Cardiovascular Remodelling Research Division  

Division Leader:  Dr. David Grieve

The Cardiovascular Remodelling research division comprises a group of basic and clinical scientists with overlapping research interests in areas ranging from microvascular biology to tissue remodelling.  Ongoing studies are focussed on understanding the effects of cardiovascular disease on normal physiological processes and embrace a wide range of sophisticated techniques from molecular biology and cell culture to in vivo imaging and functional assessment, with a clear emphasis on translational research.  The primary aims of the group are to facilitate existing/new collaborations, clinical interaction, research outputs and strategic development. These objectives are principally addressed through engagement of its members at monthly meetings with the intention of moving forward cardiovascular research both within and outwith CVVS.

 

Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology Research Division

Division Leader:  Dr Heping Xu

The Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology Division encompasses a multidisciplinary team of researchers, whose ultimate goal is to efficiently translate basic scientific findings relevant to human visual diseases into knowledge and therapies which benefit patients.  This group advances scientific knowledge in ocular cell and molecular biology and normal visual function to understand the mechanisms of ocular disease and improve the clinical management, diagnosis and prevention of vision disorders.  In our academic work the patient is central and we aim to ultimately advance clinical care, research and education in ophthalmology.  The members of this division share focussed collaborative themes linked to the pathogenesis of common eye diseases and benefit from strong clinical and scientific collaborations both locally within the Centre for Vision and Vascular Science and QUB, nationally and internationally, but vitally with the patient.

    

Diabetic Vascular Complications Research Division

Division Leader:  Dr. Derek P. Brazil

This group of researchers and clinicians is focussed on the molecular pathogenesis of vascular damage driving diabetes-associated complications in the eye, kidney, heart and other organs.  A broad range of cell-based and in vivo techniques is being employed to identify the molecular mechanisms of hyperglycaemia-induced loss of both micro and macro-vessel supply to tissues and organs in the diabetic patient.  The translational emphasis of the research within this division is underpinned by the association with clinical colleagues within the CVVS and engagement with clinical teams from our partner hospitals.  The monthly Diabetic Vascular Complications division meetings serve as a crucial platform for basic and clinical research expertise to interface and drive the translational research agenda within CVVS forward.