Newcastle University

Dermatology

The dermatological research group performs clinical, translational and therapeutic research to investigate:

• inflammatory skin disease (e.g. psoriasis and atopic eczema)
  (Farr, Reichelt, Reynolds)
• skin cancer (Birch-Machin, Lovat, Haniffa)
• ageing (Birch-Machin, Reichelt)

by investigating the pathogenesis, molecular interactions and signalling mechanisms associated with these conditions. We investigate the skin’s response to physiological and pathological environmental stress, such as ultraviolet radiation, drugs and chemicals (Farr, Reynolds, Diffey), and we study skin immunology (Haniffa) and stem cell biology (Reichelt).   We place a strong emphasis on the integration of clinical investigation and basic research, together with a close working relationship between the clinical and the academic departments within the Institute of Cellular Medicine.

We encourage imaginative and multidisciplinary approaches and have particular expertise in translational medicine, stem cell biology, imaging, UV irradiation and cell signalling. We foster a vibrant, interactive and collaborative environment as evidenced by multiple joint grants, joint supervision of research students and scientific publications.

We are members of Dermatology, Skin and Environment Interactions Group and have collaborations across other Newcastle University research institutes (IAH, ICAMB, IHG, NESCI, NICR) and Nanotechnology research group.  Our research environment is enhanced by key external academic collaborations promoting exchange of ideas and expertise, both nationally and internationally. Industrial collaborations include links with Stiefel UK, BBSRC CASE studentships with Unilever, AstraZeneca, and Procter and Gamble, and we have links with regional funding and development agencies.

We encourage relevant commercialisation of our research through both consultancy and the establishment of spin out companies such as Genesis Genomics UK (2002). We interact with local patient groups and promote public engagement in science through fund-raising and educational events.