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Disease

Our research directly addresses real-world challenges by examining the causes of disease, encompassing the origins of disease, childhood disease and adult disease. Our work is underpinned by physiology and pathophysiology from multiple organ and system stances, with a focus on addressing communicable and non-communicable health challenges of the 21st century, through advancing fundamental biological understanding of disease origins. Our members work in diverse areas including impacts of prenatal insults on metabolic disease, to stroke damage and reperfusion injury, as well as studying the molecular links between ageing and Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Therapeutics

In the context of infectious disease, our members are involved in tackling antimicrobial resistance by investigating host-microbe interactions, investigating mechanisms of action of drugs used to treat inflammatory bowel disease, as well as developing and functionalising novel antimicrobial and antiviral therapeutics based upon key peptides of the innate immune system. Our work extends to the use of adoptive T-cell therapy for cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis, and small molecule drug development for the treatment of inflammation and cancer.

Health

We work on strategies to improve and sustain human health, including developing microfluidics devices for sophisticated drug screening, and working with external agencies for monitoring of AMR in bathing water. Other work has focused upon extragenital Chlamydia screening in young women, and contributing to risk-management frameworks for nano-biomaterials used in medical products and devices. We also undertake world-leading research in the development of pragmatic interventions for cancer survivors, and work with the World Health Organisation around cancer rehabilitation.

Skills Development & Knowledge Exchange

We undertake a wide variety of activity in KE, engaging in consultancy through close relationships with industrial partners, and working with international corporations such as Charles River Laboratories to bridge skills gaps in Advanced Therapies through the UK Advanced Therapies Skills Training Network (ATSTN) as the only University in Scotland to be a member of ATSTN.

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