Vascular Biophysics and Human Function
Vascular Biophysics and Human Function: promoting the interface between physical sciences and medicine: Director Angela Shore
The University’s 5 rated (RAE 1996 and 2001) Schools of Physics, Clinical and Sports Science have common interests in vascular structure and function which, together with complimentary interests in Engineering and Bioscience, provide unique opportunities to investigate the physical principles underlying vascular disease.
Vascular malfunction not only leads to heart attacks and strokes but also underlies apparently diverse diseases such as diabetes and cancer. Understanding of the physiology/pathophysiology of the vasculature is a challenge and requires input from biologists and physical scientists from many backgrounds. In addition, new techniques for physiological investigation and clinical monitoring are urgently required. The University and Medical School are well-placed to make a major contribution in both respects.
The research network builds upon the previous interdisciplinary Microvascular Innovation Centre, taking account of:
- The increase in Biomedical Physics Group lecturers,
- Highly complementary research interests in biological fluid- and
solid-mechanics and image analysis in the School of Engineering and
Computer Science and Mathematics and in the Biocatalysis Centre.
- New
appointments in the School of Sports and Health Sciences with cardiovascular
research interests.
Primary Objective: To investigate the physical principles underlying human biological function (in terms of vascular physiology/pathophysiology and exercise function). To explore the effects of genetics, diabetes and related disorders on these parameters.
To our knowledge, no other UK University has adopted such a broad, but integrated approach to vascular medicine. The network aligns with the current funding strategies of the Research Councils and medical research charities and should open avenues of commercial exploitation.
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