Academic Respiratory Unit
The Academic Respiratory Unit is led by Professor Nick Maskell and is based at the Learning and Research Building at Southmead Hospital. We design, lead and deliver research into a wide range of respiratory conditions, with a particular focus on clinical studies and trials. Our unit has particular interests in pleural disease, airways diseases such as asthma and COPD, and interstitial lung disease, thoracic malignancy and respiratory infection.
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According to the World Health Organisation, respiratory disease:
- affects more than one billion people
- accounts for four of the top six causes of death around the globe
- causes significant economic impact and levels of disability.
Our Unit’s objective is to play a positive role in advancing the understanding and treatment of lung disease for people everywhere.
We have received support from a range of local, national and international funding bodies, as well as charities, government and commercial organisations, with much of our work leading to direct patient benefit. To achieve this, we continue to work closely with colleagues all around the UK and the rest of the World.
Our strategic framework for respiratory science is divided into two primary domains:
Clinical Foundations & Scientific Discovery
Focuses on prevention, diagnosis, and management through screening and prognosis to improve patient outcomes; clinical trials and industry collaborations to advance health via interventions and medical devices; and discovery/exploratory science that utilises epidemiology and 'omics to uncover biological insights.
Impact, Engagement & Digital Innovation
Emphasizes real-world impact and policy change by developing clinical guidelines and ensuring pandemic preparedness; interdisciplinary collaborations and public engagement to address health inequalities; and digital innovation and data science, which implements machine learning, monitoring apps, and wearable technology in respiratory care.