NICHS 8th Scientific Research Conference

Our eighth annual Scientific Research Conference was held on Wednesday 29th February 2012 at the Lower Lecture Theatre, Institute of Clinical Science Block A, located at the Royal Victoria Hospital.  The conference is an excellent opportunity for delegates to learn about the valuable research we fund in Northern Ireland across the fields of respiratory and cardiovascular medicine. There were presentations from a range of Northern Ireland researchers who have received funding from NI Chest Heart & Stroke.

The Roger Lowry medal was presented to the best research presentation at the conference. Dr Lowry OBE FRCP FRCPI, retired as chairman of NI Chest Heart & Stroke after almost four decades as a dedicated volunteer. As a renowned respiratory consultant, his expertise has been a highly valuable resource to those involved in both research and services in the charity. This year the medal was awarded to Ms Aisling Gough, Nursing and Midwifery Research Unit, Queen’s University Belfast, who is pictured with Dr Lorcan McGarvey the Principal Investigator of the research and Dame Karen Dunnell a member of NICHS’ Scientific Research Committee whom presented the award.

The main research presentations on the programme this year included:

• Rapid identification of severe respiratory infections and lung cancer using surface enhanced Raman Spectroscopy.
• Premature Adult Lung Study (PALS): Respiratory outcomes and impact of neonatal surfactant in adult survivors of bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
• New techniques for assessing left ventricular function in patients with breast cancer receiving herceptin treatment.
• Investigation into goblet cell hyperplasia using an in vitro model of paediatric well differentiated bronchial epithelial cells.
• Micronutrient intake in patients with heart failture.
• A feasibility study examining the use of a progressive tailored, pedometer based exercise programme to increase and maintain activity levels in phase IV cardiac rehabilitation.
• Modulation of ‘Cough Receptor’ Expression on Human Sensory Nerve and Human Primary Bronchial Epithelial Cells Following Rhinovirus Infection.
• The Feasibility of NMES in acute dysphagic patients at 1 week post stroke, a pilot study.

If you require any information about the research presented at our 2012 conference please contact Jemma Ennis Dawson on jdawson@nichs.org.uk

Click here to download the programme for the conference.