Log in
Research on the anatomy, physiology and palaeoecology of pterosaurs by the Palaeobiology Group at Portsmouth University has had a wide and acknowledged impact, underpinning the creation and production of block-buster and pioneering television and film productions worldwide. The impact of this work is recognised by Sir David Attenborough, and by the producers of such TV successes as Walking With Dinosaurs and Flying Monsters 3D. These award-winning productions, highlighting our work, have reached a global audience and supported the generation of millions of pounds by the UK TV and film industry. Whilst the income generated is highly significant, perhaps their greatest impact lies in fostering a positive view of science, particularly in young audiences, by bringing cutting-edge evolutionary science direct to the World's film and TV screens.
(1) Enhancing the awareness of (i) women of childbearing age suffering from epilepsy and prescribed new and/or older generation AEDs, and (ii) their healthcare professionals. Empowering both to make informed decisions through evidence-based practice that will reduce/prevent the risk of harm to unborn children potentially exposed to AEDs in early pregnancy.
(2) A change in the process by which GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) practices post-marketing epidemiological surveillance of the new generation AED `lamotrigine' in pregnancy.
(3) Benefit to the methodological practice of other researchers in Europe involved with AEDs and epidemiological surveillance
(4) Contribution to building European system for reproductive safety evaluation
This research into rich donors in the UK has impacted on the policies of both governmental and non-governmental bodies. Government policy shapes and incentivises philanthropic behaviour (e.g. through tax incentives), whilst charity sector bodies influence philanthropic norms and build trust: both have used this research to guide their policy and practice. Examples include the influence of the research on the content of the UK Government's Giving White Paper (2011); the decision to abandon the proposed cap on charity tax relief (2012 Budget); and the work of bodies who promote fundraising and philanthropy, for example, the Institute of Fundraising, Philanthropy UK and Charities Aid Foundation (CAF).
Many of the millions of people worldwide with disfigurement face significant psychological challenges. Research at UWE's Centre for Appearance Research (CAR) has made a substantial contribution to the interventions and healthcare provision available for patients with the most common congenital disfigurement — cleft lip and palate — in the UK and internationally. Specifically, our research has underpinned: (1) The inclusion of psychologists as key members of all UK cleft teams; (2) The development of effective forms of psychological support and interventions currently in use by psychologists and charities across the UK and abroad; (3) The development of evidence-based training packages currently being used by practitioners across Europe.
Many clinically-useful natural products fall into the class of polyketides. From 1993, research led by Professors Leadlay (Biochemistry) and Staunton (Chemistry) on polyketide biosynthesis pathways led to the foundation of the spin-out company Biotica Technology Ltd in 1996. Between 2008 and 2013 the company provided continuous employment for on average 15-20 highly-skilled scientists, and attracted additional investments of £4.43M. Its follow-on company Isomerase Therapeutics Ltd, founded by ex-Biotica researchers with Leadlay's support in 2013, has acquired compounds, strains and IP from Biotica. Using the methods developed in the University by Leadlay and Staunton, Biotica developed a HepC antiviral therapy, sold in 2013 to NeuroVive Pharmaceuticals AB and currently entering pre-clinical toxicology tests. Biotica have also licensed their technology to a number of companies globally, including GSK and Amyris.
The work of Colledge and colleagues between 2000 and 2007 has identified and characterised a molecule which is an important regulator of fertility: the neuropeptide kisspeptin.
The identification of its role in fertility has led to kisspeptin and its analogues being tested in clinical trials to make IVF treatment safer (Phase II: one trial), and as therapeutic agents for reproductive system conditions such as delayed puberty, menopause and absence of menstruation (Phase I: four trials). In April 2013, 11 months after the start of the Phase II IVF study, a healthy baby has been born to a participant treated with kisspeptin. Patients enrolled in these fertility trials have testified to the improvement in quality of life which the hope of being able to conceive that this alternative to conventional IVF has brought them.