Leeds Institute of Genetics, Health and Therapeutics (LIGHT)
LIGHT offers dedicated accredited postgraduate research, research-led methods and technical training.
This is supported by the Institute's world-class research into complex chronic disorders, on which we work closely with the NHS, aiming to improve the delivery of patient care.
The Leeds Institute of Genetics, Health and Therapeutics (LIGHT) focuses on laboratory, clinical and applied biomedical research into common chronic disorders and non-communicable disease. This includes research into cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, reproduction and early development, child health and lifecourse epidemiology.
The institute has a strong focus in population health and applied health research, underpinned by expertise in biomedical imaging, biostatistics and epidemiology, including exposure assessment. Our research leads to both prevention strategies in populations and improved treatment and disease management. We aim to increase the impact of our research by protecting our intellectual property to enable translation of our research into development of novel therapies and medical devices to address unmet clinical needs. This is achieved via the co-ordination of activity between our Institute, Faculty and the University Commercialisation Services.
As an integral part of the School of Medicine delivering cutting edge research, LIGHT is committed to the transfer of knowledge to students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. LIGHT hosts postgraduate research students, runs postgraduate taught courses and makes significant contributions to undergraduate teaching, including the MBChB and intercalated BSc Clinical Science programmes in Medical Imaging and Cardiovascular Medicine.
Professor Mark S Gilthorpe
Institute Director
News
Pioneer Professor Mark Kearney leads battle on heart disease
Professor Mark Kearney (Division of Cardiovascular) is fronting the British Heart Foundation’s latest campaign to raise awareness of heart disease and the work of academics and clinicians across the UK. Here he is interviewed by the Observer’s Science Editor Robin McKie.
Read more about Professor Kearney’s role in the campaign here.
Watch their television advert, which features Prof Kearney.
Paper in the prestigious journal ‘Blood’ for the Thrombosis Group
Diabetes is associated with post-translational modifications in plasminogen resulting in reduced plasmin generation and enzyme specific activity. Ajjan RA, Gamlen T, Standeven KF, Mughal S, Hess K, Smith KA, Dunn EJ, Anwar MM, Rabbani N, Thornalley PJ, Philippou H, Grant PJ. Blood. 2013 May 22. [Epub ahead of print]
The group demonstrated that glycation of plasminogen due to increased blood sugar levels, interferes with activation of plasminogen and leads to generation of less plasmin that is less effective in breaking down clots. This is a novel mechanism for inhibition of clot lysis in diabetes that we also reported as reversible by improving glucose control.
Events
Venue: Medical Lecture Theatre (7.35), Level 7 Worsley Building, Clarendon Way, Leeds
Dr Bob Bury is a retired consultant radiologist. He was previously a surgeon, then radiologist in the RAF medical branch.
Bob came to Leeds in 1988 as consultant with special interest in nuclear medicine. He has done a lot of writing - serious and not so serious - in various publications including The Times, Guardian, Yorkshire Medicine and Yorkshire Post. He was Editor of the Royal College of Radiologists Newsletter for many years, and also Editor of Clinical Radiology.
Bob developed an interest in radiation safety issues, and was the RCR spokesman on protection issues for a number of years prior to retirement. Since retirement he has been a part-time blogger and journalist, and full-time grandfather.
Bob’s talk will look at changing public attitudes to radiation from 1896 to the present, and attempt to impose a sense of proportion concerning radiation hazards, real or supposed.
REGISTRATION:
University staff members - please Register here.
If you are external to the University you are most welcome to attend; please email Neil Turner (N.A.Turner@leeds.ac.uk) to register your interest.