2024 events

Upcoming Events

Making a difference: from trial evidence to national programme

September 4^th Canynge Hall 4.30-6.00 pm talk followed by drinks and pizza

Gene Feder MD FRCGP FMedSci OBE

Professor of Primary Health Care, Centre for Academic Primary Care, Population Health Sciences

"As clinical researchers, we are blessed with interesting work that also pays the mortgage. But an underlying motivation, not shared by medieval history scholars, is to improve the care and outcome of patients or the population. I will briefly describe the trajectory of my research from the epidemiology of domestic violence to a cluster randomised trial of an intervention to improve the health care response to the implementation and scaling up of that intervention nationally and internationally. I will end with some lessons that may be transferable to your trajectories.

I qualified at Guy's Hospital medical school, following a BSc in Biology and Philosophy from the University of Sussex. I trained as a GP and was a principal in Hackney for 21 years until moving to Bristol. My research started with the health and healthcare of Traveller Gypsies, followed by studies on the development and implementation of clinical guidelines, management of chronic respiratory and cardiovascular conditions in primary care and the health impact of domestic violence. My current research focuses on healthcare responses to domestic violence globally and interventions to prevent or mitigate the impact of violence. My methodological expertise is in randomised controlled trials and systematic reviews, also collaborating with epidemiologists and social scientists on cohort and qualitative studies respectively.

Previous Events

Memorable Academic Gathering: Insights from Professor John Iredale

We extend our thanks to everyone who attended Professor John Iredale's enlightening academic visit, both in person and online. The event, which saw the participation of 30 academics, was a rich tapestry of shared experiences and insights.

Professor Iredale, internationally renowned for his work on liver fibrosis, emphasised the importance of intellectual generosity and the paramount role of people in academic success. "It's about the team – they are your legacy," he remarked, highlighting the necessity of developing others and fostering multi-disciplinary collaborations.

One of the key takeaways from his talk was the perspective on research outcomes. "If your result doesn’t fit your hypothesis, have another look – it may be more useful than one that does!" he advised, encouraging researchers to embrace unexpected findings and the potential they hold.

Facing Challenges Head-On

Professor Iredale shared candid reflections on his journey, including the trials and tribulations he faced. "Stuff happens! Don’t shy away from the difficult and the critical," he urged. He spoke of how his family kept him grounded through his career highs and lows.

Reflecting on his entry into the field of liver research, he humorously pondered, "How did I get into this?" recounting his interactions with notable colleagues like Kushala Abeysekera, Stuart Forbes, Tim Kendall, Neil Henderson, Prakash Ramachandran and Jonathan Fallowfield. Plus the international greats of the fibrosis field. His recommendation of hillwalking in Ben Nevis as a source of inspiration was well-received.

A particularly moving moment was his discussion of a self-portrait from a patient at Addenbrooke’s Hospital who was post liver transplant, demonstrating the profound impact of the disease.

Breakthroughs in Liver Research

Professor Iredale's journey in liver research began with the development of a model focusing on hepatic stellate cells and their role in liver fibrosis. His ground-breaking work revealed that fibrosis, once thought to be irreversible, can indeed regress under certain conditions. This challenged the long-standing dogma and opened new avenues for treatment.

He explained how fibrosis causes portal hypertension and contributes to 40% of deaths in affected populations, and is particularly challenging for those from both developed and developing countries. His research demonstrated the complex interactions between collagenase and TIMP1, a potent collagenase inhibitor, and the pathological model of matrix degradation.

Collaboration and Generosity in Research

Throughout his career, Professor Iredale has been a proponent of collaboration and the sharing of ideas. His generous approach has fostered cross-disciplinary and international partnerships, significantly advancing the field of liver research. "Conversations and being generous with ideas – sharing data nationally and internationally with multidisciplinary clinical groups – are crucial," he emphasised.

He also discussed the critical role of hepatic macrophages in both fibrogenesis and the resolution of fibrosis. His studies showed the impact of macrophages in remodelling scarring, underscoring their importance in liver health.

Perseverance and Reflection

Professor Iredale's career is a testament to tenacity. He shared the challenges he faced, including the sudden loss of a mentor and the competitive nature of securing funding. His journey through the Medical Research Council (MRC) preparation and eventual fellowship demonstrated his resilience and dedication to his work.

"Go back to being who you are – stay close to those who are important to you," he advised, emphasising the importance of maintaining one's identity and support network amidst the pressures of an academic career.

In conclusion, Professor Iredale's visit was not just an academic discourse but a masterclass in the virtues of perseverance, collaboration and intellectual generosity. His reputation is not only built on the ground-breaking research he has conducted but also in the countless academics he has inspired and developed along the way.

Celia Gregson: 'Working as a Clinical Academic in a low middle income country setting'

Our CAT training event was held on Wed 24th April in Canynge Hall by Professor Celia Gregson Celia’s talk, 'Working as a clinical academic in a Low Middle Income Country setting  - practicalities and reflections' was accessible in person and via Teams.

Celia Gregson is a Professor of Clinical Epidemiology and a NIHR Global Health Research Professor of Healthy Ageing in sub-Saharan Africa, leading the Global Health and Ageing Research Unit at the University of Bristol and the Health Research Unit of Zimbabwe within the Biomedical Research and Training Institute in Harare. She is an Honorary Consultant Orthogeriatrician at the Royal United Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in Bath, UK. In 2018, Celia and colleagues founded the ‘Sub-Saharan African MuSculOskeletal Network’ (SAMSON; www.theSAMSON.org), which she co-directs. This network aims to build musculoskeletal research capacity across this region.

2023 Events

T‌he CAT School Research Showcase took place in November 2023.

CAT showcase booklet (PDF, 10,116kB)