The Innovation Prize 2007 has been awarded for research at Cardiff University to develop lung tissue cultures from human cells
The work, led by Dr Kelly BéruBé in the University’s School of Biosciences, is a joint venture with Unilever, and co-funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council. Dr BéruBé’s team in the Lung and Particle Research Group has developed a 3D model of lung tissues from human cells. This work has the potential to speed up the development of treatments and ways of preventing respiratory disorders.
“This research is part of an ongoing programme of work aimed at developing novel ways of delivering consumer safety,” said Dr Leona Greenwell, Inhalation Toxicologist at Unilever’s Safety and Environmental Assurance Centre (SEAC).
Dr BéruBé’s research has also been recognised by the British Toxicology Society, the Institute of Science and Health in the United States and the UK National Centre for the Reduction, Refinement and Replacement of Animals in Research.
Dr BéruBé said: “It’s very pleasing to conduct research which has a direct benefit to a business which places ethics and consumer safety so highly. Recognition in the form of the Innovation Prize is very welcome indeed.”
Further Information:
Unilever
Cardiff School of Biosciences