Academic Unit Overview
HDH - Human Development and the impact across the life-course
The HDH Academic Unit focuses on world leading research into human development and the mechanisms that underlie its impact on health and disease. HDH scientists, clinicians and students work in the laboratory, office, lecture theatre and clinic to understand the science, deliver excellence in teaching, and develop new treatments to make a difference. Many of our projects work on early onset life events including genetic and environmental influences affecting chronic lifelong disorders.
Through our internationally recognised Developmental Origins of Health and Disease Centre we incorporate the work of the Medical Research Council Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, the NIHR Nutrition Biomedical Research Centre and the University's Institute of Developmental Sciences. Our acclaimed researchers are working with the World Health Organization, the United Nations and other international government and non-government organisations to reduce the burden of non-communicable disease in both developed and developing countries.
Extensive links
We have extensive links with industry, the private sector and University Hospital Southampton in joint initiatives such as the development of the Wessex Genome Medicine Centre to understand the impact of genome testing for patients with rare developmental disorders.
Associated research themes
Bone and joint
Using stem cells and biomaterials to treat chronic and acute bone fracture repair; researching the impact of vitamin D supplements in the mother and reduction of risk later on of osteoporosis as the child journeys through life.
Mother pregnancy, child and cardiovascular
Understanding embryo and placental health and the impact in child and adulthood.
The study of cardiovascular responses across the life course – to identify what influences healthy vasculature in later life.
Human genetics and genomic medicine
Using new sequencing technologies for genomic stratification of disease and diagnosis to develop tailor-made drug targeting and medical management to progress personalised medicine.
Dissecting molecular mechanisms involved in gene function such as ... ion channels, RNA/splicing.
Nutrition and metabolism
Optimisation of nutrition to prevent and understand the metabolism underpinning disease such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, a major problem in obesity.
Epigenomics
Development of epigenetic biomarkers to provide early warning of at risk groups for lifelong disorders.
Determining the role of epigenomics in clinical diagnosis and understanding the genomic influences of gene expression using genetic imprinting as a model.
We encourage active public participation and our innovative LifeLab educational and Southampton Initiative for Health programmes aim to promote healthy lifestyles and health literacy in school students and young mothers.