Professor Chris Byrne has used a national stage to highlight growing evidence that a common metabolic liver disease can affect health far beyond the liver itself. He is one of only a handful of UK experts to give the keynote talk at HEART UK's annual conference in the past four decades. His lecture focused on metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), a common condition caused by excess fat building up in the liver. Increasingly, researchers are recognising that MASLD can affect many aspects of health. Internationally recognised expert Professor Byrne is an internationally recognised expert in metabolic liver disease, dyslipidaemias and type 2 diabetes. He is Professor of Metabolic Medicine at the University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton. His research forms part of the Nutrition, Lifestyle and Metabolism theme of the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre: Southampton. In 2026, he was included in the measuresHE Talent Global top 100 list for research contribution in Health Sciences. He has published over 600 peer-reviewed papers, cited almost 70,000 times. Prestigious honour HEART UK is the UK’s only charity dedicated to supporting people affected by high cholesterol and raising awareness of its impact on heart health. The Myant Lecture is HEART UK’s highest-profile keynote lecture. It is named in honour of Dr Nick Myant, widely regarded as a pioneer of lipid research in the UK. Professor Byrne gave the Myant Lecture at HEART UK’s 39th Annual Medical and Scientific Conference in Nottingham. Global health challenge MASLD affects millions of people worldwide. Researchers are increasingly recognising its importance as a major public health challenge. Prof Byrne’s talk highlighted the growing recognition of MASLD as a condition that affects multiple aspects of health, extending beyond the liver itself. Discussing the lecture, Professor Byrne said: “It is a great honour for the MASLD team, the Faculty and the NIHR BRC to be awarded this keynote lecture, and to be one of only nine UK recipients to receive this award in the last 38 years.” A recording of Professor Byrne’s lecture is available to watch online.

This October, the NIHR Biomedical Research Centres in Bristol, Exeter and Southampton will come together for a one-day event showcasing innovation and high-impact research from across the South West. Industry to Impact: Launching the South West NIHR BRC Alliance will take place at Sandy Park, Exeter, on Tuesday 20th October. It will bring together colleagues from across the NHS, academia, industry and the NIHR to share examples of cutting-edge research and explore how discoveries can be translated into benefits for patients and health systems. The day will also provide an opportunity to strengthen collaboration across our three BRCs and with partners across the region. Registration for the event is now open. Register here Want to get involved? Alongside registration for the event, we’re inviting: Innovators to submit an Expression of Interest for a showcase stand and/or short presentation, highlighting technologies being advanced through our BRCs. Early and Mid-Career Researchers from Bristol, Exeter and Southampton BRCs to submit an abstract for consideration for an oral presentation. Deadline for both calls: 12 noon, Monday 14 September Innovator Showcase ECR/MCR Abstract Call We’ll be sharing more about the event and the South West NIHR BRC Alliance over the coming weeks.

The first clinical trial of a new vaccine designed to protect against mpox has reported encouraging early results. The study tested an mRNA-based candidate vaccine called BNT166a in healthy adult volunteers. Researchers found that the vaccine was generally safe and well tolerated. Crucially, the vaccine also triggered a strong immune response, producing antibodies capable of recognising and fighting the virus. These responses were seen across all dose levels and in both people who had and had not previously been vaccinated against related viruses. The international trial was led by University Hospital Southampton, with participants taking part at three NIHR Clinical Research Facilities as well as two sites in the USA. Researchers have published their findings in The Lancet Infectious Diseases. New generation of vaccines Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a viral infection that can cause painful skin lesions and, in some cases, serious complications. Recent global outbreaks have highlighted the need for new, scalable vaccines that can be rapidly deployed to protect populations at risk. This new vaccine uses mRNA technology, similar to that used successfully in COVID-19 vaccines. It works by teaching the body to recognise specific proteins from the virus, helping the immune system respond quickly if exposed. It has been developed by life sciences company BioNTech. Professor Saul Faust, UK Chief Investigator for the trial, Director of the NIHR Clinical Research Facility: Southampton, and Co-lead of the Microbiology, Immunology and Infection theme at the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre: Southampton, said: “These findings are an important step forward in the development of a new generation of vaccines against mpox. We’ve shown that this mRNA vaccine approach can safely generate strong immune responses in people, which is very encouraging. “The trial results also showed some initial evidence that the vaccine might provide some protection against different clinical strains that have occurred in human outbreaks. “While further studies are needed, this brings us closer to having more effective and adaptable tools to respond to outbreaks and protect vulnerable communities.” First-in-human trial The trial was designed primarily to assess safety and immune responses, rather than how well the vaccine prevents infection. A total of 64 people took part, including 48 participants who had not previously been vaccinated against related viruses and a further 16 who had. Most side effects were mild to moderate and short-lived. UK participants were seen at the NIHR Southampton Clinical Research Facility at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, the NIHR Cambridge Clinical Research Facility at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and the NIHR Royal Surrey Clinical Research Facility at Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust. Professor Krishna Chatterjee is Director of the NIHR Clinical Research Facility: Cambridge. He is also a Consultant Endocrinologist at Cambridge University Hospitals and Professor of Endocrinology at the University of Cambridge. He said: “This trial showed how UK Government investment in early-phase trial facilities can support industry to rapidly test new vaccines and medicines before proceeding to larger scale trials.” The vaccine is now progressing to a larger trial to confirm its effectiveness in real-world settings.

University Hospital Southampton (UHS) has joined the first clinical trial of a Bundibugyo Ebola vaccine developed in response to the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Bundibugyo ebolavirus causes a severe illness that can be fatal in up to half of people who become infected. There are currently no approved vaccines specifically for this species of Ebola. This makes the development and testing of new vaccines an important global health priority. The vaccine is called the ChAdOx1 BDBV Vaccine. It was developed by scientists at the University of Oxford. It uses the same vaccine technology that was used to create the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. This helped protect millions of people around the world during the pandemic. Researchers hope it could help protect communities affected by this Ebola outbreak and outbreaks in the future. Rapid response to outbreak The current Bundibugyo ebolavirus outbreak was officially declared in May 2026. Researchers at the University of Oxford responded rapidly to launch this vaccine trial, called BD-Ebov, in Oxford in July. The NIHR Clinical Research Facility at UHS has now joined the study as a second location. The trial is being delivered by the hospital through its NIHR Biomedical Research Centre: Southampton. The trial will recruit 50 healthy volunteers aged between 18 and 55. Participants will receive either one or two doses of the vaccine or a placebo. They will attend regular appointments over the course of a year. These visits will allow researchers to monitor the vaccine's safety and measure the immune response it produces. Volunteers will be reimbursed for their time, travel and inconvenience. Joining an 'international effort' Professor Chrissie Jones, Principal Investigator for the study in Southampton, said: “The current Bundibugyo ebolavirus outbreak is a reminder that emerging infectious diseases remain a serious global threat. We're proud that Southampton will play a key role in this important international effort. By taking part, volunteers can make a real contribution to research that could help save lives around the world.” Professor Chrissie Jones Professor Katrina Pollock, Chief Investigator of the trial and Associate Director of the Oxford Vaccine Group, said: “This first-in-human study of a Bundibugyo ebolavirus vaccine is important in the fight against this lethal outbreak of Ebola. It is really encouraging that the experienced clinical trial team in Southampton are joining us to deliver this Phase 1 trial. “Our team are grateful to all our partners and the participants in our trials, without whom we could not do this work to protect public health.”

By Dr Joseph Larvin As an anaesthetist, I look after people undergoing surgery every week. Many of the choices we make are informed by strong evidence, but in paediatric anaesthesia there are still important gaps in our knowledge. My research is focussed on how we care for children before, during and after surgery. As with most areas of research, paediatrics is often under-represented in perioperative care. This is due in part to the additional challenges that come with conducting research in this age group. I am passionate about ensuring that what we do as anaesthetists is based on the best-quality evidence possible. My work has specifically looked at comparing the two types of anaesthetics that are commonly used: intravenous agents and inhaled gases. I’m also interested in the different levels of supplemental oxygen used during anaesthesia. I have been fortunate enough that the early results from these trials have had recognition at both the national and international level. Developing research evidence During my time as an NIHR academic clinical fellow, I worked within the BRC’s Perioperative and Critical Care theme to set up two small, randomised pilot trials at Southampton Children’s Hospital. These looked at the impact of some of the choices anaesthetists make when anaesthetising children. Since finishing this fellowship in 2025, I have continued my clinical training in anaesthesia. Currently in my ST5 year, I have been able to complete recruitment to the two trials and begin the analysis phase. The hope is that the manuscripts generated will ultimately form a thesis for submission. Dr Larvin being presented with second prize for the John J. Downes Resident Research Award from the American Academy of Pediatrics in 2025. Image courtesy of the Society for Pediatric Anesthesia. Learning to lead When considering how to take my work forward, Dr Andrew Cumpstey, Senior Clinical Lecturer at the University, alerted me to a Research Leaders Scheme run by the Royal College of Anaesthetists. Southampton has a strong history of participants in this programme, including Andy and Professors Denny Levett and Mark Edwards. It is designed to provide training and mentorship to those interested in taking research forward as part of their clinical careers, alongside broadening their research experiences and outlook. I decided submit an application and, after an interview, I was very pleased to be offered a place. The first in-person meeting will be in November, timed around the Anaesthesia Research 2026 meeting, which is being held in Southampton this year. Growing through collaboration In addition to acquiring new technical skills, I very much hope to be able to make the most of the shared problem-solving and peer support elements of the programme to help navigate upcoming challenges. These might include securing funding, developing larger studies and establishing collaborations. I also hope that I will be able to contribute to the group, through sharing my experiences and the lessons I’ve learned through working with participants who have all been under 3 years old! As I begin this next stage of my research journey, I look forward to helping build the evidence that will shape the future of anaesthetic care for children.

Declining folic acid supplement use before pregnancy is undermining progress in preventing serious birth defects, say leading health experts. Recent national data for England shows fewer than one in five women are now taking folic acid before pregnancy. Southampton researchers warn that the trend could slow progress in reducing preventable birth defects and increase health inequalities unless action is taken. The experts are all part of the NIHR Inequalities Challenge: Maternity Disparities Consortium. Their paper has been published today in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Critical early protection Folic acid is a form of vitamin B9. It plays a vital role in helping a baby's brain and spinal cord develop during the earliest weeks of pregnancy. Taking a daily folic acid supplement before pregnancy and during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy can reduce the risk of neural tube defects. These include conditions such as spina bifida. The challenge is that these defects develop before many women realise they are pregnant. Researchers note that although more women are starting folic acid after their pregnancy is confirmed, this is often too late to provide maximum protection. This is because closure of the neural tube is usually complete by the end of the fourth week after conception. The new BJOG paper highlights new NHS data. This shows that the proportion of women taking folic acid before pregnancy has fallen from 26% in 2020/21 to below 20% in 2024/25. Beyond flour fortification The findings come as the UK prepares to introduce mandatory folic acid fortification of non-wholemeal wheat flour. This will start in December 2026. While the researchers welcome the move, UK government advice stresses that fortification alone will not provide enough folic acid for everyone. This should not replace supplements for women who are planning a pregnancy. Dr Danielle Schoenaker is an NIHR Advanced Fellow at the University of Southampton and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre (BRC): Southampton. She was lead author of the commentary. She said: "Taking folic acid before pregnancy is one of the simplest and most effective steps women can take to support a healthy start for their baby. It is therefore worrying to see the number of women taking supplements before pregnancy continuing to fall. "Many people do not realise that the baby's brain and spinal cord begin developing very early in pregnancy, often before a pregnancy has been confirmed. This means that waiting until after a positive pregnancy test can be too late to gain the full protective benefits of folic acid. "The planned fortification of flour is an important and positive development. However, it should be seen as part of the solution rather than the complete answer. Women who are planning a pregnancy will still need clear advice and support to take folic acid supplements." Addressing health inequalities There are major differences in folic acid use between different communities and regions of England. Uptake remains lower among women living in more deprived areas and among some ethnic minority groups. London has seen increasing rates of folic acid use. Several other regions have experienced notable declines. Professor Keith Godfrey, a co-author of the paper from the University and NIHR BRC: Southampton, added: "We need a joined-up approach. This should combine effective fortification at higher levels than mandated in the UK with better education, accessible preconception care and targeted support for communities where supplement use remains low. "By helping more women to take folic acid before pregnancy, we have an opportunity to reduce preventable health problems and give more children the best possible start in life." The authors are calling for renewed public health campaigns. These must clearly communicate the benefits while giving a strong rebuttal of misinformation. They argue that preventing neural tube defects requires both effective food fortification and continued support for women to take supplements before pregnancy.

Survivors of intensive care who experience post-traumatic stress could benefit from a specialist type of talking therapy, according to new research. Around 200,000 people survive a stay in intensive care in the UK each year. Around one in four of these patients experience significant symptoms of post-traumatic stress. If left untreated, these symptoms can last for years. The EMERALD study was delivered through the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre (BRC): Southampton. It assessed Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy at three NHS hospitals. The findings show the therapy is both feasible and acceptable for patients recovering from critical illness. The early results were very encouraging, with greater improvements in post-traumatic stress symptoms among those offered EMDR. Researchers have published their findings in The Lancet series’ eClinicalMedicine. Supporting psychological recovery EMDR is a type of talking therapy that helps people heal from trauma, anxiety and PTSD by altering how distressing memories are stored in the brain. Delivered one-on-one by certified clinicians, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation while the client briefly focuses on a traumatic memory. The prompts can include guided side-to-side eye movements, auditory tones or rhythmic taps. It is a recommended treatment for PTSD following other types of trauma and is available through some NHS mental health services. Access varies across the country. Intensive care can involve severe physical illness, sedation and delirium. These may affect memories and recovery in different ways. Researchers therefore need to test carefully whether EMDR is effective for this particular group. It is not routinely offered as part of critical care recovery. Dr Andrew Bates was Chief Investigator of the EMERALD study. He is a Research Fellow at University Hospital Southampton. He said: “Many people survive critical illness but continue to live with the psychological impact of what they experienced in intensive care. "Patients often tell us that frightening memories, nightmares and anxiety can persist long after they have recovered physically. Trying to manage these symptoms alongside an already complicated physical recovery can place an enormous burden on patients and families. “Our study shows that it is possible to identify these patients, offer them specialist trauma-focused support and keep them engaged with treatment. The early results are very encouraging, but this was a small study. “The next step is a much larger national trial to find out whether EMDR improves symptoms and helps people rebuild their lives. This could provide the evidence needed for it to become part of NHS critical care recovery pathways.” Dr Bates was first motivated to start the research after he himself benefited from EMDR therapy. He accessed the treatment when he was affected by a difficult clinical situation at work. He is part of the UHS Research Leaders Programme and has recently secured two awards from the NIHR to help take this study to its next stage. Encouraging trial results The EMERALD study followed intensive care unit (ICU) survivors after discharged. It identified those with clinically significant symptoms of post-traumatic stress. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either EMDR alongside usual care or usual care alone. The study engaged 160 ICU survivors, with 40 taking part in the randomised trial. Researchers found high levels of engagement with treatment and follow-up. Three quarters of participants who started therapy completed a full course of treatment. No treatment-related serious adverse events were reported. Professor Mike Grocott is Director of the NIHR BRC and Theme Lead for Perioperative and Critical Care. He said: “Surviving critical illness is only the first step in recovery. These findings offer real hope that we can better support the thousands of people who experience post-traumatic stress symptoms after intensive care and move towards more personalised recovery pathways for patients and families.” Hazel's story In January 2024, Hazel Southam from Hampshire was rushed to hospital with the sudden onset of a rare autoimmune condition. Her body was mistakenly attacking healthy tissue in her lungs. She spent over two months in hospital in Southampton and London. This included 43 days in intensive care and three weeks in an induced coma. “I couldn’t breathe and thought I had died at one point,” she explained. “I was well cared for but experienced delirium, probably because of the medication. I was later told that I had post-ICU PTSD.” Hazel privately underwent two rounds of EMDR therapy. “It made a huge difference,” she said. “After 10 months of insomnia caused by the PTSD, I was finally able to sleep. This therapy isn’t a nice-to-have; it’s essential. There needs to be a recovery of the mind as well as a recovery of the body. “I now live a relatively normal life, but the shadow of the illness is still there and has changed me in every way.” Hazel met Dr Bates during her treatment at UHS. She is now a central public contributor in the continuing research and a co-author in the new paper. “I want to bring good for other people out of my bad experience,” she explained. “This research is one way to do this and could make a dramatic difference to people’s chances of living a full life.” Research shaped together Dr Esther Mukuka, NIHR Director of Research Inclusion, said: "Including the public in the design of clinical research is good science. It’s what makes research work for people across the UK and beyond. "Hazel's experience is a prime example of how research that is intentionally designed, conducted and communicated with the public's involvement produces rigorous, generalisable, and impactful science that benefits the entire population. “NIHR is funded by the public for the public, working with everyone in our society. By listening to diverse communities across the nation, our research stays focused on the health and care outcomes that will make the biggest difference to people’s lives." Dr Bates added: “I have been humbled by the patients who have so willingly given their time and shared difficult experiences to make this research possible. “Research is strongest when it is shaped by the people it is intended to help, and it has been a delight to have Hazel as a central member of our team. Her lived experience helps us ask better questions and makes the research stronger. “Through this partnership, we want to see the psychological impact of intensive care recognised earlier and people offered the best possible support."

The world-first trial of a fridge-free tetanus-diphtheria vaccine has produced encouraging results. Around half of vaccines are wasted globally each year, according to the World Health Organization. Millions of vaccine doses are lost because of temperature changes during storage and transport. Fridge-free vaccines have the potential to transform vaccine delivery by reducing this dependence on refrigeration. This would improve access in more isolated communities. It would also reduce the environmental impact by removing vast amounts of energy that lead to emissions. The first-in-human trial took place in the NIHR Clinical Research Facility (CRF) at University Hospital Southampton. It was delivered through the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre (BRC): Southampton. Well tolerated The phase I study found the vaccine was well tolerated. There were no vaccine-related serious adverse events. Results have been published today in The Lancet group’s eClinicalMedicine. The reformulated vaccine is known as SPVX02. It was developed by UK-based biotech company Stablepharma. The research shows that SPVX02 can be stored at temperatures of up to 30°C for at least two years without losing its effectiveness. Scientists are now investigating whether it can remain stable for as long as four years. Researchers have also demonstrated that the vaccine remains stable, and fully potent, after three cycles of extreme temperature fluctuation from -20°C to +40°C. Professor Saul Faust, Director of the NIHR CRF and Theme Co-Lead for the NIHR BRC in Southampton, who led the study, said: “Keeping vaccines cold from the factory to the patient is one of the biggest challenges facing immunisation programmes worldwide. Our study suggests that this vaccine can remain safe and effective without refrigeration. “If larger studies confirm these findings, this technology could help transform the way vaccines are stored and delivered around the world.” The randomised trial, which also involved the Medicines Evaluation Unit in Manchester, enrolled 60 healthy adults. By 28 days after vaccination, all participants receiving SPVX02 achieved protective antibody levels against both tetanus and diphtheria. This demonstrated immune responses comparable to licensed vaccines. The eClinicalMedicine publication follows the launch of a Phase 2b trial. This will further assess the vaccine in a larger group of participants. 'A pivotal moment' Stablepharma's technology platform, StablevaX, can be applied to vaccines, small molecules, peptides and biologics. They are currently working with a partner to thermostabilise small molecule oncology and anti-infective products, in addition to other vaccines. Özgür Tuncer, Stablepharma CEO and Executive Director, said: “This peer reviewed validation represents a pivotal moment for our StablevaX platform and the future of thermostable vaccines. These findings strengthen the scientific and global health case for a new generation of fridge free vaccines, particularly in regions where cold chain limitations hinder equitable access.” Health and Social Care Minister Diana Johnson said: “This pioneering research demonstrates how British innovation is helping to tackle some of the biggest challenges in global healthcare. Research is providing life-saving breakthroughs for use around the world. “Right now, people are dying of preventable diseases all over the world, not due to a lack of vaccines, but a lack of refrigeration. Fridge-free vaccines have the potential to be a game-changer for global health, especially for people in remote communities, or regions affected by conflict. "Backed by NIHR's world-leading research, this breakthrough shows once again how our investment in science and life sciences is driving better health outcomes. It is also supporting economic growth and reinforcing the UK's position at the forefront of medical innovation." Chief Scientific Adviser at the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and Chief Executive Officer of the NIHR, Professor Lucy Chappell, said: "Vaccines save lives, but only if they can reach the people who need them. Removing the need for refrigeration could be transformative for communities around the world. "This is a great example of UK research once again leading the way to bring life-saving treatments to people where they are, making health equity a reality." Focus on 2027 Stablepharma’s SPVX02 vaccine has been developed with support from Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). It is a reformulated version of the WHO-prequalified Tetadif tetanus-diphtheria vaccine. Scientists from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) provided specialist laboratory testing. Stablepharma expects to complete the clinical development programme for SPVX02 by 2027.

Southampton researchers are part of a new collaboration that will assess the economic impact of undernutrition across the UK. The ambitious research programme aims to deliver the most comprehensive assessment of this in more than a decade. It will be delivered by a new collaboration between the University of Southampton (UoS), the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre: Southampton (BRC) and the British Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (BAPEN). What is undernutrition? Undernutrition occurs when a person does not receive enough energy, protein or other nutrients to meet their body's needs. Over time, this can negatively affect body weight and composition, physical function and overall health. It can lead to anaemia, vulnerability to infection, night blindness, reduced fertility. In some cases, it can lead to heart failure. Undernutrition contributes to worse patient outcomes, increased complications and longer hospital stays. It remains one of the UK's most under-recognised yet significant public health and clinical challenges. Evidence consistently shows that identifying and treating undernutrition early can improve patient outcomes. It can also reduce pressure on overstretched services. Creating a 'comprehensive picture' The programme will generate new evidence on the cost of undernutrition to health and social care systems. It will cover England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. This will provide a vital foundation for future policy, advocacy and improvements to nutritional care. Following a competitive tender process, a joint UoS and BRC team have now been appointed to undertake the research. The team brings together internationally recognised experts. This includes in nutritional science, health economics, gastroenterology, geriatrics and healthcare policy. Professor Philip Calder is Professor of Nutritional Immunology at UoS and the NIHR BRC: Southampton. “This project represents a unique opportunity to bring together the latest clinical, economic and population health data to create the most comprehensive picture of undernutrition's impact across the UK,” he said. “By examining the burden across different care settings and nations, we hope to generate evidence that is both academically rigorous and directly relevant to the real-world challenges facing health and social care services.” Understanding the scale of today’s challenge The research will build on BAPEN's 2015 report that was delivered with the NIHR BRC Southampton. This estimated that malnutrition (including undernutrition) in England alone cost £19.6 billion per year. This is equivalent to more than 15% of public expenditure on health and social care at the time. Ten years on, the UK's population, patterns of ill health, models of care and economic landscape have changed significantly. This creates an urgent need for evidence to reflect today's reality. “UoS and our NIHR BRC have a long history of leading research into nutrition and health,” said Professor Calder. “We are delighted to be working with BAPEN on this important update. “Ten years after the original report, there is a clear need for contemporary evidence that reflects today's healthcare landscape and the challenges facing both patients and services.” Dr Nick Thompson is a Consultant Gastroenterologist and BAPEN President. “Undernutrition affects millions of people across the UK,” he said. “It contributes to poorer health outcomes, and increases demand on already stretched health and social care services. It has a profound impact on patients, families and carers. Yet much of the evidence currently used to demonstrate its impact is now more than a decade old. “This new research represents an important investment in understanding the true scale of the challenge today. “Robust, up-to-date evidence will strengthen the case for improving nutritional care. It will support policymakers and healthcare leaders. Ultimately, it will help improve outcomes for patients across the UK. “We are delighted to be working with the University of Southampton on this landmark project.” The results of the report will support ongoing efforts. These aim to ensure nutritional care is recognised as a critical component of improving population health. The research will also align with broader ambitions. These include prevention, community-based care and improving patient outcomes. The research is now underway. It is expected that the report will be published in 2027.

Dr Helena Fisk has been named as this year’s Julie Wallace Award winner by the Nutrition Society. The prize recognises outstanding early career researchers who have demonstrated scientific excellence. Winners must have made significant contributions to the field of nutrition. Dr Fisk is a Lecturer in Nutritional Science at the University of Southampton. She is supported by the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre (BRC). Obesity and inflammation Dr Fisk’s research focuses on inflammation associated with obesity. Excess body fat releases lipids (fats) and proteins that cause chronic inflammation throughout the body. This inflammation increases the person’s risk of developing a wide range of diseases. These include cardiovascular disease, liver disease and type 2 diabetes. She is investigating whether eating more healthy fats, such as omega-3, can help reduce this inflammation. Recognising excellence Dr Fisk delivered her award lecture at the 2026 Nutrition Society Irish Section Conference. This focussed on the potential of using healthy fats to treat obesity-associated inflammation. She has been invited to publish a review on this topic in the Proceedings of the Nutrition Society journal. She will also present at the Nutrition Society's Nutrition Futures conference later this year. Sharing her career journey Alongside this recognition, Dr Fisk recently shared her career journey at a Nutrition Society event. The Refuelling Conversations event brought together early-career professionals from academia and industry. They discussed emerging topics in nutrition, shared experiences and built professional networks. "I am deeply honoured to be recognised alongside the incredible group of researchers who have previously won this award," said Dr Fisk. "I'm incredibly grateful to my mentors, collaborators and colleagues. Their support, encouragement and expertise have shaped my career so far."

Air pollution from cruise ships could be damaging the health of people living in port cities, new research shows. Southampton researchers found tiny particles in the air that could lead to inflammation and make people more vulnerable to viruses. The research has now been published in the journal Environment International. Studying the air at Southampton's port The researchers studied tiny dust particles, known as ultrafine particulate matter (PM), in the air within Southampton’s port. They found the air contained PM enriched with trace elements from the burning of shipping fuel. Laboratory tests found these particles increase inflammatory signals. They also weaken cells’ defence against viral infections like COVID-19 or the common cold. Matthew Loxham is Professor of Respiratory Biology and Toxicology at the University of Southampton. He is also part of the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre (BRC). “In this research we’ve identified a clear air pollution ‘signature’ coming from cruise ships burning fuel in ports,” he said. “The ultrafine particles contained in these ships’ emissions can penetrate deeper into the lungs than larger sizes of particulate matter, and may be able to enter the bloodstream. But particles of this size are essentially unregulated and generally not monitored. “We found that exposure of cells to these particles, and vanadium – the most enriched element in the particles – was both pro-inflammatory and facilitated the replication of viruses.” Identifying the source PM is released from a wide range of sources. It is known to affect the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. There is also emerging evidence of associated metabolic, neurological and infection-related harms. Emissions from ships contribute around eight percent of total global emissions of breathable PM. This has been associated with over 400,000 deaths and 14 million childhood asthma hospitalisations every year. For the first-time, the researchers carried out an in-depth investigation of the make-up and toxicology of PM within a busy port. The team chose five sampling sites located around Southampton’s port area. These included a dock gate used for movement of heavy good vehicles, a container ship terminal and a busy cruise terminal. They also sampled a comparison site to provide a benchmark reading. This was located five kilometres away from the port. PM samples were collected in the late spring and early summer. They were also collected during the winter at the cruise terminal, during the ‘off-season’ when far fewer cruise ships visit. At the cruise terminal, researchers found higher levels of vanadium, nickel and cobalt in fine and ultrafine PM during the busy summer season than in the quieter winter months. Concentrations of these trace elements were also generally higher across the port than at the comparison site. Dr Nat Easton from the University of Southampton was a coauthor on the paper. She is also part of the NIHR Southampton BRC. “We saw increases in concentration when the wind was coming from the direction of the ships, and when ship presence was higher,” she said. “The higher concentrations at the cruise terminal than the rest of the port is perhaps due to increased emissions from ‘hoteling’ cruise ships compared to cargo ships, but difference in fuel origins and berth occupancy times may also play a role.” The research was funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, Leverhulme Trust and Medical Research Council. It was also funded by the NIHR Southampton BRC, Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute, and Southampton Institute for Life Sciences. Health implications The researchers conducted a series of laboratory tests. These exposed airway and lung lining cells to the PM they had collected. In cells exposed to the summer season’s cruise terminal ultrafine PM, they found an increase in the expression of genes relating to an inflammatory response. They also found a decrease in the expression of antiviral response genes. Additional tests revealed that vanadium may play a role in this. The researchers infected cells from the lungs of healthy donors with human rhinovirus. This virus causes the common cold, and is a leading cause of hospitalisations following asthma attacks. They also used a model of COVID-19 coronavirus infection. “When exposed to vanadium, the number of copies of both viruses increased,” said Professor Loxham. “This indicates vanadium has a role in diminishing the ability of cells to prevent viral replication. This has potential implications for the severity and spread of infection.” The researchers say the findings lend weight to calls to reduce emissions from ships in populated areas. This could be achieved by adoption of shoreside power from clean energy sources or carefully selected alternative fuels. Improvement of emissions reduction technology could also play a part. They also say increased monitoring and regulation of ultrafine PM is needed to protect the health of people living near ports around the world.

Researchers in Southampton are joining forces to improve the health of children and young people. The Child Health Research Network has been launched by the University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton (UHS) and Southampton Children’s Hospital (part of UHS). The network brings together local researchers, clinicians, engineers, scientists and implementation partners from across Southampton and the wider region. By combining their expertise, they aim to develop health research that delivers real change for children and young people. Dozens of people started building momentum at a launch event at Explorer House in Southampton. Professor Mark Johnson, Professor of Child Health and Consultant Neonatologist, said: “Southampton has exceptional breadth in child health research. This network gives us a platform to connect that expertise, build new collaborations, and develop research that can make a real difference to the health and development of children and young people.” Launching the network Around 140 delegates attended the launch event, reflecting the breadth and energy of child health research across the university and hospital. Opening remarks from Professors Mark Johnson, Brigitte Vollmer, Shane Norris and Anne-Sophie Darlington set out the network's purpose. Three-minute pop-up talks showcased the diversity of work taking place across the city and the wider region. This highlighted the depth of expertise and the opportunities for greater integration. Delegates had the chance to network, hear about funding opportunities and take part in themed breakout sessions. These focused on five priority areas: Global Child Health the First 1,000 Days Technology, AI and Engineering Child and Adolescent Mental Health Microbiome and Mechanistic Biology External partners also attended. These included hospitals and universities from across Wessex Health Partners, local health authorities and commissioners. The event was supported by the University's Institute for Life Sciences. It was also supported by the NIHR Wessex Experimental Medicine Network. This forms part of the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre. Bringing together expertise Discussions at the event identified ways to build a more visible and connected child health research community. Attendees identified opportunities to strengthen links between research areas. They found ways to develop interdisciplinary funding applications. They also found ways to support research that can improve child health locally, nationally and globally. The new network will now build on the momentum of the launch event. Next steps include mapping expertise and identifying collaborative funding opportunities. They will also seek to develop mechanisms to support cross-disciplinary partnerships.