Download Aston University General Description Aston University has an

Aston University
General Description
Aston University has an international reputation for innovation and leadership in the
biomedical sciences, pharmacy, optometry and neurosciences; it hosts the Aston
Brain Centre and Aston Research Centre for Healthy Ageing. AU is known for its
world-class teaching quality and strong links to industry, government and
commerce and has been a leading university for graduate employment success for
over 25 years. Aston is currently ranked 8th overall in the UK for graduate
employment, confirming a strong commitment to ESR training and its place
amongst the elite. Aston has a celebrated involvement in the development of
therapeutic molecules and “bench-to-bedside” knowledge translation. For example,
Aston’s drug research group synthesized lead compounds that went on to have a
major impact in the development of cancer treatment worldwide. First produced in
the small quantities needed for foundational work at Aston, methazolastone
(temozolomide) has become a first-line therapy in the treatment of glioma brain
tumours. To date, worldwide sales have exceeded $1 billion, giving it blockbuster
status. In the European Year of the Brain, Aston’s Vice-Chancellor became a Brain
Ambassador to the European Brain Council.
Role and Commitment of
key persons (including
supervisors)
Key Research Facilities,
Infrastructure and
Equipment
Independent Research
premises
Research in the School of Life and Health Sciences (LHS) is supported by The
Medical Research Council, The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research
Council, The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, the
Wellcome Trust, The NIH and the European Commission. There are three research
areas staffed by 28 investigators: Biomedical Sciences, Neurosciences and Health
Sciences. LHS has recently established the microscopy suite, which allows imaging
using fluorescence and confocal microscopy. Cell IQ system allows real-time
monitoring of cell migrations in bright field or fluorescence-tagged cells. Sea Horse
system provides metabolism analysis for live cells. Also in the procession of the
school are Mass Spectrometry, DNA array and SPR systems. These facilities are
open-accessed to every LHS researchers.
Yes
Previous Involvement in
Research and Training
Programmes
Aston has a strong track record in EC funded research and training programmes
having participated in 4 completed ITN proposals as lead and 10 completed Intra
European Fellowships. These projects have both structured academic and
complementary training; much of this formal content is used across the University.
Aston has significant best practice in ESR training, administered via the Graduate
School and has participated in 25 nationally-funded industry-academia PhD training
projects.
Current Involvement in
Research and Training
Programmes
Aston University currently leads 3 ITNs and is a partner in a further 4. Aston
received 13 H2020 Marie Curie IF, 15 FP7 Marie Curie IEF in the previous 3 years.
Relevant Publications
and/or Research /
Innovation Product
Max. 5