The Coeliac Research Group (Howdle) contributed to a major international collaboration investigating the genetics of coeliac disease (see Nature Genetics 2007, 39, 827-829).
In Anaesthesia, recent Wellcome and MRC awards in collaboration with Biological Sciences in Leeds and in Harvard, are aimed at unravelling further the genetics of malignant hyperthermia and the consequent intracellular mechanisms (Hopkins).
Howell is leading a National Clinical Research Priority Setting Exercise in Anaesthesia, jointly sponsored by the Royal College of Anaesthetists, Association of Anaesthetists and the British Journal of Anaesthesia.
In colorectal surgery, the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic surgery, as demonstrated in the CLASICC trial (see Lancet 2005, 365, 1718-1726) has led to its recommendation by NICE for routine clinical use (Guillou). A New and Emerging Applications of Technology Grant is allowing development of a surgical robot for colorectal surgery (Jayne).
Howdle received a Wellcome “Engaging Science People Award” for a highly successful series of public seminars on “understanding the science of how your body works”.