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Research centre

Centre for Human Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration

Image of a mouse pancreatic organoid, nuclei are labelled in green or purple dependent on cell proliferation status

The CHDSCR brings together researchers studying stem cells and development and ways to promote the regeneration of diseased or injured tissues. We aim to provide an environment where excellent scientists can make exciting discoveries for patient benefit.

Part of Medicine

About

Our Vision: Translating pioneering developmental and stem cell science for patient benefit.

The Centre for Human Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration (CHDSCR) was founded in 2004 as a cross-disciplinary research and translational programme within the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Southampton.

The Centre undertakes fundamental research into early development and stem cells together with applied translational research targeting the NHS and patient benefit.

The Centre has vibrant and thriving interdisciplinary research programmes that harness the translational strength of the University together with an MRes program in Stem Cells, outstanding clinical infrastructure and enterprise to deliver on this vision.

The Centre comprises a grouping of scientists and clinician scientists with a shared interest in Stem Cells, Development and Regenerative Medicine within excellent core space in the Institute of Developmental Sciences and units across Southampton General Hospital and Institute for Life Sciences

Our Mission: Our aim is to understand early human development and fundamental stem cell biology to inform and aid our translation and development of cell therapies for regenerative medicine.

Professor Jon Dawson - Director

Research highlights

An extreme close-up of the tip of an injection needle, with a drop of nanoclay sitting at the tip.

Using nanoclay gel to regrow, repair and replace damaged cells

Health and wellbeing
Southampton researchers have developed an innovative medical clay that can be used to apply regenerative medicine to patients with musculoskeletal conditions.

People, projects, publications and PhDs

People

Professor Andrew Lotery

Professor of Ophthalmology

Research interests

  • Ocular clinical trials
  • Age related macular degeneration
  • Central serous chorioretinopathy
Connect with Andrew

Email: A.J.Lotery@soton.ac.uk

Tel: +442380591833

Google Scholar
ORCID
Twitter

Dr Angus Wann PhD

Associate Professor in Cell Physiology

Research interests

  • Mechanobiology
  • Primary Cilia
  • Developing developmental engineering approaches to tissue biology 

Accepting applications from PhD students

Connect with Angus

Email: A.K.T.Wann@soton.ac.uk

ORCID
Twitter

Dr Arjuna Ratnayaka

Associate Professor

Accepting applications from PhD students

Connect with Arjuna

Email: J.Ratnayaka@soton.ac.uk

Tel: +44 2381208183

ORCID
Twitter

Professor Benjamin Macarthur

Personal Chair

Research interests

  • Mathematical modeling
  • Complex networks
  • Cell biology

Accepting applications from PhD students

Connect with Benjamin

Email: bdm@soton.ac.uk

Tel: +44 23 8059 5135

ORCID

Dr Benjamin Sharpe PhD

Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Connect with Benjamin

Email: B.P.Sharpe@soton.ac.uk

Tel: +44 7475736838

ORCID

Dr Bram Sengers

Associate Professor

Accepting applications from PhD students

Connect with Bram

Email: B.G.Sengers@soton.ac.uk

Tel: +44 23 8059 3300

ORCID

Dr Claire Jackson

Principal Research Fellow

Accepting applications from PhD students

Connect with Claire

Email: C.L.JACKSON@soton.ac.uk

Tel: +44 2381208798

ORCID

Professor Delphine Boche

Professor of Neuroimmunopathology

Research interests

  • Neuroimmunology and neurodegeneration
  • Immunophenotyping immune cells
  • Human brain pathology
Connect with Delphine

Email: D.Boche@soton.ac.uk

Tel: +44 2380592219

Google Scholar
ORCID

Dr Emily Brookes

Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences

Research interests

  • Enhancer regulation of gene expression
  • Cortical development
  • Topological genome organisation

Accepting applications from PhD students

Connect with Emily

Email: E.Brookes@soton.ac.uk

Tel: +44 23 8059 0245

ORCID

Dr Franchesca Houghton

Associate Professor

Research interests

  • Pluripotent stem cells
  • Regenerative medicine
  • Preimplantation embryo development

Accepting applications from PhD students

Connect with Franchesca

Email: F.D.Houghton@soton.ac.uk

Tel: +44 2381208731

ORCID
Cutout head and shoulders of Professor Jon Dawson
Professor Jon Dawson
Director, CHDSCR
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The CHDSCR provides a hub for the University’s unique strengths in stem cell science and its translation drawing together researchers from Medicine, Life Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering.
Cutout head and shoulders of Dr Melissa Andrews
Doctor Melissa Andrews
Co-director, CHDSCR
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As my research group studies nervous system regeneration, being a part of the CHDSCR community provides an optimal platform for us to share ideas and collaborate with others interested in regenerative medicine.
Cutout head and shoulders of Dr Owen Rackham
Doctor Owen Rackham
Associate Professor (SBS, Systems Biology)
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I develop computational and experimental technologies to understand cell fate decisions and their role in disease. Together with colleagues in the CHDSCR, we aim to use these technologies to find novel ways to intervene when faulty cell-fate decisions impact on our health.

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Connect with us

Enquiries

If you have specific research enquiries, please contact individual academics listed in the 'People' section on this page.

Centre for Human Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration
Faculty of Medicine (School of Human Development and Health) 
University of Southampton  
Southampton General Hospital 
Tremona Road
Southampton SO16 6YD