NCMD Research Seminar Series 24th April 2026

Speaker: Prof Lyle Armstrong, Professor of Cellular Reprogramming, Biosciences Institute, International Centre for Life, Newcastle University.

Presentation title: Utility of retinal organoids for investigating neuropsychiatric disorders.

Professor Lyle Armstrong studied chemistry at the Universities of Sheffield and Northumbria and was awarded a PhD in physical organic chemistry in 1992. As an outcome of his PhD research into the chemistry of fluorescent molecules, he founded a contract research organisation in collaboration with Professor Arthur James, developing diagnostic systems to identify and enumerate bacteria in biological fluids. This organisation was successful in generating a range of products that were subsequently licensed to industry and marketed as microbial diagnostic tools. Five patents arose from the research activities of this organisation.

Technological changes indicated that molecular biology-based techniques were more likely to form the basis of future diagnostic tests. This coupled to a growing interest in cell biology and the more novel discipline of regenerative medicine prompted Prof Armstrong to adjust his research focus and re-train in molecular and cell biology. To do this, Prof Armstrong transferred to Durham University and rapidly acquired the knowledge and skills needed to initiate research projects involving the then newly discovered human embryonic stem cells. Successful publication of data on the impacts made by the enzyme telomerase on the differentiation of pluripotent cells into blood supported Prof Armstrong’s re-entry into academic research and he currently holds the position of Professor in Cellular Reprogramming at the Institute of Genetic Medicine in Newcastle University. His research record within this institute has been exemplary having been involved in the programme leading to the derivation of some of the UK’s first human embryonic stem cell lines, development of the world’s first cloned human embryos and establishment of one of the first groups to use Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell technology in the UK. Prof Armstrong’s highly respected research group is focussed on new methods to reprogram the cells found in the human body so they can be converted into medically useful cells. A key aspect of this investigation is investigating the possible reversal of ageing during the reprogramming process and how this might be valuable for repairing organ damage or treating human diseases using induced pluripotent stem cells. Of particular note are investigations aimed at developing treatments for respiratory and kidney diseases, and age-related loss of function in the visual and auditory systems. The Armstrong research group has received funding exceeding £10 million over the last 10 years leading to 95 publications and supervision of 14 past and ongoing PhD students".

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