The University of Liverpool is a powerhouse of medical research, actively investigating a range of diseases and sharing its findings globally. It’s genuinely fantastic that an educational institution plays such a direct role in keeping Liverpudlians—and people across the world—healthier. There’s a running joke in some countries that any statement instantly gains authority if you claim ‘British scientists reported it,’ but in the case of Liverpool’s researchers, it’s actually true. So, how exactly are they advancing health through their research? We delve into the details on iliverpool.info.
The University of Liverpool and Global Health: Key Research Areas
The University of Liverpool doesn’t limit itself to just one medical field. Instead, its researchers investigate diverse areas crucial to global public health. Here are some key examples:
- Infectious Diseases. The University has a long tradition of research into bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections. For instance, the University of Liverpool’s Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences (IVES) focuses on developing new treatments and prevention methods. You can read more about their Viral Vector Development Centre here.
- Oncology. The main Merseyside city’s university is heavily involved in cancer research, including the molecular biology and genetics of the disease. Researchers are working on developing innovative methods for cancer treatment and diagnosis.
- Neurological Diseases. The University conducts vital research into neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Efforts are focused on understanding the mechanisms that drive these diseases and developing new therapies.
- Cardiology. The University is committed to researching cardiovascular diseases, including developing new methods for preventing and treating heart attacks and strokes.
- Public Health. The University’s public health programmes aim to study population risk factors and develop strategies to improve the physical well-being of local communities.
These studies are conducted across various departments, primarily those operating under the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, which includes its schools, institutes, and specialised research centres.
Infectious Diseases: A University of Liverpool Speciality
Infectious diseases remain a huge challenge for humans and animals alike. Climate change and globalisation are only encouraging new pathogens to emerge. The University of Liverpool’s Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences (IVES) has international renown in this field, studying a vast array of pathogens that affect both people and livestock. Research is carried out not only in the UK and Europe but also across Africa and Asia.
IVES brings together leading experts in medicine, veterinary science, and life sciences. Their core areas include studying neurological, gastrointestinal, respiratory, vector-borne, and sexually transmitted infections, as well as zoonoses. They pay particular attention to:
- The rising threat of antimicrobial resistance.
- The development of diagnostic methods and vaccines.
- The impact of human behaviour on disease transmission.
- The role of the environment and climate change in the spread of infections.
The Institute’s experts are working hard to optimise drug dosages and investigate repurposing existing medicines. They also analyse how drugs are absorbed and processed by the body (pharmacokinetics), their effects (pharmacodynamics), drug toxicity, and new ways of administering treatments.
The Centre for Microbiome Innovation operates within IVES, researching the relationship between microbiomes and human and animal health. The Institute has made significant contributions to the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, studying SARS-CoV-2, tuberculosis, and other respiratory illnesses.
IVES collaborates with key national bodies like the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), as well as leading universities such as Warwick (UK), Kamuzu (Malawi), and Addis Ababa (Ethiopia). They also maintain partnerships with the Kenya Medical Research Institute, Yale University (USA), and the Malawi Liverpool Wellcome research programme.
Tackling Other Major Diseases
The University of Liverpool is also a major player in the analysis of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. A significant amount of attention is dedicated to researching the connection between Type 2 diabetes and obstructive sleep apnoea.
The Institute of Public Health houses a research group focused on non-communicable disease prevention and food policy. This group uses cutting-edge modelling techniques (such as econometric models and micro-simulations) to analyse mortality trends and develop effective prevention strategies. They place particular emphasis on the impact of social inequality and healthy eating policies on disease rates.
A fascinating research stream involves analysing the link between the density of fast-food outlets, air pollution, and the causes of obesity and related illnesses. Researchers are developing ideas to help regulate the food and alcohol industries to prevent such conditions. Furthermore, Professor Gregory Lip, head of the Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, is renowned for his research into atrial fibrillation and thromboembolic complications.
Research for the World’s Poorest: The Fight Against Noma
The University of Liverpool is also leading research into the devastating necrotising disease known as Noma, which primarily affects children in the world’s poorest regions. This aggressive condition starts in the gums but spreads rapidly, destroying the soft tissue of the face. Without treatment, mortality rates can hit 90%, and survivors are left with severe facial disfigurement, leading to social isolation and immense life challenges.
Why Does Noma Persist?
Noma has all but vanished in developed countries due to improved living standards, yet it continues to plague children in areas defined by extreme poverty, malnutrition, and a lack of medical access. Roughly 40,000 cases are reported annually, though the true number is likely far higher due to difficulties in gathering full statistics and prevalent social taboos.
Liverpool’s Research and Future Prospects
As the mechanism driving Noma remains poorly understood, the University of Liverpool, in partnership with the local School of Tropical Medicine and Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), is conducting a pilot study in Nigeria. Researchers are analysing the microbial composition of affected tissues, which could be key to understanding the disease’s causes and developing more effective treatments.
Despite Noma’s horrific impact, it was ignored as a global issue for a long time. However, in December 2023, the disease was finally added to the WHO’s list of neglected tropical diseases. This offers hope for new investment, international control programmes, and, ultimately, the complete eradication of Noma in the future.
The Big Picture
The University of Liverpool is conducting leading medical research across infectious, oncological, cardiovascular, and neurological diseases, as well as in public health. The Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences (IVES) is studying new pathogens and antibiotic resistance, collaborating with international organisations. Crucially, researchers are also focusing on diseases like Noma, which ravage children in impoverished nations. This is just a snapshot, though, as there is still much more work to be done.