Impact at the School of Medicine

Making a difference to people's lives with our cutting-edge research and world class clinical trials.

The work we do translates directly from the laboratory into the real world, where it engages and informs different sectors concerned with healthcare including the NHS, industry, government, charities and the public.

Highlights

Improving the health of adults and young people with learning disabilities

Our researchers are enabling GPs to screen adults and young people with learning disabilities for a range of health conditions through an effective screening tool, the Cardiff Health Check.

learning disabled boy working in restaurant

Supporting learning disabled and autistic young people into employment

Our research has led to better support for young people with learning disabilities and autism to help them find paid work across Wales.

Developing the Human Gene Mutation Database into an international resource for improved diagnosis of diseases

The database became the central unified repository for disease-related genetic variation in the germline, with over 9,000 new entries per year by the Cardiff University team.

Global adoption of the Dermatology Life Quality Index into clinical practice

The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) is a clinical assessment tool, developed by researchers at Cardiff University via research published in 1994.

Application of mTOR inhibitors as first line therapy for tuberous sclerosis-associated kidney disease

Our research on the molecular mechanisms underlying tumour growth in TSC patients and the effectiveness of mTOR inhibitors to reduce tumour growth.

Clinical algorithm leads to international changes in the treatment of postpartum haemorrhage

Development of new treatment protocols leads to reduction in massive bleeding and transfusion after childbirth across Wales, and changes to national and international clinical practice guidelines.

Improving care and quality of life for patients with inflammatory skin conditions

Our research improves clinical care in people with the inflammatory skin condition hidradenitis suppurativa.

Embedding a new model of shared decision making in healthcare policy and practice

Our research embeds a new model of shared decision making in healthcare policy and practice.

Image shows stylised image of a brain cell

Improving opportunities for people with Huntington’s disease through physiotherapy

Our research is empowering people with Huntington’s disease to access exercise and physiotherapy to help manage their symptoms.

Growing social prescribing for health

Green ‘social prescribing’ works by enabling healthcare professionals to refer people to nature-based activities.

Smarter recycling to cut hospital waste

The NHS produces up to 600,000 tonnes of waste each year, and around 85% of this waste is categorized as non-hazardous.

Creating a ‘Virtual Hospital’ for Wales

The 19-month collaboration aims to create a multi-disciplinary, and cross speciality, undergraduate and postgraduate online virtual environment that will showcase Wales as an exemplar of medical education.

Therapeutic coaching for better mental health

EmotionMind Dynamic (EMD) has been developed by founder Hayley Wheeler and combines coaching, teaching, mentoring, counselling, and mindfulness to improve emotional wellbeing and self-esteem.

The Novel Tracheostomy Tube Support Vest

Evaluating a tracheostomy vest

The vest is designed to improve physiotherapy practices for enabling tracheostomy patients get back on their feet and regain strength after treatment.

Trialling geko™ device in COVID-19 patients

geko™ provides painless neuromuscular electrostimulation to the lower leg.

3D printed exhalation ports - an example of repurposing equipment to meet new demands.

NHS and engineers join forces to build hub

The two-year project brings together Softgel Solutions Ltd, Innotech Engineering, Cardiff University, and Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board.

Personalised virtual surgery for knee arthritis treatment

TOKA® is a collaborative project between 3D Metal Printing and the Centre of Orthopaedic Biomechanics from the University of Bath.

Ophthalmic imaging data shared with hospital eye consultant using OpenEyes dedicated Electronic Patient Record system.

Transforming eyecare services in Wales

Working to bring High Street optometrists, clinicians and Welsh Government together to reduce the burden on hospitals.

A model of a future rheatre. Credit: Assistive Technologies Innovation Centre (ATiC), UWTSD.

Experts design and build sustainable operating theatres

The pioneering project aims to reduce the carbon footprint of operating theatres, which typically make up 20-30% of a hospital’s carbon footprint.

Using tropical rainforests to treat infection

Exploring how compounds found in seeds from Queensland’s Fountain’s Blushwood Tree can be harnessed to create novel wound-healing therapies.

Fighting the rise of the superbug

Discovery of a new antibiotic resistant gene by Cardiff University researchers changes global attitude and policy to monitoring and prevention.

Treating locally advanced prostate cancer

Our researchers reveal the best technique for treating locally advanced prostate cancer.

A clinical basis for identifying child abuse

A pioneering research programme for more reliable clinical assessments of child abuse and neglect.

Cannabis use and schizophrenia

Is cannabis use linked to schizophrenia?