment to both scientific advancement and fostering a more inclusive environment within STEMM. Her work not only pushes the boundaries of our understanding of RNA biology but also advocates for systemic changes that will empower future generations of women scientists. (St Catharine’s College, Cambridge)