Current projects

We are currently partnering with the following projects with to deliver sponsored PhD opportunities (HKEP)

Adas

Understanding interactions of identified fungal pathogens on oilseed rape

Associate: James Fortune

Supervisors: Dr Yongju Huang, Prof. Bruce Fitt, Dr Faye Ritchie

Project description: The project aims to understand interactions between Leptosphaeria maculans (phoma stem canker) and Pyrenopeziza brassicae (light leaf spot) at different stages of their life cycles and to develop new tools to control them.

Fluid Pharma

Development of microparticle formulations for dysphagia patients

Associate: Kavil Patel

Supervisors: Dr Fang Liu, Dr Craig Richardson

Project description: This project aims to investigate novel technology in coating microparticles and evaluating the drug release mechanisms in older patients with dysphagia.

Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation

Delivering a healthy and sustainable food economy in Letchworth Garden City

Associate: Amelie Andre

Supervisors: Dr Susan Parham, Prof. David Barling, Mr David Ames

Project description: The aim of the project is to underpin and improve the economic base of Letchworth Garden City in relation to food: applying planning, governance and policy tools which are of practical benefit to the townspeople and their health and well-being, and the sustainability of the community and its environment.

Neurolixis

Neuroprotective properties of serotonin 5-HT1A receptor agonists in models of Parkinson’s disease.

Associate: William Powell

Supervisors: Dr Mahmoud Iravani

Project Description: The present neurochemical and behavioural neuroscience project involves the use of well-established techniques to investigate the neuroprotective efficacy of novel drugs.

Plant Impact

Understanding the impact of low temperature on seed germination in maize.

Associate: TBC

Supervisors: Dr Cristina Barrero-Sicilia

Project Description: The project will focus on the biochemical and physiological responses of identified crop species to a range of temperature stress conditions during germination and emergence.

Syngenta Crop Protection UK Ltd

Determination of the key parameters influencing dislodgeable foliar pesticide residues.

Associate: Mohamed Badawy

Supervisors: Prof. Kathy Lewis, Dr Neil Morgan

Project description: The broad aim of this 4-year work programme is to better understand the factors that affect the occurrence and behaviour of Dislodgeable Foliar Residues with the intention of enabling the refinement of risk assessments.

Synoptics

Rapid bacteria colony counting algorithm development

Associate: Minghua Zheng

Supervisors: Dr Na Helian

Project description: The aim of this project is to propose and implement new algorithms which are robust to noise for rapid bacterial colony detection and counting.

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