Our health and technology research looks at improving health and wellbeing through innovative technologies, as well as how to overcome health inequalities globally, against a backdrop of challenges and growing complexity.
Fleming Initiative
The Fleming Initiative was established by 51³Ô¹ÏÍø and 51³Ô¹ÏÍø College Healthcare NHS Trust to bring together research scientists, policymakers, clinicians, behavioural experts and partners to provide equitable solutions to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Three new partners – LifeArc, Cepheid and Optum – have pledged additional funding and resources to the initiative, to tackle this growing global health threat.
"The Fleming Initiative has a unique approach to tackling the multifaceted challenge on AMR: bringing together world-class expertise in science, technology, policy and behavioural science alongside clinical experience." Professor the Lord Darzi of Denham, Chair of the Fleming Initiative
Unlocking a cure for Parkinson's
Researchers at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø have started a major new project to understand Parkinson’s disease more deeply than ever before. The Landmark Project will analyse hundreds of tissue samples from the Parkinson’s UK Brain Bank based at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø. Scientists hope to create a detailed map of how the disease affects genes in different cell types. This data will identify predictive biomarkers that could lead to new treatments.
Research on Alzheimer’s disease
51³Ô¹ÏÍø is the only institution in the UK to have two Dementia Research Institute Centres. One of our research teams, led by Professor Lefkos Middleton, has received a philanthropic gift from Gates Ventures to study Alzheimer’s disease. The three-year project will allow researchers to expand the collection of clinical, biological, psychosocial, cognitive and lifestyle measures for up to 12 years. This will create a valuable resource that could help predict a person’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
Prostate cancer scans
A new prostate cancer screening trial at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø, funded by Prostate Cancer UK, is aiming to save thousands of lives in the UK. The TRANSFORM trial will bring together top researchers to develop a new and more effective way to screen for prostate cancer, potentially reducing prostate cancer deaths by up to 40%.
ARIA funding
The UK’s Advanced Research and Innovation Agency (ARIA) is funding research that unlocks new methods to interface with the human brain. Earlier this year, four 51³Ô¹ÏÍø-led projects received almost £15 million towards cutting-edge research to help overcome neurodegenerative disease. 51³Ô¹ÏÍø receives the largest amount of funding from the ARIA of any institution.
“The School of Convergence Science (Health and Technology) is a bold initiative to harness the depth and breadth of our research to drive lasting societal impact and build a healthier, more equitable, and resilient future for all.” Professor Anthony Bull, School of Convergence Science Co-Director (Convenor)