Edge Hill is key in major new project to fight infection and disease

RESEARCHERS at Edge Hill University are playing a key role in a major new project to place Liverpool as a global leader in the fight against infection and disease.

Dr Axel Kaehne, Professor of Health Services Research, will lead evaluation of the BRITE project with project manager Dr Oliver Hamer on behalf of the University's Evaluation and Policy Analysis (EPA) Unit.

The BRITE project; a partnership led by Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) with Regional Universities, civic partners and industry – will translate innovative vaccine and drug research into new medicines to prevent disease, save lives and boost the Regional economy.

The Edge Hill team's expertise was important in BRITE's successful bid for £5m from Research England announced today, and will play a vital role in the success of the project by assessing its outcomes and impact.

Professor Kaehne, EPA Director, said:- "We are delighted to be the evaluation partner for the BRITE programme, a landmark initiative. Our team brings specialist expertise in evaluating complex health and innovation programmes and we look forward to generating insights that will inform delivery, enhance impact and support strategic decision making across the partnership. This valuable opportunity also reflects Edge Hill's commitment to supporting Regional collaboration and impact through high-quality, policy-relevant evaluation."

BRITE is a partnership between:- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and Edge Hill University, civic partners including the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, and leading industry players including AstraZeneca and Unilever.

The project, which seeks to establish the Region as a global leader in biologics innovation and manufacturing, has been awarded £5m by Research England's University Commercialisations Ecosystem fund to develop essential capacity to grow the Regional and national biologics ecosystem, addressing challenges in their manufacture and commercial scale-up.

Biologics are complex medical products derived from living organisms, designed to prevent or treat a diverse range of infections and diseases, including emerging infectious diseases, cancer and antimicrobial resistance.

Edge Hill University's Interim Vice Chancellor Lynda Brady said:- "BRITE is an excellent example of the critical importance of translating research into life-changing impact. We are proud to be collaborating with neighbouring Universities, civic partners and industry leaders on this important project which will ultimately save lives, while boosting the local economy and strengthening the Region's reputation as an internationally-recognised centre for innovation in health and life sciences."

BRITE will help identify and address barriers to effective commercialisation to address the shortage of local biomanufacturing facilities and build scale up capability within the Liverpool City Region, ensuring that biologics assets developed here can be commercialised locally.

This collaboration will allow the Liverpool City Region to retain the economic benefit of the research generated by its Universities, create high-quality jobs and ultimately advance health outcomes through innovative therapeutics.

Find out more about Edge Hill University's new BSc (Hons) Global Infectious Disease, the only undergraduate degree delivered in partnership with the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine.

Staff members recognised with the prestigious King's Award for their community impact

2 Hugh Baird University Centre staff members were recently awarded the prestigious King's Award for Voluntary Service for their work with children and young people.

Kevin Rice, Higher Skills Manager of Quality and Compliance, and Thomas Rothwell, Facilitator for the Faculty of Creative and Technical Industries, are members of the 4th Crosby and District (St William of York) Scout Group.

Kevin is the leader of the Scout Group, which serves as part of the worldwide Scout movement that helps young people aged:- 6 to 25, to develop life skills through adventure, teamwork and leadership. They organise canoeing, problem-solving and public speaking activities to encourage members to grow in confidence, resilience and independence, all while creating a supportive community for those involved.

The dedication to improving the lives of young people in the local community led to the group being honoured with the King's Award for Voluntary Services (KAVS). The award was created in 2002 and looks to shine a light on the hard work of voluntary groups across the UK. The KAVS is awarded for life, equivalent to an MBE, and is considered the highest award for voluntary groups in the UK. The Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside, Mark Blundell, recently presented the award to:- Kevin, and Thomas, on the Kings' behalf at a ceremony in Thornton. The ceremony will then be followed by a trip to Buckingham Palace this summer for a Royal Garden Party to celebrate.

When speaking about receiving the KAVS, Kevin Rice said:- "It felt amazing to receive such a prestigious award and have it announced as part of the King's Birthday Honours. I am so proud of the team and all the hard work they put in. Volunteering with the Scouts is a truly rewarding experience, and this recognition highlights the dedication and passion of everyone involved."

When asked about Kevin and Thomas' achievements, Colette Mawdsley, Assistant Principal of Higher Skills, at the Hugh Baird University Centre, said:- "We are absolutely thrilled for Kevin and Thomas. Their commitment to supporting young people in the local community is truly inspiring and it's fantastic to see their efforts recognised with The King's Award. This achievement couldn't be more deserved, and we're so proud of them."

For more information about Hugh Baird University Centre, please visit:- HughBaird.AC.UK.