Decoding Cell Fate Decisions in vivo.
Led by Dr. Ruth Williams at the University of Manchester, our group investigates the regulatory mechanisms that govern lineage segregation at the Neural Plate Border (NPB) during early embryogenesis. We focus on how signalling pathways and transcription factors establish this critical interface between neural and non-neural tissues, and how they guide cell-fate decisions to ensure proper contributions to neural crest and cranial placode progenitors.
We use the chicken embryo as our model system, combining classical embryology with single-cell 'omics and molecular profiling to resolve the signalling inputs and regulatory interactions comprising gene regulatory networks at single-cell resolution.
All sequencing data, image analysis pipelines, and protocols are released openly.
Explore the Neural Crest gene regulatory network →Read the paper →Explore single-cell atlases of early chick embryos →Read the paper →Training the next generation of developmental biologists is the most important thing we do. Trainees co-design their own projects and are supported to publish first-author work. We welcome summer students, undergraduate and visiting scientists.
We thrive on collaboration — working closely with groups across Manchester and internationally to combine embryology, genomics, and computational biology. Get in touch if our interests overlap.
- Jun 2026MSc student Kristin Van Heerden joined the lab.
- May 2026Matilda completes her MSci.
- Feb 2026MSc student Imogen joined the lab.
- Nov 2025Postdoc Magda joined the team.
- Oct 2025Research technician Tyler leaves us to head home to the USA after 4 years of undergrad at UoM.
- Oct 2025PhD student Shangde and MSci student Matilda started.
- Jun 2025Research technician Tyler joined the lab.
- Jan 2025Research technician Srishti joined the lab.
- Jan 2025Lab established at the University of Manchester with an MRC Career Development Award.
- Summer 2024Summer students Lilly and Stef test drive the new lab space!