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Teesside’s DVT research cited in major report

15 May 2009

 

Work here at Teesside investigating new diagnostic systems for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is cited as a good example of how public capital funding in higher education has supported the UK’s dominant position in international research and produced many other benefits.

The independent review conducted by Technopolis for the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) found that around £1 billion investment in research buildings and equipment in universities produced a wide range of benefits and made universities more attractive to business partners and external private and public sector funders.

A copy of a press release from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) 'Capital investment in research drives up productivity and attracts business’ can be found on the HEFCE website.

This quotes Sir Alan Langlands, HEFCE’s chief executive and Science and Innovation Minister, Lord Drayson on the importance of the second round of the Government’s Science Research Investment Fund (SRIF2).

Teesside University’s research involves the most common cause of unexpected death in developed nations - deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and associated conditions. The research is one of 35 case studies highlighted in the Technopolis report (see page 87) at Technopolis report or read the extract below.

The report says new SRIF-funded facilities, arranged through HEFCE, at Teesside University increased research capabilities and thrust the University’s Technology Futures Institute to the forefront of an EU consortium investigating new diagnostic systems for DVT.

Delighted to be recognised in this report Professor Zulf Ali, Assistant Dean in Teesside’s School of Science and Technology, who led the research work, said: We used SRIF2 along with funding from the then DTI, ONE North East and Europe to develop a clean room facility. This has allowed us to carry out research in miniaturised systems and win additional European research funding. We have also been able to support regional SMEs in the development of new products through the European Regional Development Funding (ERDF). We are very conscious that our work should bring economic benefit to the region and improve quality of life, so we are obviously delighted to be recognised in this report to Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE).'

Dr Elizabeth Robertson, Dean of Teesside University’s Graduate Research School, said: 'This is a really excellent result for Zulf's team to get this level of recognition from HEFCE. Teesside have used limited SRIF2 funding to maximum effect. The funding has been used to support international level research and matched against regional funds for the benefit of the region's SMEs.'

From the Technopolis report

Teesside leads the way in the development of innovative diagnostic systems New SRIF-funded facilities – arranged through the Higher Education Funding Council for England – at the University of Teesside have increased research capabilities and thrust the Technology Futures Institute to the forefront of an EU consortium investigating new diagnostic systems for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and associated conditions, the most common cause of unexpected death in developed nations.

SRIF funding has helped the University to build a top-class clean room facility for the development (fabrication and characterisation) of nano and micro-scaled devices. The facility has been developed as key regional and international infrastructure for the development of miniaturised devices for chemical and biological processing.

On the back of these new capabilities, researchers have been able to accelerate their work into key areas of interest, draw international attention and talent and, notably, attract new funding and projects.

SRIF support has enabled the University to take a leading role The facilities are the UK centrepiece for a €3.3m Framework Programme 6 project (DVT-IPM) working to develop a handheld, fully portable, automated device that will improve the diagnosis of DVT. It is a condition in which blood clots form in one of the body’s deep veins, often the leg, which can result in pulmonary embolism (when a clot lodges in the lung). Factors that might lead to DVT include obesity, immobility and old age, all of which are highly relevant in today’s modern society.

Professor Zulfiqur Ali, Assistant Dean of the School of Science & Technology at the University of Teesside, is project coordinator for the DVT-IMP project. He heads an international consortium of leading researchers from Germany, France, Spain and Hungary. Private sector companies involved in the project include Helena Biosciences and Wyeth.

Currently 26 months into a 36-month project to produce and test a prototype device, the SRIF-funded facilities will be vital to the construction of the nano and micro-components of the system. On completion of DVT-IMP, Professor Ali explains, the consortium hope to carry out a small-scale trial and attract further private sector funding for additional testing and refinement. By developing the system further, the consortium hope to replace a costly and immobile process with a fully integrated, portable and accurate device that will contribute to the diagnosis of an often fatal condition.

SRIF funding has boosted business support and enterprise in the region. As a supplement to the support, the Technology Futures Institute has received funding by One North East as part of the European Regional Development Fund to help assist and add value to regional small and medium-sized enterprises. The SRIF-funded facilities and expertise are made available to qualifying local industry as part of the Institute’s SME Support Programme to help improve products and processes.


 
 
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