Equitable and sustainable health

How is gene therapy technology tackling kidney disease?

How can glucose binding molecules transform the management of diabetes?

Dedicated to the possibility that everyone, everywhere can reach their full health potential our projects are pushing the limits of medical innovation, shaping policy and demanding access for all.

Research impact case studies

Life of Breath: Improving understanding of breathlessness

Research by the Department of Philosophy has revolutionised the way breathlessness is understood by medical professionals and the public.

A group of men and women stood behind a row of seated women, all smiling.

HIV, menopause and musculoskeletal health

Understanding the impact of HIV infection and menopause on the musculoskeletal health of African women.

COVID-19 and the 'forced culture change' in higher education

Our research captures the lives and views of those working in higher education during the recent mass online migration.

Supporting Early Years transition to school

Examining the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on early years transition to school, with a focus on children with SEND and children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Reimagining the Diary

Helping to improve teacher wellbeing in the UK

Research helps define and improve the management of ‘medical manslaughter’ cases

Dr Oliver Quick is a recognised authority in Criminal Law and Medical Law, with a special interest in patient safety. His recent research has focused on how prosecutors and experts negotiate criminal law and process in these controversial cases.

Improving the quality of life of older people

Using objects and storytelling in care homes helps residents build social connections and improves their quality of life.

Bridging Gaps in primary healthcare for women with complex needs

A co-produced intervention that not only successfully increased the number of women with complex needs accessing mainstream healthcare, but also empowered the women concerned to act as champions and advocates in their community.

Two opposing hands pulling at colourful jigsaw piece

Delivering equality of support for parents with learning difficulties

Without early and on-going support these families often face extremely complex difficulties resulting in concerns about neglect by omission – not knowing how to look after their children, rather than deliberate abuse.

Taking action on mortality reviews of people with learning disabilities

Bristol is now a leading institution for the study of mortality of people with learning disabilities, not only nationally but also internationally.

Helping to enable children’s rights to citizenship

Numerous children are in precarious life situations despite being born or having lived in the UK for years and being eligible for the secure status of citizenship.

Creating inclusive care home environments for older LGBT+ people

Sexual orientation as a social and cultural dimension to older people's lives is often obscured within health and social care policy and practice settings. This situation is even more problematic for older lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) individuals.

Putting mental health research into practice

Charities might not be the first thing people think about when they hear the word ‘industry’. However, third sector and charitable companies like Second Step contribute tens of billions of pounds to the UK economy each year - Dr Myles-Jay Linton

Mental Health and Personal Finance

Research suggests that one in four people with mental health problems are in debt, while one in two people in debt have a mental health problem.

Inclusive walking for Bristol’s transport planning and public health

Walking is a convenient and free form of exercise, and a carbon neutral mode of transport. In Bristol there are both reasons and opportunities for walking to both improve people’s health and to address local transport issues.

Testing a new approach to dietary changes for type 2 diabetes

There are only around 9,000 registered dietitians in the UK and not all have expertise in the prevention and management of diabetes. Dr Anne Haase and Dr Clare England developed a specific approach to help set relevant goals and to support diet behaviour change for type 2 diabetes patients.

Research leads to practical support for young people with continence problems

Bladder and bowel problems are very common and can be affected by psychological issues and stressful life events in a child’s life. There is also strong evidence that bladder and bowel problems affect the mental health of children, young people and their parents.

Generation Snowstorm – a Social Change Summer School as a mental health intervention

Off The Record (OTR) Bristol is an innovative young people's mental health charity with a focus on engaging young people in service design and delivery. Over 2017-18 Dr Nathan Eisenstadt collaborated with OTR on a Knowledge Exchange project funded by Bristol's ESRC Impact Acceleration Account.

Reducing the Poverty Premium

In 2016 the Personal Finance Research Centre measured for the first time how many current low-income households are actually affected by poverty premium, and by how much.

Phasing out all-metal hip replacements

Research revealing the relatively high failure rates of metal-on-metal implants in hip replacement surgery has led to a dramatic decline in their use.

Improving accuracy of diagnosis for childhood leukaemia

New cell analysis procedures have led to improved diagnostic techniques and national standards for cell processing.

PReCePT programme helps prevent cases of Cerebral Palsy in preterm birth

Research and application of implementation science drives programme that significantly reduces risk of brain damage in babies born early.

Helping policy makers create an effective vaccination strategy for meningitis B

Research by the University of Bristol supported the UK government’s decision to introduce a new vaccine for UK infants that has led to a 75% reduction in cases.

Transforming care for patients vulnerable to irreversible kidney failure

Research leads to more targeted and less damaging therapy for nephrotic syndrome.

Optimising treatment for prostate cancer

Bristol has contributed to research that provides a new evidence base for improving care and reducing harm caused by treatments.

Discoveries lead to better and safer hip and knee replacements

Research profoundly changes the practice of joint replacement globally.

A breakthrough in non-invasive breast cancer imaging for early diagnosis

Research by the University of Bristol has helped to develop a world-first radar-based cancer detection system that is now being used in hospitals.

Informing health policy on Covid-19 transmission

In the immediate aftermath of the first Covid-19 lockdown, Bristol researchers helped authorities to better understand the risks of airborne viral transmission and formulate a response.

Transforming clinical practice through the arts

A Bristol course is helping to reshape the professional development of clinicians by integrating humanities into medical training.

Better IVF outcomes

Research improves understanding of effectiveness and risks.

A radical advance in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration

Research leads to increased availability of lower-cost treatment for a major worldwide cause of sight loss.

The fight to eliminate hepatitis C

Research provides evidence for the effectiveness of treatment and prevention programmes that have influenced international healthcare policies and reduced cases worldwide.

Research groups

Schools and faculties

Bristol Dental School
Bristol Medical School
- Population Health Sciences
- Translational Health Sciences
Bristol Veterinary School
School of Biochemistry
School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine
School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience
School of Psychological Science
Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Life Sciences