Nicholas Forsyth

Biography

Professor Nicholas Forsyth (Nick) is the Dean of Research for the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS), Professor of Stem Cell Biology in the School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, and Interim Director for the Institute of Global Health (from Jan ’22). Nick studied at Glasgow University gaining a BSc (Hons) (Upper Second Class) Molecular Biology in 1997 before a PhD Molecular Genetics (2000) (at the CRUK Beatson Institute) under the supervision of Prof E. Ken Parkinson. After his PhD studies he performed his first postdoctoral studies at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Centre, Dallas, TX, USA under the mentorship of Prof Jerry Shay and the late, Prof Woody Wright (2000-2004). He then moved back to the UK and joined the Roslin Institute, Edinburgh completing his training under the mentorship of the late Dr Jim McWhir (2004-2006).

In 2006 Nick joined Keele University as a Lecturer in Stem Cell Biology. He was promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2009, to Reader in 2013 before being awarded his Chair in 2015. In 2016, as Professor of Stem Cell Biology, he was appointed as Director of the Research Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine (ISTM). After successfully driving the merger of ISTM with the School of Pharmacy to form a new education/research vehicle; School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Nick was appointed to be the first Dean of Research in the FMHS.

Institutional leadership

• 2019 – present                                 Faculty REF2021 Lead
• 2016 – 2021                                     REF2021 Unit of Assessment 12 - Lead
• 2019 – present                                 Dean of Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
• 2018 - present                                  Faculty Research Committee – Chair
• 2017 – 2020                                     University Council Nominations Committee
• 2016 - present                                  Faculty Executive Board – Member
• 2016 – present                                 Human Tissue License #12349 – Designated Individual
• 2016 – 2020                                     University Council – FMHS Senate representative
• 2016 – 2019                                     Director – Research Institute of Science and Technology in Medicine
• 2014 – present                                 University Senate
• 2014 – 2016                                     Associate Director – ISTM
• 2012 – 2016                                     Bioengineering and Regenerative Medicine – Research Theme Lead
• 2007 – present                                 University Biological Safety Advisor
• 2006 – 2012                                     Officer for Human Tissue License 12349

Editorial board membership

• Frontiers in Physiology – Review Editor “Oxidant Physiology” section. 2021 - present
• Stem Cells International – Lead Guest Editor – “Repairing the Interface: Regenerative Tendons.” 2020
• Frontiers Cell and Developmental Biology – Topic Editor “The Development of New Classes of Hypoxia Mimetic Agents for Clinical Use”. 2019
• Stem Cells International – Lead Guest Editor – “Regenerative Medicine Approaches for Lung Tissue Regeneration". 2019
• Sci – 2018 to present
• Stem Cells Discovery – 2011 to present
• Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology – 2015 to present
• BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders – 2014 to present (Associate Editor)
• International Journal of Stem Cell Therapy – 2014 to present
• Medical Engineering and Physics – 2013 – present (Associate Editor)
• World Journal of Stem Cells – 2010 to 2018

Other activities/roles

• Research Awards Committee Chair – North Staffordshire Medical institute (2018 – present)
• Council member/Trustee – North Staffordshire Medical Institute (2012 – present)
• Keele Co-ordinator – Mercia Stem Cell Alliance (2008 - 2020)
• Tissue and Cell Engineering Society - Member (2006 - present), Council Member (2015 – present), Treasurer (2021 – present)
• TERMIS – Member (2008 - present)
• The 2016 Tissue Engineering Congress – Advisory Panel (2015)
• EPSRC College – Full member (2016 - present), Fellowship Panel Member (2019, 2022)
• Research Foundation - Flanders (FWO) – Expert Panel ((bio)medical & health sciences) (2018 – 2021)
• Fellow of Royal Society of Biology (2018 – present)
• European Research Council Panel Expert (2018 – present)
• European Commission FP7, Horizon 2020, Horizon Europe – Reviewer (2016 – present) and Panel member (2018, 2019, 2022)
• UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship - Peer Review College – (2018 – present)
• British Council – Newton Fund Reviewer – (2018 – present), Newton Prize Reviewer (2019 – present)
• Italian Ministry for Education, University and Research – Expert Review Panel (2018 – present)
• European Science Foundation – College of Expert Reviewers (2018 – present)
• Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society (TERMIS) European Chapter Meeting Manchester 2020 – Scientific Advisory Board
• Qatar National Research Fund – Peer Review Panel Member (2021 – present)

Research and scholarship

The Forsyth lab has a long-term focus on determining the biological responses of in vitro cultured stem and somatic cells when exposed to physiologically approximate oxygen concentrations (2-5% O2) vs. the hyperoxic air oxygen (21% O2) culture systems in routine application. Our long-standing hypothesis is that by better understanding cell behaviours in these settings we can better exploit their biology for differentiation and signalling. Our work lies within the regenerative medicine field covering both stem cell biology (driven by the principle outlined above) and tissue engineering.

Broadly speaking our research agenda lies across three interconnected areas; stem cell biology, musculoskeletal, and respiratory.

Stem cell biology

We have provided a wide range of well-cited research publications helping to evidence the importance of legitimate in vitro cell culture environments. These outputs have demonstrated transcriptional (mRNA and non-coding RNA) alterations, reduced global and promoter specific DNA methylation, altered adhesion preferences, distinct spectroscopic profiles, distinct proteomes, enhanced clonogenicity, reduced genomic aberrations, enabled differentiation, and altered secretome. We have provided a broad range of complementary publications spanning pluripotent stem cells, bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells, and placental membrane-derived embryonic stem cells.

Musculoskeletal

Our focus in this area is primarily focussed on tendon and its tissue engineering, we have also provided a number of insights into chondrocyte biology. With tendon we have developed functioning tissue engineered systems and evaluated them in model systems. We continue to collaborate extensively in this field – most recently working within the Horizon 2020 P4FIT ITN EJD programme led by University of Helsinki in partnership with Teramo, Salerno, Vienna, and FAU Erlangen. A pivotal observation from our group came via the first, monolayer-based, chemically defined differentiation cocktails for pluripotent stem cells. We employ tenocytes, tendon progenitor stem cells, and tenoblasts in combination with bioreactor, biochemical, and nanomedicine approaches to drive forward our tissue engineered tendon models.

Respiratory

Our research into regenerative medicine approaches to respiratory disorders has revolved largely around Idiopathic Pulmonary Disorder and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. We have explore the utility of stem cell-based approaches to provide repair to alveolar wounds and remodelling associated with both conditions. More recently we have described isolation of distal airway stem cells and established in vitro disease modelling systems able to reflect the in situ aberrant biology. We have also embraced an ongoing challenge to identify suitability for tissue engineered pleural membranes for application in Acute Lung Injury and resultant leaks – a significant healthcare burden.

Teaching

• BSc Cell and Tissue Engineering – Conceptualised and instructed development. First intake September 2021
• MRes Bioengineering - Conceptualised and instructed development. First intake September 2021
• MTE-40033 Cell and Tissue Engineering – MSc module lead, 2010 – 2017; 2018 - present
• LSC-30028 Advances in Medicine – 2013 – present
• MTE-40039 Research Training and Methodology – MSc module lead, 2017 – 2020
• MTE40022 Bioreactors and Growth Conditions for Tissue Engineering – MSc module co-lead, 2010-2019
• MTE-30004 Developmental Biology – Level 6 Module lead (2015 – 2017)
• MTE-40028 Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine – MSc module lead, 2006 – 2017
• MSc Cell and Tissue Engineering - Course Director (2010-2014)

Invited positions

• Guest Professor – School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China (2020 – present)
• Guest Professor – School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China (2017 – 2020)
• Professore a Contratto – Salerno University, Salerno, Italy (2017 – 2019)
• Guest Professor – BOKU, Vienna, Austria (2016 – 2017)
• Guest Professor – School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China (2013 – 2015)

Further information

Current lab group members

Dr Tina Dale – Postdoctoral Scientist

Multidisciplinary background beginning with a dual Honours degree in Biochemistry and Medicinal chemistry leading to a wide-ranging interest in the Regenerative Medicine field. Previous work has focused on the musculoskeletal system including cartilage repair and tendon regeneration, and pluripotent and multipotent stem cell biology.

My current focus lies with the respiratory system, particularly on the biology of COPD, including the pathological influence of hypoxia on patient-derived cell-based models and the 

potential to use regenerative medicine approaches to alleviate symptoms and to promote regeneration in COPD patients. Additionally, I am also involved in the development of in vitro pleural membrane patches to repair tissue damage and the use of mesenchymal stem cell products to modify the inflammatory tissue changes that are experienced by asthma patients.

Dr Matt Shephard – Postdoctoral Scientist

I have an Industrial CASE PhD in Stem Cell Biology from Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry which involved the development of differentiation protocols for deriving functional human hepatocytes for use in early-stage drug toxicity screens. Subsequent work at the UK Stem Cell Bank concerned the refinement of automated platforms for the scale-up of human pluripotent stem cells.

Currently, my research focuses are on the development of biodegradable nanofiber substrates for cell culture applications including cell models and lab-grown meat. Other research projects include the development of freeze-drying processes for the long-term storage of functional Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) for musculoskeletal tissue engineering.

Fatma Dogan – PhD Student

I have a BSc degree in Molecular Biology and Genetics and an MSc degree in Medical Biology and Genetics at Ege University, Izmir (Turkey). I am in my last year of PhD at Keele University supervised by Nicholas Forsyth. My project focuses on the epigenetic regulation of telomerase and the effect of different oxygen conditions. I am self-motivated and enjoy life or the science behind it.

Amy Bryne – PhD Student

After obtaining my BSc at Manchester Metropolitan in 2013, I completed my master's degree in bioscience research training at Keele University where I was lucky enough to spend 12 months in Italy (Milan) working in a research institute focusing on heparin and its non-coagulant properties, afterwards I spent 3 years working in the industry as a quality control chemist in the oil and pharmaceutical industries, before beginning my PhD in 2019 with Professor Forsyth.

My research covers a variety of areas including; immunology, stem cell biology, extra cellular vesicle isolation and characterisation, with the overarching aim of understanding how tenocytes influence the immune system. I thoroughly enjoy all aspects of my research and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity and the training I have received under Professor Forsyth's supervision.

Trisha Vikranth – PhD student

I am currently in the final year of my PhD under the supervision of Prof Forsyth. I was introduced to Prof Forsyth's research group while pursuing my MSc in Cell and Tissue engineering at Keele in 2016. I've since been very fortunate to have been included in his group as a doctoral trainee and to be mentored by Professor Forsyth himself.

My research project focuses on establishing a proof of concept for the potential application of decellularised pleural membranes in lung regenerative medicine. Following optimising and assessing the efficiency of the developed decellularisation protocol, my current work looks at characterising the cellularity dynamics of the pleural membrane scaffolds when seeded with in-house cultured primary mesothelial cells. I perform routine histology, immunophenotyping and biomechanical studies with advanced microscopy and proteomics to study the recellularised pleural membrane scaffolds.

Sara Barreto-Francisco

I have a strong background in genetics, particularly microRNA evolution and regulation, from my time at Essex University. I was also exposed to microbiology, immunology, stem cell biology and bioinformatics. For my BSc final year dissertation project, I had the unique chance to perform hypothesis-based research using the animal model Drosophila pseudoobscura. Currently, I am studying for a PhD focusing on using mass spectrometry and vibrational spectroscopy to characterise human pluripotent stem cells. I hope the research will contribute to the current understanding of the metabolism of pluripotent stem cells.

Vera Citro – PhD student

I'm a highly rational Chemical Engineer with creative impulses. After graduation, I followed my aptitude for research and obtained a master's degree in Industrial Bioengineering at the University of Naples Federico II. My aim is to implement my engineering tools in a life science context to provide novel therapeutic, diagnostic and rehabilitative solutions for healthcare. My academic record is based on the study of new materials and approaches to develop bioartificial substituents that can enable damaged tissues and organs to be repaired, replaced or even increase their function by storing their original biomechanical properties.

During my master's thesis work, I developed a strong interest in soft material mechanics. I developed mathematical and computational models of soft materials, such as skin, cartilage or tendons, to shed light on their biophysical complexity. My background has made me the perfect synthesis between technological skills and innovative vision. I have learned to select and optimize the most adequate process to successfully translate research outcomes into efficient products or devices.

The tendinopathy can be classified as the pathological change in the tendon as a consequence of its failure in the homeostatic response. Changes occurring during tendinopathy are considered a functional adaptation to three main factors: neo-vascularization via exogenous cells, altered mechanical loading and an alternative cell fate driven by abnormal response to chemical stimuli.
In tendon biology, considerable progress has been made in identifying tendon-specific genes. However, besides tendon function and the knowledge of a small number of important players in tendon biology, neither the ontogeny of the tenogenic lineage nor signalling cascades have been fully understood. For this reason, it is important to define which are the main actors in the differentiation process of the hMSC into tenocyte.

The Marie Skłodowska-Curie project P4FIT will be focused on the growth factors nano-delivery to enhance stem cell /synthetic hybrid-based tendon regeneration. The aim of our research from the biological front will be to define the best and-logic system in which the signal power and its presentation cooperate at the same time to have a specific cell response.
The transcriptional differentiation is always supported by a synaptic effect related to cells capability to sense each other. In order to make this possible, we will provide adequate support to the cells, and in particular, we could improve the existing textile technologies, that actually rely on the fabrication of simple reinforcing structures, trying to obtain Composite Living Fibres not only able to support the cell adhesion but also to control, mechanically, the cell differentiation.

The final goal is to obtain a three-dimensional system capable to reproduce the native environment of a tendon, stimulating the cells from both the chemical and mechanical points of view. Particular attention should be paid to the presentation of the signals, and so on the integration, inside the scaffold, of particles delivering the preselected growth factors.

Marta Clerici – PhD student

I obtained both my Bachelor in Biomedical engineering and Master in Bioengineering at the University of Genova, Italy. My thesis work during the Bachelor was "Study of electromagnetic propagation at microwave frequencies in 3D-models of human head affected by a brain stroke". Later on, during my Master's, I moved towards drug delivery and obtained experience in encapsulation techniques. Therefore my Master thesis was focused on "Development and characterization of polyelectrolyte based microcapsules for the controlled release of drugs under ultrasound stimulation". Shortly after graduation I was hired as an R&D scientist at InoCure company where I received significant industrial experience, deepened my knowledge in regenerative medicine, and got experience working with stem cells. Also, I developed my skills working with different techniques such as: spray-drying, emulsion and nanoprecipitation methods.

P4FIT project: I’ve started my PhD in Cell and tissue engineering at Keele University and I am the ESR-11 in the P4FIT program working on “Extracellular vesicles (EVs) intelligent stem cell delivery strategy for tendon therapeutic application”. The aim of my project is to mimic the physiological mechanism of tendon formation process (tenogenesis) through the influence of bioactive molecules by using EVs functionalized 3D-scaffolds.

I will be comparing EVs from different types of stem cells (Human bone marrow MSCs and tendon derived) in different culture conditions (2D and 3D) to study their effect to instruct stem cells toward the tenogenic lineage after insertion in hydrogel.

Florencia Diaz – PhD student

Florencia is originally from Mar del Plata, Argentina, and received her Bachelor's of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from the Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. She currently pursues a doctoral project jointly with FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg's Institute of Biomaterials, in the framework of Horizon 2020 P4FIT project. Entitled 'Novel porous natural-origin polymeric patches for rotator cuff repair', it looks to use both freeze drying and porogen leaching techniques to develop natural polymer patches that can be used in the treatment of rotator cuff tears, which affects approximately 50% of all adults over the age of 60. Individual goals include testing different polymer blends in order to obtain scaffolds with optimal biochemical and mechanical properties; investigation into the use of non toxic crosslinking agents; and optimization of process parameters.

Seyma Serenglociu – PhD student

Sereflioglu graduated from Yildiz Technical University, Department of Bioengineering in 2017 as an honour student. She was accepted to the University College London, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering master's program by being awarded the Republic of Turkey government scholarship in the first place in the field of Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering. After graduation with a distinction degree, she became one of the 15 early-stage researchers accepted to the P4FIT project, which is one of the Horizon 2020 MSCA-ITN projects, and started her doctorate at the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg. Now, under the European Joint Doctorates framework, she pursue her research in our department. She worked on biomaterials production in the fields of bone, nerve and cardiovascular tissue engineering until his doctorate education and has a review article in the field of nanotechnology. Areas of interest: musculoskeletal tissue engineering, electrospinning, additive manufacturing, biopolymers, conductive polymers and nanovectors.

Project: Tissue engineering mainly aims to create biological alternatives to tissues and organs and in this regard, scaffolding has a crucial role in the three-dimensional new tissue formation to mimic the native tissue. (Nivedhitha Sundaram et al., 2019) In clinics, one of the major challenges is tendon injuries following acute trauma or physical strain due to the poor intrinsic healing capacity of tendon tissue. (Zhang et al., 2018) Tendon tissue regeneration also needs structural support closely mimicking its native architecture which is composed of fibrous bundles and has anisotropic properties. (Ma and Zhang, 2001; Nivedhitha Sundaram et al., 2019) In this direction, the project aims to produce functionalized nanofiber scaffolds by combining electrospinning and layer-by-layer deposition of bioactive molecules involved in immune-stimulation and tendon regeneration and loading with therapeutic multilayered and complex nanohybrid platforms for tendon cure. The biocompatibility, teno-inductive potential, biomechanical functionality and therapeutic activity of the functionalized nanofiber scaffold will be tested as in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo studies. This project belongs to the H2020 framework “Perspectives for Future Innovation in Tendon Repair” MSCA-ITN European Joint Doctorates in collaboration with the University of Keele (United Kingdom).

Ma, P. X. and Zhang, R. (2001) ‘Microtubular architecture of biodegradable polymer scaffolds’, Journal of Biomedical Materials Research, 56(4), pp. 469–477. doi: 10.1002/1097-4636(20010915)56:4<469::AID-JBM1118>3.0.CO;2-H.
Nivedhitha Sundaram, M. et al. (2019) ‘Chitosan hydrogel scaffold reinforced with twisted poly(L lactic acid) aligned microfibrous bundle to mimic tendon extracellular matrix’, International Journal of Biological Macromolecules. Elsevier B.V., 122, pp. 37–44. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.10.151.
Zhang, Y. J. et al. (2018) ‘Concise Review: Stem Cell Fate Guided By Bioactive Molecules for Tendon Regeneration’, Stem Cells Translational Medicine, 7(5), pp. 404–414. doi: 10.1002/sctm.17-0206.

Former Lab Group Members

PhD Students

1. Dr Alasdair Kay (2007 – 2010). Characterisation of clinically relevant cell types in an optimised hypoxic environment for isolation, expansion and chondrogenic differentiation. Keele University. Current position – Associate Lecturer, University of York, UK.
2. Dr Khondoker Akram (2008-2011). Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: exploration of aberrant epithelial wound repair and stem cell-mediated regenerative approaches. MRC Dorothy Hodgkin Studentship. Current position – Senior Postdoctoral Scientist, University of Sheffield, UK.
3. Dr Sohel Samad (2010-2011). Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: an exploration of mesenchymal stem cell-related paracrine effects on fibrogenesis. MPhil. Keele University. Current position – NHS Doctor.
4. Dr Deepak Kumar (2009-2012). Investigating the effects of oxygen tension and electrospun nanofibre topography on the adhesion of embryonic stem cells. Keele University ACORN. Current position – Translational Research Manager, Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford, UK.
5. Dr Alex Lomas (2009-2012). The combination of polyhydroxyalkanoates, collagen and stem cells for application in tendon tissue engineering. EPSRC CDT Regenerative Medicine. Current position - Innovation and Business Development Manager. Directorate of Research, Innovation & Engagement. Keele University, UK.
6. Dr W. Richard Webb (2009-2012). Novel stem cell and PHBHHx approaches to tendon repair. EU FP7 IRSES HYANJI SCAFFOLD. Current position – Research Scientist, Canterbury Christ Church University, UK.
7. Dr Tina Dale (2011-2015). An exploration of stem cell suitability for cartilage repair. EPSRC CDT Regenerative Medicine. Current position – Senior Postdoctoral Scientist, Keele University, UK.
8. Dr Buthainah Al-Azzawi (2013-2016). A role for the human mesenchymal stem cell secretome in attenuation of cytokine-induced apoptosis in pancreatic beta cells. MOSHER PhDs in Regenerative Medicine. Current position – Associate Professor, University of Al-Qadisiyah, Iraq.
9. Dr Marwan Merkhan (2013 – 2017). Defining a role for the mesenchymal stem cell secretome in inflammatory response suppression. MOSHER PhDs in Regenerative Medicine. Current position – Lecturer, University of Mosul, Iraq.
10.  Dr Mohammed Al-Zubaidi (2014 – 2017). Human Stem Cell Metabolomics; Headspace Volatile Gas Analysis as an Indicator of Self-Renewal and Differentiation Status. MOSHER PhDs in Regenerative Medicine. Current position - Assistant Professor, University of Baghdad, Iraq.
11. Dr Muhammad Ahmad (Alkataan) (2014 – 2017). Exploring the impact of hypoxia mimetic agents on multipotent stem cell biology. MOSHER PhDs in Regenerative Medicine. Current position – Assistant Professor, University of Mosul, Iraq.
12. Dr Rakad Al-Jumaily (2014-2018). Molecular cytology of hypoxic cancer and stem cells. MOSHER PhDs in Regenerative Medicine. Current position – Assistant Professor, University of Baghdad, Iraq.
13. Dr Jessica Bratt (2015 – 2019). Developing an alveolar model to test the regenerative potential of placental membrane. EPSRC CDT Regenerative Medicine. Current position - Key Account Manager for Nikon UK Instruments, UK.
14. Dr Zaid Younis (2015 – 2019). Design and fabrication of hydrogel scaffolds for osteochondral tissue regeneration. MOSHER PhDs in Regenerative Medicine. Current position – Assistant Professor, University of Mosul, Iraq.
15. Dr Maximillian Wood (2016 – 2017). An Exploration of the Effect of the Mesenchymal Stem Cell Secretome on Pancreatic Beta Cells. MPhil, Keele University. Current position - ST1 [Specialty training year one] doctor.
16. Dr Liyun Chen (2016 – 2019). Exploring the effects of gestational diabetes on placental membrane derived stem cells. Keele University ACORN. Current position - Postdoctoral Researcher at Washington University in St. Louis, USA.
17. Dr Ana (Hati) Kyoseva-Dunn (2016-2021. A novel scaffold for cell-based lung tissue engineering. Current position – Teaching Fellow, Aston University, UK.

Postdoctoral Scientists

• Dr Wafaa Al Tameemi (2018 – 2019)
• Dr Karen Hampson (2007 – 2009). Current position - Head of Delivery: Transformation - Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
• Dr Amiq Gazdhar (2008 - 2009). Current position - Group leader, Senior Scientist (Department of Pulmonary Medicine), Inselspital Universitätsspital Bern

Research Assistants

• Param Mohan Singh Cheema (2009-2011)
• Sanya Gupta (2010 – 2013)
• Jane McKinnon. (2011 – 2013). Current position -Research Scientist. Biocomposites. Keele Science Park, UK
• Shazia Mazher (2014-2016). Current position –Analytical Development Scientist. Replimune, Oxford, UK
• Emily Borg D'Anastasi. (2016 – 2018). Current position - Account Manager at DBLX.
• Michael Santer (2018 – 2020). Current position –Sterility Technician, Merck Sharp Dohme, UK

Funding

Research Funding:

Innovation Keele Development Fund

£25,000 March 2008 ‘Prototype Development Award’.

£25,000 March 2008 ‘Stem Cell Strategies for the Treatment of Pulmonary Fibrosis and Fibrotic Lung Disorders’. (Joint award with Professor Monica Spiteri).

American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society – Research Grant

£5,000 March 2008 ‘Can human bone marrow-derived stem cells differentiate into tendon-forming cells?’ (Joint award with Professor Nicola Maffulli).

British Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society – Research Grant

£5,000 January 2008 ‘Can bone marrow derived stem cells differentiate into tendon forming cells?’

Royal Society – Conference Grant

£1,400 January 2008 - funded attendance at Keystone Hypoxia Symposium, Vancouver, Canada.

Keele University – Postdoctoral Scientist

£70,000 June 2007

Mercia Spinner Award – Prototype Development Award

£15,000 April 2007

Keele University – Phd Student

£80,000 November 2006

Genomia Fund – Research Grant

£32,000 May 2006.

Team members

Current Research Team Members:

Tina Dale – EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Regenerative Medicine PhD student. 2011-present. “An exploration of cell suitability for articular cartilage repair and regeneration therapies”.

Visiting Project Students:

Maximillian Wood. 3rd Year Keele Medical Student SSC. “Mesenchymal stem cells for the treatment of diabetes”.

Sarika Premi. 3rd Year Keele Medical Student SSC. A characterisation of the underlying mechanisms driving human mesenchymal stem cell-induced immunomodulation”.

Megan Barrow. MSc Cell and Tissue Engineering. Tendon Tissue Engineering.

Amalia Ruiz Serrano. MSc Cell and Tissue Engineering. Tendon Tissue Engineering.

Omar Alhaidari.  3rd-year medical student (IMSIU in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia). "Analysis of volatile organic compounds in the headspace of differentiated progeny of human induced pluripotent stem cells".