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University of Portsmouth
RAE analysis
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UoA SAM Additional information (RA6d analysis)
Index
Since 1996 there has been a major reorganisation of the management structure of the University College. In particular the merging of two departments into the Centre for Healthcare Education in 1996-7 has had an impact on the research activity of several members of staff, facilitating the initiation of inter-disciplinary, multi-professional research projects. There has also been massive development of undergraduate and post-graduate programmes, which have involved a large investment of staff resources.
Additional Information
Prior to September 2000 the Department of Biological Sciences and the School of Pharmacy were situated on different campuses within Leicester. Between June 1999 and August 2000 the Hawthorn Building, which now houses both departments, underwent substantial structural refurbishment in order to accommodate the transfer of Biological Sciences. This inevitably caused some disruption to research work due to the temporary closure of key elements, but effective alternative arrangements were made to continue the work elsewhere in the University. Now that both departments are physically located in the same building, there is already increased co-operation between research groups and we propose to encourage and develop this trend in the future to foster even greater collaboration in research techniques and ideas.
The Health Services Research Group’s programme of collaborative research with NHS professionals has resulted in over 170 publications in the period of the current RAE. Many of the co-authors of these papers have a close continuing association with the Group. None have been entered as Category C in the current submission but this activity represents a significant aspect of the work of the Clinical Epidemiology and Health Professional Education Subgroups. Example papers include: Blood splashes to the masks and goggles during caesarean section, British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 1998, 105, 932; Reducing the vertical transmission of HIV, BMJ, 1998, 316, 1900; The RCGP questionnaire for measuring SHO’s satisfaction with hospital training, British Journal of General Practice 1998, 48, 1788. As a result of the collaborative research strategy, the Group is named on significant research grants that are not managed through the University of Portsmouth but flow instead through NHS channels.
6d.1 Current and Future Chemistry Developments
Hewson and Dr Akram Khan, from the Chemistry Division have been developing potentially new anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that will be safer and more effective as disease modifying agents than currently available for the control of joint destruction, pain and inflammation, especially that associated with osteo-arthritis. For over 4 years these colleagues have (with the assistance of 5 PhD, 3 MSc and 8 BSc project students) achieved with Rainsford the synthesis of over 130 new molecular entities. Amongst are novel organo-sulphur and ascorbate compounds based on developments by Khan et al (see Tetrahedron, 1999, 9533; Synthesis, 1995, 687, Tetrahedron Lett., 1999, 5389, Carbohydrate Res., 1999, 322) and nitrogen containing heterocycles such as quinolines, isoquinolines, pyrroles (see Tetrahedron Lett., 2000, 8969) and pyrrolizidines (see J. Chem. Soc., Perkin, 2000, 3599) developed by Hewson. (see also submitted papers by this author). Since chloroquine and other aminoquinolines block IL-1-induced cartilage degradation in vitro (Rainsford et al., J Pharm. Pharmacol., 1986; 38: 829) this approach has been employed for testing the compounds developed by Khan and Hewson for anti-cytokine activity so that they may be used in protection against cartilage and bone destruction in osteo-arthritis. Parkinson, Rainsford, Smith and colleagues have been collaborating with Clench, Prof. David Allen, Dr Norman Bell and others in the Division of Chemistry to develop novel synthetic routes or compounds that may be used for the production of novel biosensors, the analysis of novel biological agents and proteins (analogous to the Protein Chip technology) for proteomics analysis.
6d.2 Patents, Commercialisation and Intellectual Properties
The university has recently established a commercial enterprise, Hallam Biotechnology to enable commercial exploitation of skills and research in the BMRC involving bioassays, bioanalysis, development of monoclonal antibodies and a novel drug discovery programme. The university invested £265,000 in 2000 for staffing and establishment of a fully-equipped multidisciplinary laboratory (120 m2). Further development of Hallam Biotechnology is projected with funding sought from the Regional Innovation Strategy (RIS) group as part of the Objective 1 Bioscience Initiative in South Yorkshire (6.3.3). Monoclonal antibiodies developed by Parkinson against amyloid fragments and presenilins (involved in Alzheimer's Disease) are now being sold by Chemikon (USA) and more are in development. Patents have been filed by Rainsford and colleagues on the use of celery seed components in inflammation and pain (PCT S/N. 09/432,140; 1999) and these are being commercialised by Procter & Gamble (USA). An instrument, (algesiometer), for measurement of pain and inflammation devised by Rainsford and Dr Roger New (UoA 19) in the Division of Applied Physics is being developed for commercial production.
6d.3 BMRC Involvement in EU/TEC Regional Developments. An EU supported consortium, the South Yorkshire Bioscience Enterprise Network (SYBEN) is hosted by the BMRC and co-ordinated by Parkinson (25% total time). In the first phase (1997-1999), SYBEN undertook an audit of existing bioscience industrial activities within South Yorkshire including research into the business support measures needed to create jobs. SYBEN involves collaboration with some South Yorkshire SMEs (including Alcontrol, Phytera, Response Environmental, Fahrenheit), the University of Sheffield, Sheffield Business Link and TEC. SYBEN phase II will, over the next 18 months conduct pilot projects under Objective 2 funding to address the principal barriers to expansion of commercial enterprises in the biosciences in South Yorkshire including (a) provision of small-scale specialised facilities, and (b) an innovation fund to support bioscience product development by SMEs (including Hallam Biotechnology).
A major objective of the BMRC in the next 5 years is actively to support and contribute to these regional developments and through Hallam Biotechnology this will benefit the BMRC by enabling enhancement of the scope its research and funding base.
The University is also involved in a parallel EU funded programme (MEDILINK) in the South Yorkshire Region to develop novel medical appliances. Rainsford is a University representative on the Steering Group of MEDILINK. It is projected that funding will be sought during the period of the Objective 1 Programme for BMRC collaborations with industry involved in MEDILINK programmes.
6d.4 The Scientific & Policy Advisory Committee comprises: Prof John Clegg (Zephyr Consultants; formerly consultant to the BBSRC); Prof William Dawson (Bionet Ltd, formerly Research Director, Lilly Research Centre, Windlesham, Surrey); Prof Ian Hunneyball (R & D Director, Knoll Ltd, Nottingham); Prof Peter Johnson (Centre for Biomedical Accelerator Mass Spectrometry; until recently Corporate R. & D. Director, Astra); Dr Brian Newbold (formerly Research Director, Zeneca, now a Director of Inchgower Development Ltd); and Prof Bill Milne, (National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA). The participation of these scientists, four of whom currently have extensive involvement with industry in the UK, reflects also the importance of recognising industrial potential and advancing new areas of research in the BMRC.
6d.5 Postgraduate Development
Concerns about slow progress of students during the early 1990's, have been very successfully redressed by establishing the Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) Graduate School and through implementation of more stringent supervision, monitoring of progress, as well as training students in laboratory skills, developing knowledge and writing ability. SET is also promoting a positive sense of group identity and support framework.
The work of Dr S Perera in psychoneuroimmunology has been included in the submission for UoA 13 (Psychology).
The Division made a submission under Unit 7 (Physiology) at the last RAE. The remaining research activity in exercise science has, as a consequence of reorganisation within the University, been refocused within the School of Sport, Performing Arts and Leisure and is included in a submission under Unit 69 (Sports related subjects).
Academic re-alignment at UWIC, which culminated in the formation of the School of Applied Sciences in 1999, caused some hiatus in research productivity; however, this re-organisation was part of a long term strategy and is already paying dividends. Building on the research base established at last RAE, the current research profile of the Centre is continuing to improve. Since the last RAE, investment in the infrastructure (dedicated research laboratories) and in appointments of new and vigorous research staff have done much to build on existing research strengths to bolster the research base now and in years to come. Continued investment of resources into research-based activities will enable the Centre to capitalise on the strengths and achieve national excellence.
The recent reorganisation of the institution (Section 10) is already showing beneficial results in terms of increased research activity. The main effects, however, will emerge in the next 5 years. It is anticipated that these will include more fluent multidisciplinary collaboration between departments as well as the development of strategic alliances with other institutions. This will be especially relevant to the Department’s objective to establish a new multidisciplinary centre for research in orofacial motor control.
The institution has recently reorganised into a faculty structure. The Multidisciplinary nature of the group is indicated by its use of staff from two faculties (Health Sciences, Social Sciences and Health). The new structure facilitates multidisciplinary working but the main benefits are likely to emerge over the next five years. It is anticipated that these will include more fluent interdisciplinary collaboration between staff as well as the development of strategic alliances with other institutions. This will strengthen the existing research foci in the area and assist the groups desire to establish four, internationally competitive, multidisciplinary research centres related to these research foci.
Three citations have been quoted for McBean and McKenzie who have not been in post throughout the time covered by the present submission. Landman's secondment to The Nutrition Society as Registrar and Membership Executive (1999-2002) has affected her research output for this submission but in the longer term will inform the defined group in Public Health Nutrition.
Technical staff are also encouraged to participate fully in research activity and 2 have completed MPhil degrees in the assessment period. A recent review (June 2000) of teaching has led to a small reduction in contact hours for undergraduate students and (due to repeat teaching) this has freed up substantial time for both academic and technical staff that can now be dedicated to research. A scheme whereby protected research time is timetabled in for all staff is being piloted this academic year.
The overall research performance of the Department of Vision Sciences in this exercise period has achieved levels of national excellence with significant evidence of international recognition. Significant increases were obtained in all measures of research output during the period of this RAE. Awards of higher degrees have increased by 2.57 times and reportable external income generation by 1.64 times. The average impact factor for peer-reviewed publications has risen from 1.36 in 1996 to the current level of almost 2.00. International recognition for the Department, as a centre for vision research have accrued from this output and through 21 ongoing international collaborations. The achievements of the Department in the current RAE period demonstrate a vital and active research culture worthy of continued funding.
Research is also expanding in the area of public health and human nutrition with two recent awards from the Scottish Office to M Laidlaw (179k) and J Armstrong (18k) not included in this submission. Their dietary research bridges between laboratory science and social science. Other staff members who have 3 journal articles include Drs A Sutherland and R. Fulton. The former’s expertise complements that of Drs Aidoo and Logan in microbial food contamination. Dr Fulton has interests in leukemia and mutational aspects of carcinogenesis and so integrates with the research group 1. She had a period of maternity leave and now has a journal article in 2001. The portfolio in research group 2 (Physiology and Pharmacology) is supported by Drs D. Bunton, J. Nicol and L. Wood who are authors on 7 journal articles. Dr Bunton’s work allies itself to Drs Shaw and MacDonald and, recently, with that of Dr Hillier’s and he was a co-recipient of the regional John Logie Baird Prize (2000). Dr Nicol’s and Wood’s research bridges between the School and the Department of Physiotherapy and Podiatry.
Profiles of research active staff can be found at http://www.sbbs.gcal.ac.uk/research/
During the period from the last RAE the PAM's in Glasgow Caledonian University have moved from temporary accommodation on the campus of Strathclyde University to a purpose built Health Faculty building. Although this brought with it many advantages it also caused much disruption in terms of preparation, moving and settling into new premises. During this period we have revalidated all of our undergraduate programmes. In addition to this our Head of Department was absent from the Department due to long term sickness, for well over a year, and we have had all the associated difficulties this would be expected to cause. A new Head of Department will take up the position in April of this year. We fully anticipate that this appointment will greatly aid the development of our research profile.
7. CONCLUSION
Biomedical Sciences Research is highly active and successful as evidenced by the research funding it attracts and the publications and research students it produces. It contains scientists who are regularly invited to present plenary lectures at international conferences and contribute to the international scientific community as members of Journal Editorial Boards, Learned Society Committees, or Conference Organising Committees. It plans to consolidate and expand on these achievements, focussing on its existing areas of expertise.
Contributions By Non-Researchers
Non-researcher faculty with good track records in teaching or clinical practice have been able to support the research effort by carrying complementary teaching and administrative responsibilities.
The planned pattern of research activity consistent with a major move in late 1999 was disrupted by a major flood caused by a broken high pressure water main adjacent to the campus. The research activity of many staff, including all ERRG members, was disrupted for at least six months while infrastructure was restored and teaching was undertaken in less than optimal conditions. However these difficulties are over and we believe that we are in a position to take full advantage of the benefits of the merger and relocation. The infrastructure, strategies and mechanisms are now in place to allow us to fully exploit our interdisciplinary research strengths and we look forward to future developments with enthusiasm.
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