Projects per year
Overview
Profile summary
Education and qualifications
- 2005 PhD dissertation, Uppsala University, Sweden, Orexin Receptors in Recombinant CHO Cells. Signaling to Short- and Long Term Cells responses
- 2004 Transfer, Uppsala University, Sweden
- 1997 Degree of Master of Science, Uppsala University, Sweden Immunomodulatory-and-cytokine gene-cancer therapy
- 1996 BScs, Uppsala University, Sweden
Professional memberships
Member of South of England Brain Tumour Alliance (SEBTA)
Member of British Association for Cancer Research (BACR)
Member of European Association for Cancer Research (EACR)
Teaching interests
I take immense pride in contributing to the University of Plymouth’s educational and teaching portfolio, even as I maintain a primary focus on research. Teaching is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my career and I am deeply passionate about inspiring and equipping the next generation of researchers. This dedication is evident in the diverse supervisory roles I have undertaken as outlined in Table 8. I am particularly proud of the positive feedback I have consistently received from undergraduate, MSc, and PhD students. Many have highlighted my enthusiastic, encouraging, and motivational approach to sharing knowledge and research expertise. My supportive mentorship style is tailored to accommodate each student’s unique learning pace and level of experience. Sometimes, I have to support students who face academic challenges due to various factors, such as language barriers or differences in educational background. Beyond academic mentorship, I take a holistic approach to supporting the students under my supervision, prioritizing their overall well-being. This dedication has earned me a reputation as an approachable and compassionate mentor, deeply committed to both the personal and professional development of my students. Over the past two years, I have mentored one MSc student (with another set to begin in March 2026), 10 dissertation students, one placement student, and seven medical students through the INSPIRE programme, which promotes research engagement among medical students. These experiences underscore my dedication to fostering a supportive, empowering, and inspiring environment and encouraging students to think about research as a career opportunity and developing an academic pathway at the same time. This is a key priority for the School Students repeatedly praise my engaging teaching style, high-quality interactions, and prompt responsiveness to their needs. I am honoured to have been recognized for consistently exceeding expectations as a mentor and educator; in providing guidance, feedback, and ongoing support to ensure every student feels encouraged and well-equipped to succeed.
Supervised research degrees
Supervisor of PhD and MSc students: 6 PhD students (DoS), 5 PhD students (co-supervisor), MSc students 3 (Dos)
Additional information
As a distinguished and highly respected scientist, I have cultivated a career marked by innovative research, visionary leadership, and an unwavering commitment to advancing therapeutic strategies. My work has led to 30 peer-reviewed publications in prestigious journals, 11 contributions to conference proceedings, and the authorship of eight impactful conference papers. With over 1,781 citations and H index 22, my research has made Page 10 of 32 Version 1.7 August 2024 b) Summary of research activity over the last five years, including significant personal achievements a significant and enduring impact on the scientific community. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sylwia[1]Ammoun/research; https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sylwia-Ammoun. In addition to my scientific contributions, I have embraced leadership roles as Director of Studies and Principal Investigator, driving transformative projects while mentoring the next generation of researchers. Beyond the laboratory, I am a passionate advocate for science communication, participating in 14 media features to amplify my research and engage broader audiences, ensuring that the real-world implications of my work resonate far beyond academia. Research Leadership and Achievements: Over the past five years, I have led five high-impact research projects as Director of Studies and Principal Investigator, focusing on nervous system tumours like schwannomas and meningiomas. My work bridges fundamental science and clinical application, as demonstrated by my pivotal involvement in two clinical trials, one as co-applicant and Principal Investigator, and the other as co-applicant and Senior Researcher. My ability to secure funding underscores my leadership; I successfully obtained financial support for all five research projects and played a key role in securing funding for both clinical trials. Mentorship and Supervisory Roles: I have mentored six PhD students and three MSc students as Director of Studies and Principal Investigator, while also co-supervising five additional PhD students. Through personalized guidance, I foster an environment of excellence and innovation, empowering emerging scientists to push boundaries and realize their potential. I take great pride in mentoring and empowering female students, inspiring them to pursue fulfilling careers in academia and become the next generation of trailblazing researchers and leaders. Contributions to Scientific Integrity: As a manuscript reviewer for journals such as Cancer Gene Therapy, Cancer Letters, npj Systems Biology and Applications, and Journal of Molecular Neuroscience, I uphold the integrity of scientific literature. Additionally, as a grant reviewer for the Children’s Tumor Foundation (CTF), I evaluate key funding applications. My role on the Topical Advisory Panel for the International Journal of Molecular Sciences (IJMS) further reflects my commitment to advancing high-quality research. Global Impact and Thought Leadership: I have been invited to present my research at prestigious international events, including the NF2 and Schwannomatosis Accelerator Meetup (2022, virtual meeting), NF2 and Schwannomatosis Webinar (2022), and the Global Neurofibromatosis Conference (2024) in Brussels. These platforms have provided opportunities to share my insights, engage in critical discussions, and drive forward the global understanding of nervous system tumours. Strategic Collaborations and Innovations: I collaborate with organizations like the Children’s Tumor Foundation (CTF) and NF2 BioSolutions, securing research grants and consulting on clinical trial designs inspired by my findings. Currently, I am working with Professor Hanemann and Justin Rigden, the Intellectual Property Manager, to explore patent opportunities arising from my research, ensuring the clinical applicability of my discoveries. The Children's Tumor Foundation (CTF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing research, raising awareness, and improving the quality of life for individuals affected by neurofibromatosis (NF). NF2 BioSolutions is a nonprofit organization focused on advancing research and developing effective treatments for Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2). Patient Engagement and Advocacy: I prioritize patient engagement by responding to inquiries about my research and contributing to Brain Tumour Research (BTR) lab tours for patients and families. These interactions provide insight into ongoing work and foster hope. Additionally, I am dedicated to championing women in science, actively supporting and empowering female scientists to promote diversity and inclusivity in the scientific community, a commitment recognized in media features. Brain Tumour Research (BTR) is a UK-based charity dedicated to funding research, raising awareness, and campaigning for better outcomes for people affected by brain tumours.
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
Projects
- 3 Active
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Investigation of the role of cellular prion protein (PrPC) in the development of meningioma.
Ammoun, S. (PI - Principal Investigator)
1/04/18 → …
Project: Research
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Investigation of the role of cellular prion protein (PrPC) in meningioma and schwannoma drug resistance
Ammoun, S. (PI - Principal Investigator)
1/09/22 → …
Project: Research
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RETREAT: Phase 0 (early-phase) clinical trial repurposing anti-retroviral drugs to treat NF2 related tumours RETREAT.
Ammoun, S. (PI - Principal Investigator) & Hanemann, O. (PI - Principal Investigator)
23/08/24 → …
Project: Research
Research output
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Targeting MERTK on tumour cells and macrophages: a potential intervention for sporadic and NF2-related meningioma and schwannoma tumours
Dave, F., Herrera Keane, K., Lockley, A., van de Weijer, L. L., Henderson, S., Sofela, A., Hook, L., Ercolano, E., Adams, C., Hilton, D. A., Atangana Maze, E., Kurian, K. M., Ammoun, S. & Hanemann, O., 23 Aug 2024, In: Oncogene. 43, 41, p. 3049-3061 13 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
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Human Endogenous Retrovirus Type K promotes proliferation of Merlin-negative schwannoma and meningioma which can be inhibited by anti-retroviral and anti-TEAD drugs
Hanemann, C., Maze, E., Agit, B., Reeves, S., Hilton, D., Parkinson, D., Laraba, L., Ercolano, E., Kurian, K., Belshaw, R. & Ammoun, S., 2022.Research output: Contribution to conference › Conference paper (not formally published) › peer-review
File16 Downloads (Pure) -
Abstract 1164: Human endogenous retrovirus type K promotes proliferation of Merlin negative schwannoma and meningioma which can be inhibited by anti-retroviral and anti-TEAD drugs
Ammoun, S., Maze, E., Agit, B., Belshaw, R. & Hanemann, C., 1 Jul 2021.Research output: Contribution to conference › Conference paper (not formally published) › peer-review
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Abstract 941: TAM receptors as potential therapeutic targets in NF2-related schwannomas and meningiomas
Dave, F., Ammoun, S. & Hanemann, C., 1 Jul 2021.Research output: Contribution to conference › Conference paper (not formally published) › peer-review
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Fibulin-2: A novel biomarker for differentiating grade ii from grade i meningiomas
Sofela, A. A., Hilton, D. A., Ammoun, S., Baiz, D., Adams, C. L., Ercolano, E., Jenkinson, M. D., Kurian, K. M., Teo, M., Whitfield, P. C., Sahm, F. & Hanemann, C. O., 8 Jan 2021, In: International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 22, 2, p. 1-13 13 p., 560.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile4 Downloads (Pure)
Activities
- 2 Supervision
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Targeting MERTK receptor in Merlin-negative meningioma and schwannoma tumour cells and tumour-associated macrophages
Ammoun, S. (Examiner)
2024Activity: Examination and supervision › Supervision › Internal
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The role of prion protein in the development of merlin-negative meningiomas
Ammoun, S. (Examiner)
2021Activity: Examination and supervision › Supervision › Internal