Our 2024 research highlights

As the year comes to a close, we want to take a moment to reflect on and celebrate some of our research news stories from 2024.

Medical illustration of a brain with stroke symptoms

From AI-derived software to enzymes, discover some of the news stories that defined our year.


New guidance approves AI-derived software for stroke assessments

CT scan on computer screen

Two cutting-edge artificial intelligence tools used to assist the diagnosis of strokes have been approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

The team of national experts, which includes 91Ö±²¥ researchers Professors Li Su and Nigel Hoggard, have given the green light to AI-derived software solutions e-Stroke and RapidAI. These technologies are poised to transform the landscape of stroke diagnosis and treatment in the National Health Service (NHS).

Reimagining stroke care with AI


91Ö±²¥ team is sole UK recipient to be awarded share of $5 million global funding to fight motor neuron disease

Image of motor neurones

A team of researchers from the University of 91Ö±²¥ have been awarded a share of a prestigious grant to fight MND.

Tambourine Philanthropies, a United States charity, in partnership with the Milken Institute is committing over $5 million to eight research teams around the world, with the University of 91Ö±²¥ being the only one in the UK.

Advancing MND research


New company Midland Pharmaceuticals launched to develop therapeutics for stroke and spinal cord injury

Medical illustration of a brain with stroke symptoms

Our researchers have joined forces with NLC Health Ventures to co-found a company to develop therapeutics for stroke and spinal cord injury.

Midlands Pharmaceuticals will develop MLP-1236, an inhibitor of two enzymes associated with inflammation caused by injury to the central nervous system.

Innovative therapies for neurological conditions


An institutional approach to tackling a condition that causes loneliness

Portrait of cheerful pensioners sitting in circle, drinking tea and chatting, happy multiracial senior women and men in casual enjoying time together at retirement house, having conversation

Loneliness Awareness Week addresses the issues around loneliness and highlights how it can affect mental health.

Our researchers are developing interventions to prevent and cure health conditions that can lead to loneliness.

Addressing loneliness-related health


Research study identifies a new therapeutic target for Alzheimer’s disease

image of astrocytes under microscope

Research undertaken by Dr Simon Bell and led by Professor Heather Mortiboys from the Neuroscience Institute has identified a specific enzyme that impacts glucose metabolism and cell function in Alzheimer’s disease

The findings of this study in show a reduction of astrocytes in hexokinase 1 (HK1) in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease and identify this enzyme as a new therapeutic target for potential treatments.

Protecting cognitive abilities

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