Research in biomedical sciences is conducted by our pioneering Research Institute in Healthcare Sciences (RiCH) – a collaboration between three of our academic schools: Applied Sciences, Health and Wellbeing, and Sports, Performing Arts and Leisure.
The institute currently has eight research groups in operation, involving more than 25 members of academic and technical staff, and providing an excellent environment for nearly 50 research students undertaking research on either a part-time or full-time basis.
Research opportunities are available in the following areas:
The Cancer Research Group addresses a range of areas concerning cancer, particularly, molecular pathogenesis of brain tumours, development and characterisation of in vitro model systems of human brain tumours, development of experimental therapies for malignant brain tumours, and development and application of in vitro tests to predict response to chemotherapy in patients with malignant brain tumours. Leader: Prof John Darling.
Research within the Diabetes, Physiology and Molecular Medicine Research Group encompasses the molecular and cellular basis of diabetes and its complications, cardiovascular physiology, and developments in clinical biochemistry diagnosis. Leader: Dr Simon J Dunmore.
While microbial cross-contamination of surfaces and the application of natural antimicrobial compounds for controlling pathogens in foods and in the gastrointestinal tract is the main theme of the Food Biology, Medical Microbiology and Disinfection Research Group, research into food biology is also included. Leader: Dr David Hill.
The Molecular Immunology Research Group focuses on a range of immunological aspects of disease and the development of immunological techniques, including autoimmune disease and human endogenous retroviruses, antibody technology and assay development. Leader: Prof Paul N Nelson.
Synthesis, assay, biological effects and medical application of bioactive peptides, and the signalling pathways involved in vascular angiogenesis are the themes of the Molecular Pharmacology Research Group. Leader: Prof John Howl.
The central theme of research within the Pharmacy Research Group revolves around discovery, design, development and delivery of drugs for the treatment of infections, cancers, inflammation, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, and current issues in Pharmacy education and profession. Leader: Prof Satya Sarker.
The interests of the Psychology of Health Research Group cover the aspects of human thought and behaviour that contribute to the management of health and the prevention of, and coping with, illness. Leader: Prof Kenneth Manktelow.
The Sport, Exercise and Health Research Group looks at the contribution that sports and exercise make to the improvement and maintenance of health. Leader: Prof Alan Nevill.
There are also two further research groups in development; one in applied research in health policy evaluation and practice, and one in clinical physiology.
