Impact UK Location: Huntingdon

REF impact found 4 Case Studies

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Delivery of new methods for safer prenatal diagnosis: non-invasive testing using cell free fetal DNA in maternal blood

Summary of the impact

Until recently, prenatal diagnosis of genetic conditions required analysis of fetal genetic material obtained following invasive testing, with a risk of miscarriage. Non-invasive prenatal diagnosis (NIPD) using cell-free fetal DNA in maternal plasma has transformed prenatal diagnosis for many women. Testing the maternal blood sample avoids the miscarriage risk. At UCL, we have led the implementation into clinical practice of NIPD for serious sex-linked and autosomal dominant disorders. After a successful application for UK Gene Testing Network (UKGTN) Gene Dossier approval for fetal sex determination in 2011, this is now the standard of care across the UK.

Submitting Institution

University College London

Unit of Assessment

Clinical Medicine

Summary Impact Type

Health

Research Subject Area(s)

Biological Sciences: Genetics
Technology: Medical Biotechnology
Medical and Health Sciences: Public Health and Health Services

Enval

Summary of the impact

Research conducted at the University of Cambridge under an EPSRC grant between 1999 and 2002 established the viability of using microwave induced pyrolysis as a process for recovering clean, elemental aluminium and hydrocarbon liquids and gases from waste laminate packaging, thus preventing the need to send this material to landfill. The research has been commercialised by Enval Limited — a multi-award-winning University spin-off founded in 2006 that has attracted approximately £2M funding during the REF period and employs 7 people. A pilot scale unit has been operational since 2011, and the first commercial-scale unit has been constructed and has operated since April 2013.

Submitting Institution

University of Cambridge

Unit of Assessment

Aeronautical, Mechanical, Chemical and Manufacturing Engineering

Summary Impact Type

Technological

Research Subject Area(s)

Engineering: Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Materials Engineering

Improving access to exercise for people with neurological conditions

Summary of the impact

The pioneering research carried out by Brookes' Movement Science Group (under the umbrella of the Centre for Rehabilitation) into the barriers and benefits of safe community led exercise for people with long-term neurological conditions, has significantly improved quality of life for many sufferers. Their research has raised awareness amongst healthcare and fitness professionals, and led to specific measures being put in place to facilitate and encourage exercise. These measures include the development of: clinical exercise and rehabilitation units, web-based physical activity support system, national occupational standards, and the only level 4 accredited exercise training course in the UK. The research has also led to the establishment of a registered charity that aims to increase exercise participation of people with long-term neurological conditions across the UK.

Submitting Institution

Oxford Brookes University

Unit of Assessment

Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy

Summary Impact Type

Health

Research Subject Area(s)

Medical and Health Sciences: Clinical Sciences, Public Health and Health Services

Placing the English Civil War and Oliver Cromwell in the locale

Summary of the impact

Peter Gaunt's extensive research explores local and national histories of Oliver Cromwell, one of Britain's most important national figures. While Cromwell tends to be remembered in a national context, the English civil war itself also had a dramatic effect on the people and landscapes of England and Wales as a whole. Communities were torn asunder, buildings destroyed and some 200,000 people lost their lives. But often little of this is known at a local level, so, through a range of activities, Gaunt has shared his findings with the most diverse of audiences, enabling people to rethink and reassess Cromwell and the Civil War's local impact in a new focused way.

Submitting Institution

University of Chester

Unit of Assessment

History

Summary Impact Type

Cultural

Research Subject Area(s)

Language, Communication and Culture: Literary Studies
History and Archaeology: Historical Studies

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