Research Themes and Focus Areas

The Centre has three main research themes and seven current focus areas that span the themes. The three research themes are: Trauma across life span; Trauma across mechanism; and Trauma across the world. Each theme is closely linked with others, and expertise is shared across the themes under the one vision of the Centre. The themes are interdisciplinary, with clinicians and engineers working together to achieve the Centre's mission. 

Below you can find out a bit about the research in each of the seven focus areas (listed in alphabetical order).

Focus areas: 

Focus area blocks

Ageing

Novel, tailored treatments, prostheses, and assistive technologies for the geriatric patient, as well as a range of approaches to manage and prevent falls in vulnerable age groups are required and will be investigated as part of this theme.

Conflict and Blast

We will enhance and expand our knowledge of blast injuries sustained by military personnel to also investigate injuries to civilians in conflict and post-conflict. We work with industry and humanitarian organisations to inform the design of vehicles and local infrastructure, advise on protective equipment, and influence policy and standards. This is an expansion of the Centre for Blast Injury Studies’ remit.

Find out more.

Paediatrics

Focusing on blast and other traumatic injuries, this theme addresses the fact that such events affect children differently and present unique challenges to first responders, clinicians and rehabilitation specialists.

Find out more.

Resource Constrained and Humanitarian Settings

The focus is developing and delivering affordable and sustainable technologies to address the clinical challenges facing these settings when treating and rehabilitating after traumatic injury. It builds on current activities around external fixators and prosthetic and orthotic devices. The area addresses the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals and works in partnership with multiple international NGOs.

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Sport

Sports injuries are issues for both the general public as well as elite athletes. Such injuries can be life changing and end participation in sport and exercise, creating healthcare implications. We develop prevention methods and rehabilitation strategies aimed at management and re-integration to sport.

Transport and Travel

We focus on injury prevention, prophylaxis, protection and reduction of the burden of disease post injury, contributing to these areas through translating knowledge from other trauma areas. We consider different modes of travel and associated injuries.

Veterans

This is a key collaboration area with the ADVANCE Study and NHS OpRestore. The focus is on the health of those who have served in the Armed Forces, understanding the impact of injuries sustained during service and how quality of life can be improved through treatment, rehabilitation and recovery.