University and medical giant Smith & Nephew join forces for multi-million pound research project
Global medical technology business Smith & Nephew has teamed up with the University of Hull to drive research into pioneering approaches to advanced wound care.
The partnership will create one of the world’s largest ‘Wound Care Research Clusters’, with the aim of developing innovative treatments for advanced wound care.
A five year framework has been established which sees a co-investment of around £3m. Within this, eight multi-disciplinary PhD studentships have been created.
Dr David Richards, pro-vice chancellor for research and enterprise at the University of Hull, said: “This partnership goes to further strengthen our links with industry at the same time as creating a global hub for pioneering new approaches in this field.
“By combining the considerable expertise we have at the University with those at Smith & Nephew, we will drive research which will help to position ourselves as global leaders in this field.”
Supporting the collaboration is Smith & Nephew’s new state-of-the-art Research & Development (R&D) centre in Hull, and the University of Hull’s £28m new Health Campus, due to open in the summer.
Smith & Nephew’s R&D hub for wound management technologies, which opened in May, specialises in toxicology, chemistry and microbiology.
Stewart McKinlay, vice president of research and innovation, Smith & Nephew, said: “We are thrilled that the University of Hull shares our passion for the importance of advancing the science of wound care. Pioneering innovation is a strategic priority for Smith & Nephew. This partnership will combine the brightest minds with the finest R&D facilities available with the aim of better supporting healthcare professionals in the advanced treatment of wounds, which is an area of significant unmet medical need and a substantial cost to healthcare systems.
“There will be opportunities for students and employees to interact on a daily basis to share knowledge, best practice and support our ambitious R&D pipeline. Combine that with the scale of scientific specialities that is based here, then this partnership is a truly exciting prospect.”
