Our people

Institute for Life Sciences

Our strength lies in our interdisciplinary collaborative network which is made up of over 380 academic members from across all the University’s faculties.

Professor Ratko Djukanovic

Professor of Medicine

Research interests

Professor Djukanovic has a lifelong interest in asthma, especially its severe forms. where his focus is on: 1) underlying pathobiological mechanisms of asthma, 2) stratification of asthma into clinical phenotypes and mechanism-based endotypes, 3) unmet needs of severe asthma management. He also has an interest in the mechanisms and treatments of severe viral infections of the lung.
Underlying mechanisms of asthma: Professor Djukanovic has conducted pioneer studies into the pathology of asthma, applying research bronchoscopy (with endobronchial biopsy and bronchoalveolar lavage) and sputum induction. He led the initial task forces which defined the use of these two techniques, thereby paving the way for standardised research approches that enabled in-depth descriptions of the roles of various inflammatory cells and their mediators. He developed an explant model, consisting of bronchial biopsies placed into tissue culture, that could be stimulated ex vivo with relevant triggers, applying as needed, novel agents not yet approved for in vivo use in humans volunteers.
Stratification of asthma into clinical phenotypes and mechanism-based endotypes: Professor Djukanovic led the discovery of biomarkers using omics technology (transcriptomics, proteomics, lipidomics, breathomics). After the first ever study of transcriptomics biomarkers in the epithelium of patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), together with a colleague from Amsterdam and two colleagues from Imperial College, London, he created a large (€27 milllion) programme for severe asthma (U-BIOPRED), funded by the EU Innovative Medicines Initiative. This has resulted in more than 100 publications, providing insight into novel phenotypes and endotypes of asthma.

Connect with Ratko

Email: rd1@soton.ac.uk

Tel: +44 2381204404

ORCID

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Professor Rebecca Hoyle

Assoc Vice-President Interdisc Research

Research interests

Multimorbidity across the lifecourse
Cooperation in social networks and evolution of cooperation
Quantitative genetics of transgenerational effects

Accepting applications from PhD students

Connect with Rebecca

Email: R.B.Hoyle@soton.ac.uk

Tel: +44 23 8059 3733

Google Scholar

ORCID

Dr Reuben Pengelly PhD, SFHEA

Principal Teaching Fellow

Research interests

Student attitudes towards academic integrity
Splicing regulation of metal binding proteins

Accepting applications from PhD students

Connect with Reuben

Email: R.J.Pengelly@soton.ac.uk

Tel: +44 2381205063

Google Scholar

ORCID

Dr Richard Cook

Associate Professor

Research interests

Mechanical and tribological testing of hydrogels for orthopaedic and tissue engineering
The tribology of tooth brushing.
Efficacy testing of products for dental hypersensitivity management.

Connect with Richard

Email: R.B.Cook@soton.ac.uk

Tel: +44 23 8059 2164

ORCID