Research Interests
Open to applications for postgraduate research from suitably-qualified applicants who meet the University's English language requirements, who have secured a source of funding, and who wish to pursue a research project in a relevant research topic.
- modified release drug delivery systems
- sustained and controlled release
- vaginal drug delivery
- vaginal ring technology
- polymeric drug delivery devices
- injection molding and extrusion technologies
- human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- HIV microbicides
- antiretrovirals for HIV prevention
- multipurpose prevention technologies (MPTs)
- mucosal vaccination
- silicone elastomers
- polyurethanes
- ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers
- in vitro release testing of drug dosage forms
- protein drug delivery
- long-acting contraceptives
- long-acting injectables
- 3D-printing of drug delivery systems
- bacterial vaginosis (BV)
- estrogen replacement therapy
- cervical ripening
- induction of labour
Current Research Opportunities
- Long-acting drug delivery from intravaginal rings for treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
- Development of next-generation vaginal gels containing multiple active agents for improved treatment of bacterial vaginosis
- Novel sustained-release formulation strategies for vaginal administration of drug-loaded nanoparticles
- Surface-modified silicone elastomer for medical and drug delivery devices with reduced bacterial adherence and biofilm formation
Public outreach & key achievements
- Karl's research group has worked closely with The International Partnership for Microbicides to help develop the first vaginal ring offering sustained release of the antiretroviral microbicide dapivirine for prevention of sexual transmission of HIV. The dapivirine ring has recently completed Phase III clinical testing, and subject to review by regulatory bodies, will likely be available to users in 2018. Second generation ring devices for HIV prevention and contraception are currently in early state clinical testing.
Research students
| PhD Title | Preclinical Development of Simple and Inexpensive Depot Injectable Formulations for Combination Contraception and HIV Prevention |
| Name | Clement Haeck |
| Country | France |
| Year of Study | 2014-2017 |
| PhD Title | Modular multipurpose prevention technology device for vaginal administration of multiple therapeutic agents |
| Name | Vicky-Leigh Young |
| Country | Northern Ireland |
| Year of Study | 2017-2020 |
Alumni: Where are they now
| PhD Title | Silicone elastomer gels for vaginal delivery of antiretroviral microbicides |
| Name | Dr Claire Forbes |
| Year of Study | 2009–2012 |
| Country | UK |
| Current Position | Principal Scientist at Pfizer |
| PhD Title | Novel Sustained Release Devices for Vaginal Drug Administration |
| Name | Dr Susan Fetherston |
| Year of Study | 2008–2010 |
| Country | UK |
| Current Position | Development Engineer at QPharma |