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 for 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