About

Our vision

Directed by Prof Jon Dawson, we translate 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.

We do fundamental research into early development and stem cells together with applied translational research targeting the NHS and patient benefit.

Our vibrant and thriving interdisciplinary research programmes 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.

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

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

Dr Melissa Andrews

Associate Professor

Research interests

  • spinal cord injury
  • gene therapy
  • axonal regeneration

Accepting applications from PhD students

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Dr Mirella Cosma Spalluto PhD

Senior Research Fellow

Accepting applications from PhD students

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Professor Nick Evans

Associate Dean Research

Accepting applications from PhD students

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Dr Nicole Prior

Lecturer

Accepting applications from PhD students

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Dr Owen Rackham MSc, PhD

Professor

Accepting applications from PhD students

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Professor Philip Calder

Professor In Nutritional Immunology

Accepting applications from PhD students

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Dr Rahul Tare

Lecturer

Research interests

  • Human stem cell biology
  • Skeletal development
  • Regenerative Medicine strategies for cartilage repair

Accepting applications from PhD students

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Emeritus Professor Richard Oreffo DPhil DSc (Oxon) FMedSci FHEA FRSB FIOR

Research interests

  • Skeletal Regenerative MedicineSkeletal Stem Cells
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Professor Rob Ewing BSc(Hons), DPhil

Professor of Bioinformatics

Accepting applications from PhD students

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Dr Salah Elias

Associate Professor

Accepting applications from PhD students

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Cutout head and shoulders of Professor Jon Dawson
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.
Professor Jon Dawson
Director, CHDSCR
Cutout head and shoulders of Dr Melissa Andrews
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.
Doctor Melissa Andrews
Co-director, CHDSCR
Cutout head and shoulders of Dr Owen Rackham
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.
Doctor Owen Rackham
Associate Professor (SBS, Systems Biology)

Related research institutes, centres and groups

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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