Respiratory

The respiratory research theme focuses on finding solutions to problems that affect the lungs and respiration. Our group has two major research areas: Breathing and respiratory therapy research (led by Prof Anne Bruton) and Imaging research (led by Prof Joy Conway) - both involve academics, clinicians, scientists and students from diverse backgrounds.

All our respiratory research extends from laboratory-based studies (such as the physiology of normal respiratory function and dysfunction) through the development of clinical and home-based respiratory rehabilitation therapies and technologies, to full clinical trials. We develop and apply technologies for respiratory diagnosis, monitoring and therapy, and through qualitative research we explore the patient experience of respiratory problems and associated therapies.

Our imaging research addresses the need for observer-independent and quantitative, reproducible methods for analysing complex 3-D images in diagnostic and therapeutic imaging. As part of our research we conduct clinical trials of innovative imaging techniques and treatment effectiveness. Our imaging technology research is conducted in collaboration with the Southampton Respiratory Imaging Group (SRIG), a large cross-faculty research group with collaborators in the UK, Europe, the US and Australia. The purpose of SRIG is to use two- and three-dimensional imaging technologies to map anatomy and the anatomical changes that occur with disease and to relate that to physiology and pathophysiology.

Respiratory research at the Faculty of Health Sciences is integral to the Southampton NIHR Respiratory Biomedical Research Unit (SBRU), a centre of excellence with a multidisciplinary team of clinical and academic researchers. Our projects involve active collaboration with research institutions in the UK and worldwide, with the commercial and voluntary sectors, and with user representatives and groups.