Experimental Medicine

This theme unites experts from fields like chemistry, physics, engineering, clinical medicine, and social science, to translate scientific discoveries into real-world health solutions.

We focus on developing diagnostics, therapies, and clinical trials that improve patient outcomes, with a strong emphasis on global health and tailored approaches for infections and diseases involving inflammation and scarring, particularly 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.  

Fungal hyphae growing the on the surface of a contact lens.
Fungal hyphae growing the on the surface of a contact lens (credit: Dr Beth Mills)

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.

Key areas of focus

  • Clinical translation
  • Therapeutics (from small molecules to cell therapies)
  • Diagnostics
  • Global health impact
  • Genomics and bioinformatic approaches (Baillie Gifford Pandemic Science Hub)
  • Healthcare Technology Accelerator Facility (HTAF)
  • Human disease models, including groups of patients carefully studied for specific traits and symptoms
  • Clinical trials

Theme Leads: Till Bachmann and Jonathan Fallowfield

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