Research

Reigniting research and development on antibiotics

Antibiotic resistance is a major global concern and, according to the UK Chief Medical Officer, poses a threat equivalent to terrorism. Yet investment in antibiotics R&D is low due to a lack of economic incentives. Researchers at LSE analysed the incentives needed to get antibiotics R&D going again.

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Improving survival rates for people with cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited condition, caused by a genetic mutation, which affects 75,000 adults and children worldwide. Research at Queen’s University Belfast led to the development of a transformative new drug, Ivacaftor, which has brought outstanding improvements in survival and quality of life for people with the disease. 

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Reducing blood transfusions to lower patient risk, reduce costs and save lives

More than half a million people in the UK receive a blood transfusion each year and demand is increasing. Our ageing population, and a stringent donor selection process, mean the supply of blood is limited. 40% fewer new donors came forward last year compared with a decade ago. Recognising these challenges, researchers at the University of Edinburgh have shown the benefits of reducing the use of blood transfusions in intensive care and surgery.

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Transforming public welfare and attitudes through narrative

Research at the University of Sheffield focusing on the links between memory, trauma and narrative has improved the mental health and well-being of patients in secure hospitals.

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Introducing the Pupil Premium Toolkit

An evidence-based guide for schools in England, developed by researchers at Durham University, has helped ensure that billions of pounds worth of education spending is used effectively to support disadvantaged pupils.

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People-powered research engaging the public and leading to real discoveries

Nearly 1.4 million citizen scientists from over 100 countries are collaborating online with researchers in fields ranging from astronomy to zoology, thanks to researchers at the University of Oxford.

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Providing solutions to criminal justice and terror incidents

Research by University of Liverpool psychologists has led to emergency and security services adopting new ways of managing risks such as terror attacks, prosecuting and convicting terrorists and preventing child sexual abuse.

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Compiling the recorded vocabulary of English since the middle ages

More than 1,000 years of the English language are captured in a unique publication that draws on decades of research at the University of Glasgow’s English department.

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Improving access to maternity care in developing countries

Of the thousands of maternal deaths worldwide each year, 99% occur in the developing world. This shocking marker of global inequality puts improving maternal health and reducing maternal mortality high on global policy agendas. Research into social, economic and structural barriers to maternity care carried out at King’s College London, has led to improvements in the delivery and design of maternal care worldwide.

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Harnessing "nature's rainbow" at Cardiff University

Over 20 years of research into the way in which living creatures can generate their own natural lights or ‘bio-luminescence’ enabled Professor Anthony Campbell and his colleagues at the University of Wales School of Medicine (now part of Cardiff University) to develop an important new tool for medical and health research.

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