Healthcare technologies research to get grants worth £17.7m

Investment will help diagnose cardiovascular diseases, treat debilitating illnesses, and ultimately improve the lives of millions of patients, says UK Universities and Science Minister

Four major research programme grants, totalling £17.7m, that will develop new technologies to address the health issues of an ageing UK population have been announced by Jo Johnson MP, Universities and Science Minister.

The research programmes are funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and will be led by The University of Manchester, Imperial College London, the University of Leeds, and University of Glasgow.

They will look to:

• extend the use of 2D materials such as graphene in developing therapies and technologies for wound care and management (relevant to diabetes); neural rehabilitation by electrical stimulation (relevant to dementia); cell therapeutics (relevant to ophthalmological and cardiovascular disease); and immunotherapeutics (relevant to cancer)
• improve the range of applications for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in diagnosis of cardiovascular disease (CVD)
• develop novel testing methods for new knee therapies that combine laboratory-based simulation and computer modelling to predict mechanical performance and optimise design and usage
• develop more effective methods for the use of growth factor molecules in regenerative medicine that have a reduced potential for unwanted side effects

'More of us are living longer than before. It is vital for us to continue to invest in science and engineering research so we can ensure we have active, healthy and high quality later years,' said Professor Philip Nelson, Chief Executive of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

'The EPSRC is striving to make the UK a healthy nation and one where research, discovery and innovation flourishes. These programmes will help deliver both of these objectives.'