Research teams

Drug Discovery Research

The work of the Drug Discovery Research team covers a diverse range of fields including:

• drug design and development;
• medicinal chemistry;
• neuropharmacology and
• molecular imaging.

Team leader: Associate Professor Michael Kassiou

Medical Imaging Physics and Biomodelling

The Physics and Biomodelling team undertakes research to develop advanced instrumentation and computational methods for imaging the distribution and kinetics of radio-pharmaceuticals in the body.

These techniques are used by researchers to test new drugs and interventions in various brain disorders, including neuro-degenerative diseases, mood disorders and cancer.

Team leaders: Professor Steven Meikle and Associate Professor Roger Fulton

Pharmacology of Molecular Biomarkers

The Pharmacology of Molecular Biomarkers team study the biology of mental health and illness using in vivo molecular imaging techniques.

Through novel molecular probes, imaging technologies such as microPET, and data analysis models, they aim to establish causal links between altered gene expression/regulation patterns and disease phenotypes in living subjects.

Team Leader: Professor Richard Banati

Radiotherapy & Cancer Research

The Radiotherapy and Cancer team researches a wide range of issues related to radiotherapy for cancer. These include:

• radiotherapy imaging;
• tumour volume delineation;
• patient positioning and accuracy during radiotherapy;
• the psychological effects of undergoing cancer treatment, including stress and anxiety and
• radiation therapist role development.

There is a particular emphasis on increasing the number of radiation therapists with higher degree and research qualifications so they can be more involved in clinical research and protocol development, for the benefit of cancer patients.

Team leader : Associate Professor Jenny Cox

Image Optimisation & Perception

Biological imaging, a fundamental component of health care systems and laboratory research, is undergoing unprecedented change where imaging techniques and modalities along with analytical tools are being developed to display biological tissues and processes in novel visual and quantitative ways.

The multidisciplinary investigators and collaborators of the Image Optimisation & Perception team, incuding clinicians, radiographers, biologists, computer specialists, biomedical engineers, psychologists and visual scientists are optimizing and validating current and new imaging methods whilst investigating the perception and interpretation of resultant images.

Team leader: Professor Patrick C Brennan