Previous research
Brain networks
2006 – 2009 Oxford University, Dr H Johansen-Berg, Dr T Behrens & Prof D Higham
Computational approaches to analysing human brain networks and their breakdown in disease
In-Vitro Models of Lung Injury
2006 – 2008 Royal Brompton Hospital, Dr M J Griffiths & Prof T W Evans
The development of complex in vitro models of ventilator-associated lung injury
Asthma
2005 – 2008 King’s College London, Dr SJ Hirst, Dr VA Snetkov & Prof T Lee
Pathobiology of airway smooth muscle from asthmatics
Brain tumour invasion
2004 – 2007 Portsmouth University, Prof G Pilkington
Production and evaluation of three-dimensional live cell imaging models for the study of novel brain tumour therapies
Kidney failure in sepsis
2004 – 2007 Glasgow University, Prof T Evans
Using a novel three-dimensional cell culture model to investigate sepsis-induced renal failure
Pertussis vaccine testing
2003 – 2007 NIBSC, Potters Bar, Dr D Xing
Identification of gene markers for in vitro toxicity control test for pertussis vaccines
Breast cancer in vitro
2004 – 2007 Queen Mary’s School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, Prof JL Jones & Dr D Holliday
Development of three-dimensional multicellular models of normal and pre-invasive models of breast cancer (DCIS).
Wound healing
2004 – 2007 Cardiff University, Dr P Stephens
Development of a cell-based chronic wound bioassay.
Intestinal infection
2004 – 2007 Nottingham University, Prof Y Mahida & Dr K Solomon
Establishment of model systems to investigate interactions between human intestinal mucosa and Clostridium difficile and its toxins.
Human drug neurochemistry
2004 – 2006 Aston University, Dr G Barnes & Dr S Hall
Combining non-invasive techniques MRS and MEG, to find safe new ways to study the effect of drugs on the human brain as an alternative to animal experiments
Pain and analgesics
2002 – 2005 Oxford University, Prof I Tracey & Prof P Matthews
Understanding pain and its alleviation using fMRI with human subjects
Drug clearance in silico
2002 – 2004 Sheffield University, Prof G Tucker, Dr A Rostami-H & Dr N Proctor
Comparison of allometric scaling and in vitro-in vivo extrapolation to predict human xenobiotic clearance.
TMS and migraine
2002 – 2004 Lancaster University, Dr E Chronicle
Using transcranial magnetic stimulation to discover a potential biobehavioural marker for migraine.
Renal toxicity in vitro
Co-funded with the Irish Health Research Board
2001 – 2004 University College, Dublin, Prof M Ryan & Dr T McMorrow
Novel human renal in vitro co-culture systems for long-term toxicity and mechanistic studies of renal cell dysfunction.
Ageing and immunity
Body Shop Foundation Award
2001 – 2004 Birmingham University, Dr J Lord
The effect of age on neutrophil function and its correction by DHEA and AED steroids.
Kidney failure
2000 – 2004 Guy’s Hospital, London, Dr A Simmonds & Dr A Marinaki
Identification of a candidate uraemic toxin and potentially useful marker of successful renal transplantation.
Synthetic antibodies
2001 – 2003 Cardiff University, Dr C Allender
Developing molecularly imprinted technology to replace animal-derived antibody-based assays.
Mathematical models of ageing
2000 – 2003 Newcastle University, Prof T Kirkwood
Models of genetic and non-genetic factors in human ageing.
Cancer gene therapies
2000 – 2003 Glasgow University, Dr R Mairs & Dr M Boyd
Experimental in vitro investigation of gene therapy enhancement of radiotherapy by altered radioprotection.
Molecular identification of pathogens
2000 – 2003 Public Health Laboratory, London, Prof H Shah
Differentiation of microbial pathogens using surface-associated mass spectral patterns as a potential replacement of serological typing.
NORINA database
2000 – 2003 Norway, Prof A Smith
Support for an extensive online database of humane alternatives to replace the use of animals in education.
Fibrosing lung disease
1999 – 2003 Royal Brompton Hospital, London, Dr P Lympany & Dr A Walne
Genetic predisposition to fibrosing lung disease – an analysis of genetic polymorphisms of pro-inflammatory and pro-cytokines and growth factors in subsets of fibrosing lung disease.
Primary biliary cirrhosis
1999 – 2002 Newcastle University, Prof M Bassendine, Dr D Jones & Dr J Palmer
Intracellular IgA and its interactions with pyruvate dehydrogenase complex in biliary epithelial cells in primary biliary cirrhosis – in vitro and patient studies.
Meningitis in vitro
1999 – 2002 Nottingham University, Prof D Ala’Aldeen, Dr K Wooldridge & Dr D Wells
Development of a novel human primary cell culture system for the analysis of interactions of Neisseria meningitides with the cells of the meninges.
Fetal growth and heart disease
1999 – 2002 Southampton University, Dr C Martyn
The structure and elasticity of large conduit arteries in relation to impaired fetal growth.
Skin sensitisation tissue model
Body Shop Foundation Award
1996 – 2002 Amsterdam University, Prof PK Das
Human explant culture model to study hypersensitive reactions with emphasis on a predictive test for contact sensitisers.
TMS and brain function
1998 – 2001 Oxford University, Dr V Walsh & Dr A Ellison
Using transcranial magnetic stimulation to model brain damage in human subjects.
Brain tumour therapy
1999 – 2000 King’s College, London, Prof G Pilkington
In vitro investigation of citrus flavonoids: a role in brain tumour therapy?
Alzheimer’s disease and Herpes simplex
1996 – 2000 Manchester University, Prof R Itzhaki & Dr M Wozniak
The role of Herpes simplex virus (type 1) in Alzheimer’s disease using post-mortem human brain tissue.
Drug selection by DNA binding
1996 – 2000 Strathclyde University, Prof R Waigh
Determination of sequence selectivity of DNA-binding drugs by capillary electrophoresis.
Antibodies and cancer diagnosis
1997 – 2000 Newcastle University, Dr E Routledge & Dr B Angus
In vitro production of monoclonal antibodies for immunohistochemistry and histopathology.
Sleeping sickness
1996 – 2000 Manchester University, Dr K Matthews
Cell division and differentiation in African trypanosomes in vitro.
Human lens cell lines
1996 – 2000 Dundee University, Dr A Prescott & Dr R Quinlan
Development of an in vitro human lens differentiation system to study cataractogenesis.
Human Tissue Bank
1997 – 1999 Leicester University, R Anderson
Establishment of the UK Human Tissue Bank at Leicester, the first to supply exclusively human tissues for research purposes throughout the UK.
Diabetic microangiopathy
1996 – 1999 Manchester University, Dr R Boot-Handford
Glucose-induced basement membrane thickening in Hydra, a possible method for diabetic microangiopathy.
Alternatives in education video
1999 EuroNICHE
Alternatives in education video – new approaches for a new millennium.
Magnetoencephalography and epilepsy
1996 – 1999 Aston University, Prof G Harding
A study of the cortical occipital spike and its role in epilepsy, using non-invasive magnetoencephalography of the human brain.
Cortical responses to arthritic pain
1996 – 1999 Manchester University, Dr A Jones & Dr P Youell
Development of methods to measure cortical adaptive responses to ongoing inflammatory pain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Human placental studies
1996 – 1999 East London University, Prof P Bach
Biokinetics of fluorescent molecules in full-term human placenta trophoblast cells and intact precision-cut placental slices.
Improving childhood cancer therapies
1996 – 1998 Glasgow University, Dr T Wheldon
Mathematical modelling of targeted radiotherapy for combination therapies of human cancer.
Drug testing in vitro
1996 – 1998 Manchester University, Dr E Paul & Dr A Watson
Human intestinal epithelial cell lines: alternative models for efficacy and safety testing.
Vascular reconstruction
1996 – 1998 Northern General Hospital, Sheffield, Mr P Chan & Dr S Sherriff.
Haemodynamic assessment of human vascular reconstruction.
Computer model of epilepsy
1996 – 1998 Bristol University, Dr T Benke & Dr W Anderson
Calcium dynamics in a computer model of neuronal epileptogenesis.
Drug metabolism in vitro
1995 – 1998 Aberdeen University, Dr G Hawksworth
In vitro approaches to predicting drug metabolism in vivo.
Vascular inflammation in vitro
1995 – 1998, St George’s Hospital, London, Dr H Parry & Dr G Whitley
Development of human adult endothelial and smooth muscle cell lines: a model for the study of vascular inflammation.
Safer pregnancies – computer modelling
1995 – 1997 Queen Charlotte’s Hospital, London, Dr D Talbert & Prof N Fisk
A comprehensive software model of perinatal physiology.
Diabetes and microcirculation
1995 – 1997 Exeter University, Dr A Shore
Ultrasound studies of microvasculature in patients with diabetes mellitus.
Brain tumour invasion
1995 – 1997 Queen’s University, Belfast, Dr D McCormick
An investigation of the role of cysteine proteinases in human brain tumour invasion, using an in vitro model.
Mutagenicity testing
1995 – 1997 University of Wales, Swansea, Dr S Ellard & Dr A Doherty
Use of human cell lines expressing human biotransformation enzymes to identify and characterise indirect-acting mutagens and aneugens.
Monoclonal antibody production
1995 – 1997 York University, Dr R Garner & Dr N Watkins
The generation and expression of antibodies in bacteria.
Photosensitivity
1995 – 1997 North East Wales Institute, Dr S Navaratnam
In vitro assay for photosensitivity induced by drugs and cosmetics.
Lung cancer metastasis
1995 – 1997 Nottingham City Hospital, Dr J Murray
CD31 and tumour dissemination – parallels with leucocyte/endothelial interactions.
Drug metabolism in vitro
1995 – 1997 Aberdeen University, Dr G Hawksworth
In vitro approaches to predicting drug metabolism in vivo.
Botulinum toxin testing
1995 – 1997 NIBSC, Potters Bar, Dr T Ekong & Dr D Sesardic
Development of a functional in vitro assay for estimating the activity of type A botulinum toxin used clinically.
Computer model of orthodontic loading
1994 – 1996 Cardiff University, Prof ML Jones & Mr J Middleton
Computer modelling to predict three-dimensional behaviour of teeth subjected to orthodontic loading.
Vascular function in heart disease
1993 – 1995 Glasgow University, Dr C Hamilton
The interrelationship between LDL cholesterol, cellular calcium and vascular function in human vessels.
Professorial lecture: Toxicology
1994 Hertfordshire University, Prof C Atterwill
Professorial lecture at the University of Hertfordshire entitled “Alternatives to the use of Animal in Drug Safety Testing”.
Alternatives in teaching database
1994 Norwegian College of Veterinary Medicine, Oslo, Dr A Smith
Development and distribution of NORINA database of alternatives to animals in education.
Computer models in carcinogenicity
1993 – 1994 Surrey University, Dr D Lewis
Evaluation of COMPACT and HazardExpert computer models for the identification of human carcinogens.
Magnetoencephalography and vision
1993 – 1994 Aston University, Birmingham, Prof G Harding
MEG investigation of functional specialisation in the visual cortex.
Cell culture workshop
1993 Bradford University
Four-day practical workshop teaching the principles and practice of cell culture research, and how cell culture methods are replacing animal experiments.
Clinical pharmacology meeting
1993 Heidelburg, Germany, Dr P Vallance
Workshop on probing mechanisms of vascular control including nitric oxide, in human subjects.
Parkinson’s disease
1991 – 1993 Nottingham University, Prof R Mayer & Dr J Lowe
Cell-based studies of Lewy bodies in Parkinson’s disease.
Sunscreen efficacy testing
1991 – 1993 University of Wales, Cardiff, Dr C Edwards & Dr A Pearse
Testing the efficacy of ultraviolet A sunscreens without animals.
Vitamin C and gastric cancer
1990 – 1993 Leeds University, Dr C Schorah
Human tissue culture for investigating the role of vitamin C in prevention of gastric cancer.
Angiogenesis in vitro
The June Hall Award for Humane Research
1990 – 1993 Cambridge University, Dr T-P Fan & A Wren
A pharmacological investigation of mechanisms of angiogenesis in vitro.
Breast cancer cell lines
Gillian Skirrow Award
1990 – 1993 Queen’s University, Belfast, Dr H W Van den berg
Cloning of tamoxifen-resistant and oestrogen-independent variants of the ZR-75-1 human breast cancer cell line and the use of serum-free media in their characterisation.
Neurotoxicology in vitro
1991 – 1992 Hertfordshire University, Dr W Purcell & Prof C Atterwill
Pilot study of human mast cells in neurotoxicological and neurobiology research.
HIV and the brain
1989 – 1992 St Mary’s Hospital Medical School, London, Prof J Weber
In vitro studies of HIV infection of the central nervous system.
Diet and health
1988 – 1989 Oxford University, Dr M Thorogood
Investigation into the long-term effects on health of vegetarianism, and in particular risk of heart disease.
Ella Nussbaum Lecture
1988 At The King’s Fund, London, Dr N Buyukmihci
Lecture entitled: “The rights of non-human animals and their use in research and testing.”
Nephrotoxicity in vitro
1988 Surrey University, Dr P Bach
Evaluation of cultured renal proximal tubular cells as an alternative to animals in nephrotoxicity testing.
Cancer drugs in human cells
1987 Cambridge University, Dr P Smith & Prof NM Bleehen
Evaluation of anti-cancer drugs by screening samples of human cells for DNA damage, as an alternative to animal studies.
Renal cells in vitro
1984 – 1987 Surrey University, Dr P Bach
Evaluation of cultured renal proximal tubular cells as an alternative to live animals in nephrotoxicity testing.
Non-animal eye irritancy tests
1982 – 1986 Leicester Polytechnic, Dr C Muir
Investigation of in vitro methods for studying eye irritancy potential as replacements for the Draize eye test.
Oligodendrocytes and myelin
1985 Sheffield University, Dr E Carey
An investigation of factors influencing the formation and survival of oligodendrocytes and their precursor cells in brain cell cultures.
Pancreatic cell line and diabetes
1985 Aston University, Dr T Atkins
The characterisation of a virally transformed cloned ?-cell line to investigate aspects of the regulation of insulin release.
Pharmacodynamics in silico
1984 Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, Dr A French
Attendance at conference to demonstrate the use of computer simulations of pharmacodynamics for replacing animal experiments by students in medicine and pharmacology.
Carcinogenicity in vitro
1984 Nottingham University, Dr S Brown
Using hybrid cells to study carcinogenicity of PAHs and the genetic control of cancer.
Drug testing in vitro
1980 – 1983 Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, Prof C Gilbert
Use of human tissue biopsy samples for tests of drug toxicity.
Cell-based cancer research
1982 Glasgow University, Dr I Freshney
In vitro investigation of invasiveness of human cancer cells from lung biopsies.
Attitudes to animals
1981 Sussex University, DA Paterson
Thesis: Development of children’s attitudes to animals.
Clinical data on lymphoma
1980 Edinburgh University, RJ Prescott
Data processing support for pooled clinical information, to improve lymphoma treatments without resorting to animal experiments.
Rheumatism
1980 – 1981 Manchester University, Prof MIV Jayson & Dr CJP Jones
Ultrastructural effects of glucocorticoids in rheumatic disease using human synovial blood cells.