Experimental medicine

Diagnostics and therapies

We focus on developing diagnostics, therapies, and clinical trials that improve patient outcomes, with a strong emphasis on global health and tailored approaches for infectious and inflammatory diseases, including fibrosis, and includes a focus on applications in low-resource settings. 

Key initiatives include the Baillie Gifford Pandemic Science Hub, which enhances global preparedness and rapid response to emerging health threats by identifying targets for new treatments.  

Another important project is the Healthcare Technology Accelerator Facility (HTAF) which drives the development of healthcare technologies across the Edinburgh BioQuarter. This includes the creation of chemical ingredients for new drugs, developing sterile packaging, and using medical robots to help push innovation further.

Disease modelling and clinical trials

Using advanced models - such as organ-on-a-chip, perfused ex situ organ systems, and controlled human infection models - we accelerate the journey from lab to clinic. This is supported by our strength in disease modelling, data science, and clinical trials. 

This includes early-stage “phase 0” trials (that involve only a small number of people but can provide some of the first insights into how a new treatment works), and first-in-human studies through to pivotal clinical trials. We’re leveraging the infrastructure and expertise of the MHRA Phase 1 accredited Edinburgh Clinical Research Facility and the Edinburgh Clinical Trials Unit.