The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine is internationally recognised for its research in Ophthalmology and Diabetic Vascular Disease.

The Vision and Vascular Medicine Theme includes 16 PI-led teams working on clinical trials, diagnostics, molecular pathology, and drug discovery. Research focuses on diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration, exploring early disease mechanisms and potential therapies. Clinical trials, such as the DIAMONDS Trial, are evaluating treatments for diabetic macular oedema. Beyond eye disease, the institute also investigates diabetic cardiomyopathy, peripheral vascular disease, and nephropathy, with a focus on microvascular dysfunction and regenerative approaches using stem and progenitor cells.

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Research in this area focuses on enhancing the prevention, detection, and treatment of infections.

Efforts are centered on preventing antimicrobial resistance through better antimicrobial stewardship, improving infection detection using molecular and sensor technologies, and preventing infections with innovative anti-infective biomaterials. Additionally, the research aims to improve infection control strategies and develop new antibiotics, antibiotic adjuvants, and markers to guide more effective, evidence-based antibiotic selection.

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Queen’s on Ageing is a cross-disciplinary research network that unites scholars from across the university to address issues related to ageing. Key research areas include dementia, delirium, neuroinflammation, perioperative brain health, nutrition, lifestyle, and big data analytics through the NICOLA project; the largest public health study in Northern Ireland talking to people from 50 years old right up to 100 years and beyond. Queen’s researchers engage with international groups, advisory boards, and cross-border initiatives like CARDI and CHITIN, and are affiliated with the Global Brain Health Institute.

Work at the Wellcome-Wolfson Institute further supports geriatric research through studies on eye health, antibiotic resistance, and neuroimmunology. In 2024, Queen’s joined UKAgeNet, a national network amplifying the collective voice of ageing research in the UK.

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Queen’s research in cardiology focuses on understanding cardiovascular diseases, improving diagnostic techniques, and developing new treatments.

The research covers heart failure, hypertension, and vascular complications, with significant work on understanding the molecular and genetic mechanisms driving these conditions. Our research aims to enhance clinical outcomes through personalized medicine, pioneering therapeutic strategies, and advancing preventative measures for heart disease. These efforts contribute to major advancements in cardiovascular healthcare and patient quality of life.

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Queen's research in bioengineering has been at the forefront of innovation, improving patient quality of life through novel healthcare technologies. The interdisciplinary approach adopted by Queen's researchers has led to groundbreaking developments in the design and application of biomaterials with multiple functions, catering to the diverse needs of medical interventions. The exploration of bioresorbable materials has opened new avenues in implant technology, providing solutions that are both effective and environmentally conscious.

Additionally, Queen's has been instrumental in the integration of 3D printing technologies in bioengineering, revolutionizing the manufacturing of custom implants and prosthetics. This comprehensive research portfolio not only contributes significantly to the field of bioengineering but also translates into tangible advancements in patient care and medical technology.

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The Public Health Nutrition Group focuses on advancing nutrition research and promoting public health across all age groups. Collaborating with the Centre for Public Health, the School of Biological Sciences, and the Institute for Global Food Security, they also maintain a wide network of national and international partners, including Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health and the University of California San Francisco. Current projects include research on school food, food-based biomarkers, diet quality, cardiovascular health, neurocognitive aging in diabetes, and weight management during pregnancy. The group has a strong record of supervising postgraduate students and provides a vibrant, supportive environment for nutrition research with regular meetings.

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