Richard III begins his final journey - University of Leicester University of Leicester News Centre 2026-09-27 | Richard III begins his final journey - University of Leicester
Study shows 7 in 10 COVID-19 patients not fully recovered 5 months after leaving hospital University of Leicester News Centre 2021-03-25 | le.ac.ukThe majority of survivors who left hospital following COVID-19 did not fully recover five months after discharge and continued to experience negative impacts on their physical and mental health, as well as ability to work, according to results released by the PHOSP-COVID study today. Furthermore, one in five of the participant population reached the threshold for a new disability.The UK-wide study, which is led by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Leicester Biomedical Research Centre – a partnership between Leicester’s Hospitals, the University of Leicester and Loughborough University - and jointly funded by the NIHR and UK Research and Innovation, analysed 1077 patients who were discharged from hospital between March and November 2020 following an episode of COVID-19.Researchers found that each participant had an average of nine persistent symptoms. The ten most common symptoms reported were: muscle pain, fatigue, physical slowing down, impaired sleep quality, joint pain or swelling, limb weakness, breathlessness, pain, short-term memory loss, and slowed thinking.Patients were also assessed for mental health. The study reports that over 25 per cent of participants had clinically significant symptoms of anxiety and depression and 12 per cent had symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at their 5-month follow-up.Of the 67.5 per cent of participants who were working before COVID, 17.8 per cent were no longer working, and nearly 20 per cent experienced a health-related change in their occupational status.Professor Chris Brightling, a professor of respiratory medicine at the University of Leicester and the chief investigator for the PHOSP-COVID study, said: “While the profile of patients being admitted to hospital with COVID-19 is disproportionately male and from an ethnic minority background, our study finds that those who have the most severe prolonged symptoms tend to be white women aged approximately 40 to 60 who have at least two long term health conditions, such as asthma or diabetes.”The researchers were able to the classify types of recovery into four different groups or ‘clusters’ based on the participants’ mental and physical health impairments.One cluster group in particular showed impaired cognitive function, or what has colloquially been called ‘brain fog’. Patients in this group tended to be older and male. Cognitive impairment was striking even when taking education levels into account, suggesting a different underlying mechanism compared to other symptoms.Dr Rachael Evans, an associate professor at the University of Leicester and respiratory consultant at Leicester’s Hospitals, said: “Our results show a large burden of symptoms, mental and physical health problems and evidence of organ damage five months after discharge with COVID-19. It is also clear that those who required mechanical ventilation and were admitted to intensive care take longer to recover. However, much of the wide variety of persistent problems was not explained by the severity of the acute illness - the latter largely driven by acute lung injury - indicating other, possibly more systemic, underlying mechanisms.”One of the purposes of the PHOSP-COVID study is to measure the impact of medicines given during hospitalisation to see if they affect patients’ recovery. Early indicators from the study show that while giving corticosteroids is a factor in reducing mortality in hospital, it does not appear to have an impact on longer term recovery.There are more than 300,000 post-hospitalisation survivors in the UK that have been discharged from hospital following COVID-19. While the study only represents a small sample of these patients, and participants are younger than the whole population in the UK that survived hospitalisation for COVID-19 infection, this is the largest study to report in detail on prospectively assessed outcomes across multiple UK centres to describe the impact of COVID-19 on medium term health of survivors.
7 in 10 COVID-19 patients have not fully recovered 5 months after leaving hospital University of Leicester News Centre 2021-03-25 | le.ac.ukThe majority of survivors who left hospital following COVID-19 did not fully recover five months after discharge and continued to experience negative impacts on their physical and mental health, as well as ability to work, according to results released by the PHOSP-COVID study today. Furthermore, one in five of the participant population reached the threshold for a new disability.The UK-wide study, which is led by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Leicester Biomedical Research Centre – a partnership between Leicester’s Hospitals, the University of Leicester and Loughborough University - and jointly funded by the NIHR and UK Research and Innovation, analysed 1077 patients who were discharged from hospital between March and November 2020 following an episode of COVID-19.Researchers found that each participant had an average of nine persistent symptoms. The ten most common symptoms reported were: muscle pain, fatigue, physical slowing down, impaired sleep quality, joint pain or swelling, limb weakness, breathlessness, pain, short-term memory loss, and slowed thinking.Patients were also assessed for mental health. The study reports that over 25 per cent of participants had clinically significant symptoms of anxiety and depression and 12 per cent had symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at their 5-month follow-up.Of the 67.5 per cent of participants who were working before COVID, 17.8 per cent were no longer working, and nearly 20 per cent experienced a health-related change in their occupational status.Professor Chris Brightling, a professor of respiratory medicine at the University of Leicester and the chief investigator for the PHOSP-COVID study, said: “While the profile of patients being admitted to hospital with COVID-19 is disproportionately male and from an ethnic minority background, our study finds that those who have the most severe prolonged symptoms tend to be white women aged approximately 40 to 60 who have at least two long term health conditions, such as asthma or diabetes.”The researchers were able to the classify types of recovery into four different groups or ‘clusters’ based on the participants’ mental and physical health impairments.One cluster group in particular showed impaired cognitive function, or what has colloquially been called ‘brain fog’. Patients in this group tended to be older and male. Cognitive impairment was striking even when taking education levels into account, suggesting a different underlying mechanism compared to other symptoms.Dr Rachael Evans, an associate professor at the University of Leicester and respiratory consultant at Leicester’s Hospitals, said: “Our results show a large burden of symptoms, mental and physical health problems and evidence of organ damage five months after discharge with COVID-19. It is also clear that those who required mechanical ventilation and were admitted to intensive care take longer to recover. However, much of the wide variety of persistent problems was not explained by the severity of the acute illness - the latter largely driven by acute lung injury - indicating other, possibly more systemic, underlying mechanisms.”One of the purposes of the PHOSP-COVID study is to measure the impact of medicines given during hospitalisation to see if they affect patients’ recovery. Early indicators from the study show that while giving corticosteroids is a factor in reducing mortality in hospital, it does not appear to have an impact on longer term recovery.There are more than 300,000 post-hospitalisation survivors in the UK that have been discharged from hospital following COVID-19. While the study only represents a small sample of these patients, and participants are younger than the whole population in the UK that survived hospitalisation for COVID-19 infection, this is the largest study to report in detail on prospectively assessed outcomes across multiple UK centres to describe the impact of COVID-19 on medium term health of survivors.
Study reveals seven in ten patients hospitalised with COVID-19 not fully recovered after five months University of Leicester News Centre 2021-03-25 | le.ac.ukThe majority of survivors who left hospital following COVID-19 did not fully recover five months after discharge and continued to experience negative impacts on their physical and mental health, as well as ability to work, according to results released by the PHOSP-COVID study today. Furthermore, one in five of the participant population reached the threshold for a new disability.The UK-wide study, which is led by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Leicester Biomedical Research Centre – a partnership between Leicester’s Hospitals, the University of Leicester and Loughborough University - and jointly funded by the NIHR and UK Research and Innovation, analysed 1077 patients who were discharged from hospital between March and November 2020 following an episode of COVID-19.Researchers found that each participant had an average of nine persistent symptoms. The ten most common symptoms reported were: muscle pain, fatigue, physical slowing down, impaired sleep quality, joint pain or swelling, limb weakness, breathlessness, pain, short-term memory loss, and slowed thinking.Patients were also assessed for mental health. The study reports that over 25 per cent of participants had clinically significant symptoms of anxiety and depression and 12 per cent had symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at their 5-month follow-up.Of the 67.5 per cent of participants who were working before COVID, 17.8 per cent were no longer working, and nearly 20 per cent experienced a health-related change in their occupational status.Professor Chris Brightling, a professor of respiratory medicine at the University of Leicester and the chief investigator for the PHOSP-COVID study, said: “While the profile of patients being admitted to hospital with COVID-19 is disproportionately male and from an ethnic minority background, our study finds that those who have the most severe prolonged symptoms tend to be white women aged approximately 40 to 60 who have at least two long term health conditions, such as asthma or diabetes.”The researchers were able to the classify types of recovery into four different groups or ‘clusters’ based on the participants’ mental and physical health impairments.One cluster group in particular showed impaired cognitive function, or what has colloquially been called ‘brain fog’. Patients in this group tended to be older and male. Cognitive impairment was striking even when taking education levels into account, suggesting a different underlying mechanism compared to other symptoms.Dr Rachael Evans, an associate professor at the University of Leicester and respiratory consultant at Leicester’s Hospitals, said: “Our results show a large burden of symptoms, mental and physical health problems and evidence of organ damage five months after discharge with COVID-19. It is also clear that those who required mechanical ventilation and were admitted to intensive care take longer to recover. However, much of the wide variety of persistent problems was not explained by the severity of the acute illness - the latter largely driven by acute lung injury - indicating other, possibly more systemic, underlying mechanisms.”One of the purposes of the PHOSP-COVID study is to measure the impact of medicines given during hospitalisation to see if they affect patients’ recovery. Early indicators from the study show that while giving corticosteroids is a factor in reducing mortality in hospital, it does not appear to have an impact on longer term recovery.There are more than 300,000 post-hospitalisation survivors in the UK that have been discharged from hospital following COVID-19. While the study only represents a small sample of these patients, and participants are younger than the whole population in the UK that survived hospitalisation for COVID-19 infection, this is the largest study to report in detail on prospectively assessed outcomes across multiple UK centres to describe the impact of COVID-19 on medium term health of survivors.
Seven in ten patients hospitalised with COVID-19 not fully recovered five months post-discharge University of Leicester News Centre 2021-03-25 | le.ac.ukThe majority of survivors who left hospital following COVID-19 did not fully recover five months after discharge and continued to experience negative impacts on their physical and mental health, as well as ability to work, according to results released by the PHOSP-COVID study today. Furthermore, one in five of the participant population reached the threshold for a new disability.The UK-wide study, which is led by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Leicester Biomedical Research Centre – a partnership between Leicester’s Hospitals, the University of Leicester and Loughborough University - and jointly funded by the NIHR and UK Research and Innovation, analysed 1077 patients who were discharged from hospital between March and November 2020 following an episode of COVID-19.Researchers found that each participant had an average of nine persistent symptoms. The ten most common symptoms reported were: muscle pain, fatigue, physical slowing down, impaired sleep quality, joint pain or swelling, limb weakness, breathlessness, pain, short-term memory loss, and slowed thinking.Patients were also assessed for mental health. The study reports that over 25 per cent of participants had clinically significant symptoms of anxiety and depression and 12 per cent had symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at their 5-month follow-up.Of the 67.5 per cent of participants who were working before COVID, 17.8 per cent were no longer working, and nearly 20 per cent experienced a health-related change in their occupational status.Professor Chris Brightling, a professor of respiratory medicine at the University of Leicester and the chief investigator for the PHOSP-COVID study, said: “While the profile of patients being admitted to hospital with COVID-19 is disproportionately male and from an ethnic minority background, our study finds that those who have the most severe prolonged symptoms tend to be white women aged approximately 40 to 60 who have at least two long term health conditions, such as asthma or diabetes.”The researchers were able to the classify types of recovery into four different groups or ‘clusters’ based on the participants’ mental and physical health impairments.One cluster group in particular showed impaired cognitive function, or what has colloquially been called ‘brain fog’. Patients in this group tended to be older and male. Cognitive impairment was striking even when taking education levels into account, suggesting a different underlying mechanism compared to other symptoms.Dr Rachael Evans, an associate professor at the University of Leicester and respiratory consultant at Leicester’s Hospitals, said: “Our results show a large burden of symptoms, mental and physical health problems and evidence of organ damage five months after discharge with COVID-19. It is also clear that those who required mechanical ventilation and were admitted to intensive care take longer to recover. However, much of the wide variety of persistent problems was not explained by the severity of the acute illness - the latter largely driven by acute lung injury - indicating other, possibly more systemic, underlying mechanisms.”One of the purposes of the PHOSP-COVID study is to measure the impact of medicines given during hospitalisation to see if they affect patients’ recovery. Early indicators from the study show that while giving corticosteroids is a factor in reducing mortality in hospital, it does not appear to have an impact on longer term recovery.There are more than 300,000 post-hospitalisation survivors in the UK that have been discharged from hospital following COVID-19. While the study only represents a small sample of these patients, and participants are younger than the whole population in the UK that survived hospitalisation for COVID-19 infection, this is the largest study to report in detail on prospectively assessed outcomes across multiple UK centres to describe the impact of COVID-19 on medium term health of survivors.
Development of Space Park Leicester progressing well despite COVID-19 pandemic University of Leicester News Centre 2021-01-18 | le.ac.uk/spaceparkSpace Park Leicester CEO Grant Bourhill provides and update on the progress of Space Park Leicester’s build.
Archaeology suffering from a skills shortage due to lack of professional progression University of Leicester News Centre 2021-01-13 | le.ac.uk/archaeologyArchaeology is suffering from a skills shortage due to lack of professional progression
What are the benefits to ex-military personnel when they become involved in archaeology? University of Leicester News Centre 2021-01-13 | le.ac.uk/archaeologyWhat are the benefits to ex-military personnel when they become involved in archaeology?
What should students pay to live and study during the COVID-19 pandemic? University of Leicester News Centre 2021-01-13 | le.ac.ukWhat should students pay to live and study during the COVID-19 pandemic?
University of Leicester first to freeze Brexit student fees University of Leicester News Centre 2020-12-10 | le.ac.ukThe University of Leicester has today announced that EU, EEA and Swiss student nationals will not be required to pay increased tuition fees, which will be introduced under new Government Brexit rules.The announcement, made during International Education Week, makes the University one of the first in the UK to freeze fees and take on the additional cost next year.New Government rules mean EU students will have to pay 50 per cent more than their British counterparts - for example, tuition costs for BEng Aerospace Engineering will increase from £9,250 to £21,515, and from £9,250 to £17,450 for BA Business and Management studies. Cyprus High Commissioner Andreas Kakouris, who has worked with the University of Leicester for more than 20 years, said:“The decision of the University to grant home fee status to all European nationals is highly appreciated by my Government but, importantly, by the impacted students themselves.”Third-year Criminology student, Andrea Alvarez Lamas, age 20, from Spain, added:"I am so lucky I came to the university before Brexit because I would have never been able to afford the higher fees.“I think it is so sad that so many EU students will not be able to live the amazing university experience in the UK because of the Government’s plans to increase EU students' fees."More than 450,000 students from overseas study at UK universities each year, with one-third from EU countries.
A tribute to Professor Tony Gershlick - Consultant Cardiologist & Prof of Interventional Cardiology University of Leicester News Centre 2020-12-10 | www2.le.ac.uk/projects/bruIt is with deep sadness we announce that the University of Leicester and University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust (UHL) have lost a talented, dedicated and much loved colleague to COVID-19.Professor Anthony Gershlick, known as Tony, a Consultant Cardiologist at Glenfield Hospital and Professor of Interventional Cardiology at the University of Leicester sadly passed away on Friday 20 November, 2020 in Intensive Care at the hospital he worked in. He was 69.Professor Gershlick had worked at UHL since May 1989. In December 2018, he formally began work for the University of Leicester, but continued working as an honorary Consultant at UHL.The recipient of the inaugural British Cardiovascular Intervention Society (BCIS) Lifetime Achievement Career Award in 2017, Professor Gershlick had been involved in coronary intervention shortly after it was introduced in the UK. He undertook his first procedure in the mid-1980s and remained active clinically until he became unwell recently. He had been involved in practice-changing research conceiving, initiating and running four major National and International trials that have changed the way patients are treated. These have been incorporated into International Guidelines.He was the UK lead for over 10 international trials and attracted more than £3 million of research funding from bodies such as The British Heart Foundation and National Institute for Health Research and the Medical Research Council (MRC).Professor Gershlick had also run national courses for U.K. Interventional physicians in Leicester for many years designed to disseminate best practice and sat on multiple National Committees.Professor Nishan Canagarajah, President and Vice-Chancellor at the University of Leicester said:“Today we are mourning the loss of a dear and valued member of our University community. Tony Gershlick was an extremely dedicated and well-regarded member of our staff who has left an indelible mark on the life of the University. His work has led to a positive change in his field. He will be remembered with great affection by all and will be sorely missed. My deepest condolences go out to Tony’s family at this time.”Professor Philip Baker, PVC and Head of College of Life Science at the University of Leicester said:“As an academic, Tony was determined to push the boundaries of clinical care, to make a difference for his patients, and indeed, patients around the world. There will be a time to celebrate his many achievements, but now is a time for sadness – at the passing of a very special person”Rebecca Brown, Acting Chief Executive, at Leicester’s Hospitals said:“This is devastating news for us all at Leicester’s Hospitals. Tony was a much loved member of the team who will be missed greatly by everyone who knew him. Our thoughts are with his family and I would like to offer our sincere condolences to them on behalf of everyone at the Trust.”Andrew Furlong, Medical Director at Leicester’s Hospitals said:“Tony was well known and well respected, locally, nationally and internationally. He made many significant contributions to the field of cardiology over his long career and was at the forefront of early work on coronary interventions and many significant research studies. He was deeply committed to the training and development of junior doctors and registrars and known for his dedication to his field and his patients. He made a difference to many, many lives.Since April, Tony had been working in non-COVID environments and was conducting much of his work via virtual consultations. He had taken on caseloads from other consultants to help during the pandemic and had been working tirelessly to provide continued care to cardiology patients. This was typical of Tony, who was well known for his strong work ethic.We all feel Tony’s loss and those colleagues who knew him well will miss his wise words and sense of humour. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues here, at the University and across the cardiology community.”
Patient recruitment centre set up in Leicester for clinical research University of Leicester News Centre 2020-12-10 | leicestersresearch.nhs.uk/about-us-2/facilities/nihr-patient-recruitment-centre-leicesterWe are one of five Patient Recruitment Centres (PRC) in England, dedicated to setting up and delivering late phase commercial clinical trials in the NHS at pace and scale. PRC Leicester is hosted by the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and based at Leicester General Hospital.The five PRCs work collaboratively, through an innovative national franchise-like model, to make it easier and quicker to deliver commercial research in the UK.By attracting more commercial research to the UK, we increase opportunities for NHS patients to access cutting edge treatment and therapies that are not yet widely available through the NHS.We work across the region, through our partners and stakeholders, to ensure as many people as possible are given an opportunity to take part in research.
Long COVID: study into the long-term health impacts of Coronavirus launched University of Leicester News Centre 2020-12-10 | le.ac.uk/news/2020/july/covid-19-study-long-term-health-impactsA major UK research study into the long-term health impacts of COVID-19 on hospitalised patients has been launched today.The PHOSP-COVID study has been awarded £8.4million jointly by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). This study is one of a number of COVID-19 studies that have been given urgent public health research status by the Department of Health and Social Care.Led by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Leicester Biomedical Research Centre (a partnership between the University of Leicester and the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust), the PHOSP-COVID study will draw on expertise from a consortium of leading researchers and clinicians from across the UK to assess the impact of COVID-19 on patient health and their recovery.Around 10,000 patients are expected to take part, making it the largest comprehensive study in the world to understand and improve the health of survivors after hospitalisation from COVID-19.
COVID-19 screening programme at the University of Leicester University of Leicester News Centre 2020-12-10 | le.ac.ukStudents and staff at the University of Leicester will be screened for COVID-19 as part of plans to keep the campus and wider community safe, as students return to the city for their studies. The University is one of the few in the country to run the scheme.The tests detect the presence of COVID-19 in people without symptoms, who can then be given information about isolating to prevent further spread of the virus. Run in partnership with University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust (UHL), Leicester City Council and Public Health England, the tests will complement the NHS test and trace system for people displaying symptoms.The University has been working hard behind the scenes to ensure it is ready to welcome new students to campus. Small groups of students will form ‘bubbles’, which will help to reduce the number of different contacts in both accommodation and small-group teaching. Earlier this year, Leicester launched its innovative dual-learning platform, ignite, which delivers a seamless, dynamic and immersive University experience, whilst maintaining the highest safety standards, both on and off campus.
Screening students and staff for Coronavirus at the University of Leicester University of Leicester News Centre 2020-12-10 | le.ac.ukStudents and staff at the University of Leicester will be screened for COVID-19 as part of plans to keep the campus and wider community safe, as students return to the city for their studies. The University is one of the few in the country to run the scheme.The tests detect the presence of COVID-19 in people without symptoms, who can then be given information about isolating to prevent further spread of the virus. Run in partnership with University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust (UHL), Leicester City Council and Public Health England, the tests will complement the NHS test and trace system for people displaying symptoms.The University has been working hard behind the scenes to ensure it is ready to welcome new students to campus. Small groups of students will form ‘bubbles’, which will help to reduce the number of different contacts in both accommodation and small-group teaching. Earlier this year, Leicester launched its innovative dual-learning platform, ignite, which delivers a seamless, dynamic and immersive University experience, whilst maintaining the highest safety standards, both on and off campus.
Keeping students and staff safe at university during the COVID-19 pandemic University of Leicester News Centre 2020-12-10 | le.ac.ukProfessor Nishan Canagarajah discuss what safety measures the University of Leicester put in place to keep students and staff safe during the first term back during the COVID-19 crisis.
National Trust: Getting comfortable with an uncomfortable past University of Leicester News Centre 2020-12-10 | le.ac.uk/englishProfessor Corinne Fowler, professor of postcolonial literature at the University of Leicester, discusses the links National Trust properties have with the Britain's colonial past.
1000+ Patients treated in the first 3 years at the Vascular Limb Salvage Clinic University of Leicester News Centre 2020-12-10 | leicestershospitals.nhs.uk/aboutus/departments-services/vascular-services/vals-vascular-limb-salvageIn September 2017 The University of Leicester and University Hospitals of Leicester received a very generous donation from local businessman Mr George Davies via his charitable trust.Mr Davies' intention was to fund research into peripheral vascular disease and establish the Vascular Limb Salvage (VaLS) Clinic. The clinic aims to provide rapid access to patients with potential poor leg circulation (Critical Limb Ischaemia), for assessment and intervention as required.Patients with Critical Limb Ischaemia – pain in the leg(s) at rest or at night (with or without a wound), for 2 or more weeks, which is due to suspected poor circulation. Referrals should be made by healthcare professionals such as GP, district nurse, podiatrist, A&E or other specialist. So if you think you may be suffering please see any of the professionals above.They can then refer to the VaLS team.
Vascular Limb Salvage Clinic - University Hospitals of Leicester University of Leicester News Centre 2020-12-10 | leicestershospitals.nhs.uk/aboutus/departments-services/vascular-services/vals-vascular-limb-salvageIn September 2017 The University of Leicester and University Hospitals of Leicester received a very generous donation from local businessman Mr George Davies via his charitable trust.Mr Davies' intention was to fund research into peripheral vascular disease and establish the Vascular Limb Salvage (VaLS) Clinic. The clinic aims to provide rapid access to patients with potential poor leg circulation (Critical Limb Ischaemia), for assessment and intervention as required.Patients with Critical Limb Ischaemia – pain in the leg(s) at rest or at night (with or without a wound), for 2 or more weeks, which is due to suspected poor circulation. Referrals should be made by healthcare professionals such as GP, district nurse, podiatrist, A&E or other specialist. So if you think you may be suffering please see any of the professionals above.They can then refer to the VaLS team.
What has been the impact of COVID-19 on university finances? University of Leicester News Centre 2020-12-10 | le.ac.ukProfessor Nishan Canagarajah discusses the impact COVID-19 has had on university finances.
JUICE: ESAs mission to the icy moons of Jupiter - Dr Leigh Fletcher University of Leicester University of Leicester News Centre 2020-12-10 | le.ac.uk/physicsDr Leigh Fletcher discusses JUICE ESA's mission to the icy moons of Jupiter.
What will freshers week be like at university in 2020? University of Leicester News Centre 2020-09-06 | leicesterunion.com/freshersWhat will freshers week be like at university in September 2020?
The University of Leicester is ready to welcome its students back University of Leicester News Centre 2020-09-06 | le.ac.ukWe’re excited to be welcoming you to the University of Leicester this September and are committed to keeping you safe.That’s why from this October we will be screening students and staff for COVID-19 as part of plans to keep the campus and wider community safe. The tests will look to detect the presence of the virus in people without symptoms, and so prevent its spread. The University is one of the few in the country to run the scheme, building on the excellent work already underway by our researchers to identify new strategies to combat the virus. Utilising novel technology building upon the work pioneered at the University, the tests are processed using LAMP analytic technologies (loop-mediated isothermal amplification), which makes it quicker and easier to test large groups at the same time for coronavirus. This screening programme is different to testing people who are already displaying symptoms – these tests will continue to be carried out by the NHS. Testing will not be compulsory for students but we will be encouraging you take part in the screening if you study on campus and/or live in our halls of residence.Behind the scenes we’ve been working to ensure we’re ready to welcome our 2020 cohort of students to campus. Small groups of students will form ‘bubbles’, which will help ensure that any case of coronavirus can be contained. Earlier this year we launched our innovative dual-learning platform, ignite, which delivers a seamless, dynamic and immersive University experience, whilst maintaining the highest standards of safety both on and off campus.
Fears that students moving back to university will start a second wave of COVID-19 University of Leicester News Centre 2020-09-06 | le.ac.ukFears that a large number of students moving back to university, to start the autumn term in 2020, will start a second wave of COVID-19 infections.
Is it safe for students to return to university in 2020? University of Leicester News Centre 2020-09-06 | le.ac.ukPresident and Vice-Chancellor Professor Nishan Canagarajah explains the measures that the University of Leicester has put in place to help keep students safe when they return to university.
UK first: superfast procedure to treat heart arrhythmia performed in Leicester University of Leicester News Centre 2020-09-06 | le.ac.ukA new procedure to correct a common disturbance in heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation has been performed for the first time in the UK last week at Leicester's Hospitals. Atrial fibrillation (AF) affects 1-2 per cent of the general population, which amounts to more than 1 million people in the UK, and increases the risk of stroke by five times.Treating the condition with medicine is often ineffective, with many patients continuing to suffer from breathlessness and palpitations. If symptoms cannot be managed with medicine then a procedure called ‘ablation’ is recommended to correct the arrhythmia. This involves inserting tubes via the groin into the heart to burn or freeze areas, which normalises the ‘rogue’ electrical activity in the heart to prevent it from further misfiring. Ablation is made more difficult because the heart does not stay still – it continues to beat during the operation - and the heart’s position can also be affected by the patient's breathing. For the ablation to be effective each ‘burn’ needs to take around 30 to 40 seconds. The total procedure time is around three hours, with over 60 minutes spent on ablation alone. However, thanks to a newly approved technology called QDOT MICRO® from Biosense Webster, part of Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices Companies, ablation can now be done in only four seconds per burn. Through clinical trials the new technology has been shown to be just as safe and effective as conventional ablation, but greatly reduces operation time, and the whole procedure can be done from start to finish within an hour.
Guaranteed spaces for medical and healthcare students announced at the University of Leicester University of Leicester News Centre 2020-09-06 | le.ac.ukThe University of Leicester today confirmed that it is the first university to guarantee spaces for every medical and healthcare student that has achieved their grades, had selected the University as their firm choice and is not placed at another university – ensuring that all students who made Leicester their first choice can begin their university education this year, and not defer their place.Professor Nishan Canagarajah, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester, said: “Universities play a fundamental role in shaping the next generation - at the University of Leicester we embody the ethos of opportunity for all and want to give students the platform to succeed.“This is why we are guaranteeing a space for every medical and healthcare student that has met their grades, selected the University as their firm choice for this year, and is not holding a place with another university, and are the first UK university to do so. In a time of great uncertainty we are putting our students first by ensuring they can take up their university place as planned. Although this requires additional work for the University we believe this is a fair outcome for this cohort and future cohorts who shouldn’t see places reduced due to the current situation.“This is fantastic news for students across the country at a time when the country needs medical and healthcare professionals more than ever.”
University of Leicester announces it has 200 extra places available for Undergraduates University of Leicester News Centre 2020-09-06 | le.ac.ukThe University of Leicester has announced that it's making 200 extra undergraduate places available for those struggling to find a course after the A-level results confusion
A level students need “clarity and consistency”, says University of Leicester Vice-Chancellor University of Leicester News Centre 2020-08-18 | le.ac.ukThe University of Leicester has today responded to the Government’s decision to base students’ A level and GCSE results on their teachers’ assessments.Speaking after the announcement, the University of Leicester’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Nishan Canagarajah said:“Universities have a duty of care to those young people who want to move on with their lives and fulfil their potential.“It is fair to say that students have endured the worst pandemic in history and now their fortunes have been damaged through no fault of their own.“They need clarity and consistency fast, which is why we have been open and supportive from the beginning. We were the first university to make the decision to accept our future students based on their mock exam or published results - whichever is higher – seeing them as individuals, not numbers. In line with current guidance, we are now accepting Centre Assessment Grades, known as teacher assessments.“We were not afraid to do the right thing by our students and our position has remained clear since the rule change on Wednesday – it is incumbent on all who work with young people to ensure our decisions are fair, transparent and timely.”“It’s now five days since results day but our Clearing lines will remain open to support students. We will try, wherever possible, to find students a place on our courses for this academic year.”
First patient joins UK’s largest study into long terms effects of COVID-19 University of Leicester News Centre 2020-08-14 | phosp.orgA patient from Leicester has become the first person in the UK to enter a study investigating the long terms effects of COVID-19.Piyush Madhani was asked to take part in the research at the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Leicester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) based at Glenfield Hospital on Monday 10 August 2020. Ten thousand people are expected to enrol across 57 hospitals in the UK in the coming weeks and months.The PHOSP-COVID study is one of the world’s largest comprehensive studies into the long term effects of COVID-19 on hospitalised patients. In July it was awarded £8.4million jointly by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). This study is one of a number of COVID-19 studies that have been given urgent public health research status by the Department of Health and Social Care.Piyush Madhani, an IT consultant who is married with two daughters, first developed COVID symptoms in mid-March. By day nine he was struggling to breathe, so paramedics took him to Glenfield Hospital, where it was confirmed that he also had pneumonia.He said: “I was in constant pain and could barely speak. All I could think of was recovering and having that chance to see my family again. The hospital staff took good care of me and made sure I made it back home alive.Mr Madhani was discharged after 12 days on a COVID ward. He added: “After coming home, the first month of recovery was still painful. The coughs were still brutal and caused great discomfort. Twice the pain was so severe that I was close to passing out. The nights were equally bad where I could hardly manage a couple of hours’ sleep due to coughing.”Piyush is keen to help others who have been through a similar experience. He explained: “Ever since I came back home and recovered, I wanted to help out in any way possible. Since I had been through the stressful and painful experience myself, I could understand the pain other affected people were going through. There have been many casualties, young and old and all in between, but that should not continue.“It is a bit of a strange feeling to be the first person to be part of this research, but it is exciting as well. I hope I will in some way be able to contribute to the understanding and cure of this virus as well as what impact it has on those infected.”Participants on the study, like Mr Madhani, will be assessed in a variety of ways for example using questionnaires, tests of physical function, techniques such as advanced imaging, and analysis of blood samples creating a comprehensive picture of the impact COVID-19 has on longer-term health outcomes.Dr Rachael Evans, who is an NIHR Clinical Scientist at the University of Leicester and an Honorary Consultant Respiratory Physician at Leicester’s Hospitals, is a co-investigator of the study. She said:“While we now have a good picture of the initial effects of coronavirus, we still have much to learn about the long term effects of COVID-19. For some of the patients in my clinic, recovery happened very quickly, yet others are having prolonged symptoms for months afterwards. We want to understand why that is the case so that we can do something to help.We’re taking a holistic approach. Rather than just focusing on the lungs, we’ll be looking at all aspect of the mind and body, including mental health, physical function, lifestyle, and other organs such as the heart, kidneys and brain for example. We’ll also look at the treatments the patients received in hospital to see what the long terms impacts of their care pathways might be. We’re leaving no stone unturned.”By collecting and analysing information about patients who have had the virus, the PHOSP-COVID team can then develop trials of new strategies for clinical care. This could include personalised treatments for groups of patients based on the particular disease characteristics they show as a result of having COVID-19.
A-Level results 2020 - Universities are here to guide and help you make the right choices University of Leicester News Centre 2020-08-14 | le.ac.uk"At the University we understand it is an uncertain time for parents and students and the key thing to remember is not to panic and the universities are here to support you, to help you to make the right decision. To give you guidance for you to make the right choices"Professor Nishan Canagarajah - President & Vice-Chancellor University of Leicester
University of Leicester prepares to welcome students back safely University of Leicester News Centre 2020-08-14 | le.ac.ukStudents and staff at the University of Leicester will be screened for COVID-19 as part of plans to keep the campus and wider community safe, as students return to the city for their studies. The University is one of the few in the country to run the scheme.The tests detect the presence of COVID-19 in people without symptoms, who can then be given information about isolating to prevent further spread of the virus. Run in partnership with University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust (UHL), Leicester City Council and Public Health England, the tests will complement the NHS test and trace system for people displaying symptoms.The University has been working hard behind the scenes to ensure it is ready to welcome new students to campus. Small groups of students will form ‘bubbles’, which will help to reduce the number of different contacts in both accommodation and small-group teaching. Earlier this year, Leicester launched its innovative dual-learning platform, ignite, which delivers a seamless, dynamic and immersive University experience, whilst maintaining the highest safety standards, both on and off campus.Professor Philip Baker, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Life Sciences, Dean of Medicine at the University of Leicester said: “The University plays a central role in the life of Leicester - our students and staff are proud of the city we call home.“Our staff, students, neighbours and partners are all part of our Leicester community, and we want to ensure that we are doing all we can to keep everyone as safe as possible, which is why we have introduced a COVID-19 screening policy. This programme will make students and staff safer, and will enhance opportunities to increase face-to-face teaching, and social interactions for students.“Through the launch of ignite and our comprehensive safety measures on campus, I am looking forward to our campus returning to being a vibrant hub of learning and world leading research.”Martin Tobin, Professor of Genetic Epidemiology and Public Health at the University, who is leading the initiative said: “It is great to see the city, NHS and university working together in this way. Screening programmes such as this have the potential to make a real difference in the fight against the pandemic.”Professor Nigel Brunskill, Director of Research and Development at the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust said: “Leicester Hospitals will seek to play their full part in this initiative; by making the University safer we make Leicester safer, and reduce the burden on our health service.”While the tests being rolled out on campus in October are not mandatory, members of staff and students are being encouraged to take part to ensure the campus and local community are kept as safe as possible.The tests will check for COVID-19 using novel LAMP analytic technologies (loop mediated isothermal amplification) developed by Professor Jacqui Shaw and her research team, which will be scaled-up to assist with delivery of the project.If a member of staff or a student tests positive for COVID-19, they will be asked to follow Government guidelines for self-isolation and those within their ‘bubble’ will be provided with assistance.
University of Leicester leading the way to create a safer campus University of Leicester News Centre 2020-08-14 | le.ac.ukStudents and staff at the University of Leicester will be screened for COVID-19 as part of plans to keep the campus and wider community safe, as students return to the city for their studies. The University is one of the few in the country to run the scheme.The tests detect the presence of COVID-19 in people without symptoms, who can then be given information about isolating to prevent further spread of the virus. Run in partnership with University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust (UHL), Leicester City Council and Public Health England, the tests will complement the NHS test and trace system for people displaying symptoms.The University has been working hard behind the scenes to ensure it is ready to welcome new students to campus. Small groups of students will form ‘bubbles’, which will help to reduce the number of different contacts in both accommodation and small-group teaching. Earlier this year, Leicester launched its innovative dual-learning platform, ignite, which delivers a seamless, dynamic and immersive University experience, whilst maintaining the highest safety standards, both on and off campus.Professor Philip Baker, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Life Sciences, Dean of Medicine at the University of Leicester said: “The University plays a central role in the life of Leicester - our students and staff are proud of the city we call home.“Our staff, students, neighbours and partners are all part of our Leicester community, and we want to ensure that we are doing all we can to keep everyone as safe as possible, which is why we have introduced a COVID-19 screening policy. This programme will make students and staff safer, and will enhance opportunities to increase face-to-face teaching, and social interactions for students.“Through the launch of ignite and our comprehensive safety measures on campus, I am looking forward to our campus returning to being a vibrant hub of learning and world leading research.”Martin Tobin, Professor of Genetic Epidemiology and Public Health at the University, who is leading the initiative said: “It is great to see the city, NHS and university working together in this way. Screening programmes such as this have the potential to make a real difference in the fight against the pandemic.”Professor Nigel Brunskill, Director of Research and Development at the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust said: “Leicester Hospitals will seek to play their full part in this initiative; by making the University safer we make Leicester safer, and reduce the burden on our health service.”While the tests being rolled out on campus in October are not mandatory, members of staff and students are being encouraged to take part to ensure the campus and local community are kept as safe as possible.The tests will check for COVID-19 using novel LAMP analytic technologies (loop mediated isothermal amplification) developed by Professor Jacqui Shaw and her research team, which will be scaled-up to assist with delivery of the project.If a member of staff or a student tests positive for COVID-19, they will be asked to follow Government guidelines for self-isolation and those within their ‘bubble’ will be provided with assistance.
Signs of early heart failure revealed in patients with type 2 diabetes University of Leicester News Centre 2020-08-14 | leicesterbrc.nihr.ac.ukleicesterdiabetescentre.org.ukAdults with type 2 diabetes that have no history, signs or symptoms of heart problems have been shown to have severely limited exercise capacity, according to researchers at the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Leicester Biomedical Research Centre. Such limitations place them at impending risk of developing heart failure, according to the team who led the study.Researchers studied the hearts of 247 people who had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes between 2.5 and 10 years ago. A control group of 78 people without type 2 diabetes was also recruited to act as a comparison. Over one third of volunteers were from a black or South Asian background, making the sample representative of the local community. Using state-of-the art cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound the researchers spotted subtle impairments in the blood flow to the heart muscle and in the ability of the heart to fill with, and circulate blood around, the body of those volunteers with type 2 diabetes. Participants also had their fitness levels measured using cardiopulmonary exercise testing – a non-invasive method used to assess the performance of the heart and lungs during exercise, usually carried out on an exercise bike.Dr Gaurav Gulsin, BHF Clinical Research Training Fellow at the University of Leicester and lead for the study, said: “Our results showed that even when factoring in age, sex, ethnicity and smoking status, subtle heart impairments contributed to strikingly poor fitness in the volunteers with type 2 diabetes. This suggests that early heart disease is already present in this population, despite the absence of clinical indicators, such as angina and shortness of breath.”Professor Gerry McCann, Professor of Cardiac Imaging at the University of Leicester and co-lead for the study, said: “If we can target these subtle heart impairments with treatments to increase blood supply to the heart, we may help to improve fitness levels and reduce the risk of heart failure in people with type 2 diabetes. We’re now keen to explore such different treatment options to see which, if any, provide the best health outcomes for patients.”While a close association has been found between changes in the heart’s blood supply and filling ability with exercise capacity, more research is needed to understand whether one causes the other.The paper, ‘Cardiovascular determinants of aerobic exercise capacity in adults with type 2 diabetes’, is published in Diabetes Care.
Why is it important to wear a face mask while shopping during the COVID-19 pandemic? University of Leicester News Centre 2020-08-14 | le.ac.ukThe University of Leicester has been ranked as one of the top performing universities in the UK for COVID-19 research, after being awarded more than £10.8 million of government funding since the pandemic began.The University now sits alongside the University of Oxford and University College London and has been recognised globally for its work, including being the first in the world to discover the link between people from black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds being more susceptible to severe cases of coronavirus.In July, the University announced it was leading a new national research study into the long-term health impacts of COVID-19 on hospitalised patients. Backed by £8.4 million of funding from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the Department of Health and Social Care through the National Institute for Health Research, the PHOSP-COVID study, led by Chris Brightling, Professor of Respiratory Medicine at the University of Leicester, with University of Leicester Co-Investigators, Professors Louise Wain and Rachael Evans, is the first UK-wide study to assess the health impacts of COVID-19 on patients and their rehabilitation.Over the next 18 months, the PHOSP-COVID study will draw on expertise from a national consortium of leading researchers and clinicians – involving over 25 academic institutions, 53 hospitals and associated NHS trusts including the University of Oxford, the University of Manchester and Imperial College London.Most recently, the University has been awarded more than £2 million in government funding to launch a major study examining the heightened risk of COVID-19 facing BAME healthcare workers in the UK. Jointly funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), the £2.1m University of Leicester-led UK-REACH study (UK Research study into Ethnicity And COVID-19 outcomes in Healthcare workers) will work with more than 30,000 clinical and non-clinical members of staff to determine their risk of COVID-19, based on the analysis of millions of healthcare records. In addition, the University has won two out of six grants awarded nationally into understanding the links between COVID-19 and ethnicity.Commenting on the ranking, Professor Nishan Canagarajah, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Leicester, said:“The ground-breaking research being conducted by our COVID-19 research team has been instrumental in understanding the virus, its impact and how best to treat it. We are proud to be at the cutting edge of COVID-19 research, having delivered a number of world firsts relating to our understanding of and response to the virus, and I salute the work of our lead academics and their teams who embody our ethos of being citizens of change.”
The academic attainment gap for BAME students University of Leicester News Centre 2020-08-14 | The University of Leicester’s new vice-chancellor has pledged to eliminate the ‘attainment gap’ which sees many students missing out on top degrees.Professor Nishan Canagarajah, who takes up his role as the university’s first BAME Vice-Chancellor, will drive inclusion improvements as he takes the helm at one of the most diverse universities in the UK with 52% of its students coming from a black, Asian and minority ethnic background.The University of Leicester currently has an awarding gap of 10% compared with the national 13% - the difference between the chances of white and BAME students getting a first or upper second class honours degree - and Professor Canagarajah has pledged to eliminate the difference by 2025.The university has also identified a BAME student satisfaction gap of 10% and pledges to similarly eliminate this gap to ensure all its students fully enjoy their learning experience within the next five years.The University has introduced a number of initiatives to close the awarding and satisfaction gaps, including:An access and participation plan which provides a clear roadmap to reduce the awarding gap by 2025.An education excellence programme in partnership with the Students’ Union, including an initiative to recruit more BAME staff.Participation in Advance HE’s Towards Embedding Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the Curriculum Collaborative Project alongside five other universities.Changes to the curriculum to reduce assessment pressure on students, including reducing exam hours and increasing tutor contact time.
COVID-19: study into long-term health impacts launched University of Leicester News Centre 2020-08-14 | leicesterbrc.nihr.ac.ukA major UK research study into the long-term health impacts of COVID-19 on hospitalised patients has been launched today.The PHOSP-COVID study has been awarded £8.4million jointly by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). This study is one of a number of COVID-19 studies that have been given urgent public health research status by the Department of Health and Social Care.Led by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Leicester Biomedical Research Centre (a partnership between the University of Leicester and the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust), the PHOSP-COVID study will draw on expertise from a consortium of leading researchers and clinicians from across the UK to assess the impact of COVID-19 on patient health and their recovery.Around 10,000 patients are expected to take part, making it the largest comprehensive study in the world to understand and improve the health of survivors after hospitalisation from COVID-19. Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said: “As we continue our fight against this global pandemic, we are learning more and more about the impact the disease can have not only on immediate health, but longer-term physical and mental health too.“This world-leading study is another fantastic contribution from the UK's world-leading life sciences and research sector. It will also help to ensure future treatment can be tailored as much as possible to the person.”Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty said: “As well as the immediate health impacts of the virus it is also important to look at the longer term impacts on health, which may be significant. “We have rightly focused on mortality, and what the UK can do straight away to protect lives but we should also look at how COVID-19 impacts on the health of people after they have recovered from the immediate disease. “This UKRI and NIHR funded study is one of the first steps in doing this.”Chris Brightling, Professor of Respiratory Medicine at the University of Leicester, Consultant Respiratory Physician at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, and chief investigator for the study said: “As we emerge from the first wave of the pandemic, we have new insights into the acute phase of this disease but very little information about patients’ long term needs.“It is vitally important that we rapidly gather evidence on the longer term consequences of contracting severe COVID-19 so we can develop and test new treatment strategies for them and other people affected by future waves of the disease.” Symptoms of COVID-19 have varied among those who have tested positive: some have displayed no symptoms, while others have developed severe pneumonia and sadly even lost their lives. For those who were hospitalised and have since been discharged, it is not yet clear what the medical, psychological and rehabilitation needs for this group of patients will be to enable them to make as full a recovery as possible. Patients on the study will be assessed using techniques such as advanced imaging, data collection and analysis of blood and lung samples, creating a comprehensive picture of the impact COVID-19 has had on longer term health outcomes across the UK.The PHOSP-COVID study is widely supported across the NIHR infrastructure, including the Translational Research Collaborations for respiratory, mental health, cardiovascular, dementia, and diet, exercise and nutrition, and many of the NIHR Biomedical Research Centres, which are set up to translate lab-based scientific breakthroughs into potential new treatments, diagnostics and medical technologies.le.ac.uk/news/2020/july/covid-19-study-long-term-health-impacts
BAME academics are “chronically absent”, says Leicester Vice-Chancellor University of Leicester News Centre 2020-08-14 | le.ac.ukBlack, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) academics are “chronically absent” in higher education, the Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Leicester Professor Nishan Canagarajah, has said.His comments come as the University of Leicester today launches an £1.5m annual scheme to create three new funded PhD studentships and ten postgraduate scholarships to attract students from BAME backgrounds into academia, offering the opportunity to secure a teaching fellowship upon completion of the PhD.Professor Canagarajah, Leicester’s first BAME Vice-Chancellor, also pledged for the University to “set the standard for inclusion in higher education”. Currently 14.2% of teaching staff at the University of Leicester are from a BAME background, and 9.8% of Professors at the University are BAME – this is over three times higher than the national average of 3% according to analysis by the Universities and College Union.Professor Nishan Canagarajah said: “Across the UK, BAME university staff are chronically absent within higher education. Inclusion in Higher Education needs to ensure we create a sense of belonging for everyone, particularly staff and students from ethnic minority and socio-economically disadvantaged communities.“Whilst we are seeing growing numbers of students from BAME backgrounds pursuing a university education, the numbers of university staff are not following suit. It is imperative that we have diverse staff to reflect the diverse student population we serve.“I want Leicester to set the standard in the UK and beyond for inclusion in higher education – this is why we are funding these programmes; to encourage people from BAME backgrounds to realise their ambition and help to inspire and shape the next generation.”The initiative forms part of the University of Leicester’s plans to address the low numbers of academics from BAME backgrounds in teaching roles, described as the ‘BAME deficit’ in academia.Commencing in September 2020, the College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities will offer three four-year UK BAME studentships within its multiple subject areas, including education; law; criminology; management; economics; museum studies; history; politics and international relations; media communications; sociology; modern languages; history of art and film; English and archaeology and ancient history.The studentships will also be available to UK applicants to complete through distance learning, to ensure the opportunities are open to as many people as possible, and champion inclusion by encouraging participation from disadvantaged communities.Upon joining the University of Leicester, Professor Canagarajah pledged to eliminate the ‘awarding gap’ - the difference between the chances of white and BAME students getting a first or upper second class honours degree, which sees many students missing out on top degrees - by 2025.Leicester is one of the most diverse universities in the UK, with 52% of its students coming from a black, Asian and minority ethnic background. The University currently has an awarding gap of 9% compared with the national 13%.
University Hospitals of Leicester made recruitment centres for COVID-19 trials University of Leicester News Centre 2020-08-14 | leicestersresearch.nhs.uk/about-us-2/covid-19-and-clinical-research/covid-19-trialsThe Leicester COVID-19 research team, made up of researchers and clinicians from the University of Leicester and Leicester’s Hospitals, were championed at the daily Number 10 press conference on Tuesday 16 June, as being the top recruiter to the national RECOVERY trial.Success was attributed to the joint effort between the University and Trust, which brought together those with the key skills and expertise to take on the challenge posed by COVID-19. The trial has led to the major breakthrough of using the common steroid dexamethasone to treat patients with severe coronavirus.Around 11,500 people from the UK have signed up the trial, with more than 500 patients taking part from Leicester. More than half of all patients hospitalised with coronavirus in Leicester have been recruited to a medicine trial. The national average for hospital recruitment into COVID-19 medicine trials is 13%.Professor Nishan Canagarajah, President and Vice-Chancellor at the University of Leicester said: “We would like to thank every patient that has come forward to join the RECOVERY trial – we are immensely proud of their commitment to take on the challenge posed by the coronavirus and find a solution.“Our success is testament to the close collaboration between the University of Leicester and the University Hospitals of Leicester in sharing expertise and research power – I am immensely proud that we have played a part in this important development.”Professor Chris Brightling, Consultant Respiratory Physician at Leicester’s Hospitals and Professor of Respiratory Medicine at the University of Leicester, said: “This is the news we have been waiting for: a treatment that reduces death in people hospitalised with severe COVID infection. Dexamethasone is a widely available, cheap medication that will now be given routinely in hospitals in the UK but will be accessible worldwide.”The use of dexamethasone reduced death rates by a third (35%) for patients on ventilators, and a fifth (20%) for patients needing oxygen.In a special alert to all NHS trusts, the Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty, has confirmed that any patient coming into hospital with COVID-19 needing oxygen or ventilation should be considered for dexamethasone. However it will not be used for treating COVID-19 in the community, where there is no proven benefit.
University of Leicester launches dual learning package called ignite University of Leicester News Centre 2020-08-14 | le.ac.uk/igniteThe university that embraced distance learning in the UK more than 25 years ago has become one of the nation’s first to launch a fully flexible, dual learning approach to its courses from September, which will see students take more control over their approach to learning with the option of face-to-face learning, remote learning and flexible accommodation packages in response to personal needs and the evolving COVID-19 situation.The University of Leicester’s ignite model marks what the institution is calling a ‘new era of inclusive learning’ in higher education, as new research reveals the lack of clarity over UK courses from September is causing many students to reconsider commencing their courses this autumn due to the related anxiety impacting on their mental health.In independent research spanning 2,006 UK students and their parents, undertaken by the University in May 2020, over a third (41 per cent) of students are now considering deferring their start date to 2021 because of uncertainties about how degree courses will run and fears over safety. More than half of those considering deferring (51 per cent) said they are concerned about the standard of the education they will receive from an online-only course, hampering the ability to socialise, make friends and enjoy the university experience.Almost half (46 per cent) of the respondents said they had received no communication from the institutions they have applied to about course formats in the wake of COVID-19, with 56 per cent saying they are anxious about the current situation. A further third (33 per cent) said the uncertainty and fears about safety had in turn started to impact on their mental health.When questioned about what would change their mind, almost two thirds of students and parents (63 per cent) said having certainty about course delivery would be critical, while 50 per cent said face-to-face contact as well as distance learning is key. For 45 per cent of respondents, having the ability to reduce associated costs like accommodation when not in use is also important. In response to the findings the University of Leicester’s ignite dual learning package will blend face-to-face and distance learning, allowing smaller group learning sessions, lectures or seminars to run face-to-face as well as online, ensuring staff and student safety. Larger lectures will be delivered live online as well as recorded, giving students access as and when they need it.Students wishing to stay on campus may access a variety of flexible accommodation packages, such as weekly bookings in addition to full-term accommodation options. Accommodation contract lengths have also been extended to give students the flexibility they need during this period of uncertainty. Students will have access to all campus facilities and student support services, including weekly check-ins on progress and wellbeing, as well as access to all academics either face-to-face or online. Ignite will also ensure that the University student community, regardless of nationality or location, has access to this new dual-learning model. All international students will still be able to take advantage of the University’s pre-sessional English language programmes, and students who successfully complete modules on online English language programmes will be able to start without the need to take a further test. These pre-sessional courses play a critical role in building linguistic competence and confidence, equipping learners with core academic skills as well as gently introducing them to the United Kingdom, the University and its wider community.University of Leicester Vice-Chancellor Nishan Canagarajah said: “Having launched one of the UK’s first distance learning programmes more than 25 years ago, we are proud to be able to give our students the control to shape their university experience like never before with ignite.“Over half the students we surveyed said they would prefer a dual learning model over a traditional classroom approach and we’ve listened and responded to this. Ignite allows students to switch easily between a physical university experience and a virtual one, with the option to adapt at any time to accommodate changes to individual circumstances. While we are pleased that a majority of the students we surveyed are planning to continue with education this autumn, it is imperative that they receive the education outcomes they expect as well as the support they deserve.“Those starting university in September will no doubt undergo a truly unique experience and with ignite. Students can rest assured our flexible on-campus and online living and learning will continue to meet the needs of a changing world whilst delivering the very highest standards in education."
What will socially distanced student life be like in 2020? University of Leicester News Centre 2020-08-14 | le.ac.uk/igniteUniversity of Leicester President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Nishan Canagarajah discusses plans to safely welcome back students in the autumn term of 2020. Key to this is Leicester's new inclusive learning package called ignite.The university that embraced distance learning in the UK more than 25 years ago has become one of the nation’s first to launch a fully flexible, dual learning approach to its courses from September, which will see students take more control over their approach to learning with the option of face-to-face learning, remote learning and flexible accommodation packages in response to personal needs and the evolving COVID-19 situation.The University of Leicester’s ignite model marks what the institution is calling a ‘new era of inclusive learning’ in higher education, as new research reveals the lack of clarity over UK courses from September is causing many students to reconsider commencing their courses this autumn due to the related anxiety impacting on their mental health.In independent research spanning 2,006 UK students and their parents, undertaken by the University in May 2020, over a third (41 per cent) of students are now considering deferring their start date to 2021 because of uncertainties about how degree courses will run and fears over safety. More than half of those considering deferring (51 per cent) said they are concerned about the standard of the education they will receive from an online-only course, hampering the ability to socialise, make friends and enjoy the university experience.Almost half (46 per cent) of the respondents said they had received no communication from the institutions they have applied to about course formats in the wake of COVID-19, with 56 per cent saying they are anxious about the current situation. A further third (33 per cent) said the uncertainty and fears about safety had in turn started to impact on their mental health.When questioned about what would change their mind, almost two thirds of students and parents (63 per cent) said having certainty about course delivery would be critical, while 50 per cent said face-to-face contact as well as distance learning is key. For 45 per cent of respondents, having the ability to reduce associated costs like accommodation when not in use is also important. In response to the findings the University of Leicester’s ignite dual learning package will blend face-to-face and distance learning, allowing smaller group learning sessions, lectures or seminars to run face-to-face as well as online, ensuring staff and student safety. Larger lectures will be delivered live online as well as recorded, giving students access as and when they need it.Students wishing to stay on campus may access a variety of flexible accommodation packages, such as weekly bookings in addition to full-term accommodation options. Accommodation contract lengths have also been extended to give students the flexibility they need during this period of uncertainty. Students will have access to all campus facilities and student support services, including weekly check-ins on progress and wellbeing, as well as access to all academics either face-to-face or online. Ignite will also ensure that the University student community, regardless of nationality or location, has access to this new dual-learning model. All international students will still be able to take advantage of the University’s pre-sessional English language programmes, and students who successfully complete modules on online English language programmes will be able to start without the need to take a further test. These pre-sessional courses play a critical role in building linguistic competence and confidence, equipping learners with core academic skills as well as gently introducing them to the United Kingdom, the University and its wider community.University of Leicester Vice-Chancellor Nishan Canagarajah said: “Having launched one of the UK’s first distance learning programmes more than 25 years ago, we are proud to be able to give our students the control to shape their university experience like never before with ignite.“Over half the students we surveyed said they would prefer a dual learning model over a traditional classroom approach and we’ve listened and responded to this. Ignite allows students to switch easily between a physical university experience and a virtual one, with the option to adapt at any time to accommodate changes to individual circumstances. While we are pleased that a majority of the students we surveyed are planning to continue with education this autumn, it is imperative that they receive the education outcomes they expect as well as the support they deserve."
How will universities safely welcome back students in the autumn term? University of Leicester News Centre 2020-08-14 | le.ac.uk/igniteUniversity of Leicester President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Nishan Canagarajah discusses plans to safely welcome back students in the autumn term of 2020. Key to this is Leicester's new inclusive learning package called ignite.The university that embraced distance learning in the UK more than 25 years ago has become one of the nation’s first to launch a fully flexible, dual learning approach to its courses from September, which will see students take more control over their approach to learning with the option of face-to-face learning, remote learning and flexible accommodation packages in response to personal needs and the evolving COVID-19 situation.The University of Leicester’s ignite model marks what the institution is calling a ‘new era of inclusive learning’ in higher education, as new research reveals the lack of clarity over UK courses from September is causing many students to reconsider commencing their courses this autumn due to the related anxiety impacting on their mental health.In independent research spanning 2,006 UK students and their parents, undertaken by the University in May 2020, over a third (41 per cent) of students are now considering deferring their start date to 2021 because of uncertainties about how degree courses will run and fears over safety. More than half of those considering deferring (51 per cent) said they are concerned about the standard of the education they will receive from an online-only course, hampering the ability to socialise, make friends and enjoy the university experience.Almost half (46 per cent) of the respondents said they had received no communication from the institutions they have applied to about course formats in the wake of COVID-19, with 56 per cent saying they are anxious about the current situation. A further third (33 per cent) said the uncertainty and fears about safety had in turn started to impact on their mental health.When questioned about what would change their mind, almost two thirds of students and parents (63 per cent) said having certainty about course delivery would be critical, while 50 per cent said face-to-face contact as well as distance learning is key. For 45 per cent of respondents, having the ability to reduce associated costs like accommodation when not in use is also important. In response to the findings the University of Leicester’s ignite dual learning package will blend face-to-face and distance learning, allowing smaller group learning sessions, lectures or seminars to run face-to-face as well as online, ensuring staff and student safety. Larger lectures will be delivered live online as well as recorded, giving students access as and when they need it.Students wishing to stay on campus may access a variety of flexible accommodation packages, such as weekly bookings in addition to full-term accommodation options. Accommodation contract lengths have also been extended to give students the flexibility they need during this period of uncertainty. Students will have access to all campus facilities and student support services, including weekly check-ins on progress and wellbeing, as well as access to all academics either face-to-face or online. Ignite will also ensure that the University student community, regardless of nationality or location, has access to this new dual-learning model. All international students will still be able to take advantage of the University’s pre-sessional English language programmes, and students who successfully complete modules on online English language programmes will be able to start without the need to take a further test. These pre-sessional courses play a critical role in building linguistic competence and confidence, equipping learners with core academic skills as well as gently introducing them to the United Kingdom, the University and its wider community.University of Leicester Vice-Chancellor Nishan Canagarajah said: “Having launched one of the UK’s first distance learning programmes more than 25 years ago, we are proud to be able to give our students the control to shape their university experience like never before with ignite.“Over half the students we surveyed said they would prefer a dual learning model over a traditional classroom approach and we’ve listened and responded to this. Ignite allows students to switch easily between a physical university experience and a virtual one, with the option to adapt at any time to accommodate changes to individual circumstances. While we are pleased that a majority of the students we surveyed are planning to continue with education this autumn, it is imperative that they receive the education outcomes they expect as well as the support they deserve."
Leicester, Together In Hope - #TogetherInHope #WeAreLeicester University of Leicester News Centre 2020-07-18 | The University of Leicester, in partnership with Leicester City Football Club and the Diocese of Leicester, and supported by a raft of local public figures, invites the citizens of Leicester and Leicestershire to come together in a celebration of community spirit this weekend.Headed by President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Nishan Canagarajah, Foxes CEO Susan Whelan and Bishop Martyn Snow, ‘Together In Hope’ will highlight messages of encouragement and the many acts of kindness and concern for one another that have been springing up during lockdown.Sports, education, business, charity, arts, community and faith leaders and personalities are supporting ‘Together In Hope’ on social media. The project is being co-ordinated by Turi King, the University’s Professor of Public Engagement and Revd Dr Tom Wilson of the St Philip’s Centre, Leicester’s internationally recognised interfaith centre.Using the hashtags #TogetherInHope and #WeAreLeicester the coalition of prominent local figures invite anyone in – or with a connection to – the city or county to tell the world what we celebrate about Leicester and Leicestershire and how we’ll come through this current challenge and move forward together in hope.You could produce a piece of art, write a poem, make a film clip, create some spoken word, share a recipe, write a letter, highlight community and charitable work or just pose for a photo with the Together in Hope branding – either at home or beside a local landmark. Do whatever you like that lets people know how great Leicester/shire is and how we’ll continue moving forward together in hope.Professor Nishan Canagarajah said: “Leicester is an incredible city. There is so much diversity and unity in one place. It has the world at your doorstep. I am proud of Leicester and it is one of the reasons why I want to champion this great initiative, Together in Hope, to ensure we come out of this lockdown stronger and more united. It’s more important now than ever to shine a light on what is great about our city. Together we can be a beacon of hope for others.”Personalities and organisations supporting #TogetherInHope #WeAreLeicester include:Professor Nishan Canagarajah, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of LeicesterSusan Whelan, CEO, Leicester City Football ClubRt Revd Martyn Snow, Bishop of LeicesterRosemary Conley CBE, Businesswoman, author and broadcasterJonathan Agnew, The BBC Cricket CorrespondentGary Lineker OBE, BBC Sports CorrespondentMaggie Philbin, Tomorrows WorldSimon Cole QPM, Chief Constable, Leicestershire PoliceRick Taylor, Chief Fire and Rescue OfficerProfessor Robert Allison, President and Vice-Chancellor, Loughborough UniversityProfessor Andy Collop, Interim Vice-Chancellor, De Montfort UniversityGeoff Rowe BEM, Festival Director, Big Difference CompanyScott Knowles, Chief Executive, East Midlands Chamber of CommerceFlor Healy, Group Chief Executive, Samworth BrothersKevin Routledge, Chairman, Leicester RidersSean Jarvis, Chief Executive, Leicester Cricket ClubAndrea Pinchen, Chief Executive, Leicester TigersVerity Hancock, Principal, Leicester CollegeDawn Whitemore, Principal, The SMB GroupChas Bishop, Chief Executive, Leicester Space CentreKaramjit Singh, Chair, University Hospitals of LeicesterAndy Williams, Chief executive of the NHS Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland CCGsChris Stafford, Chief Executive, Curve TheatreNikolai Foster, Artistic Director, Curve TheatreRevd Mark Burleigh, Head of Chaplaincy and Bereavement Services, Leicester’s HospitalsSuleman Nagdi, Spokesperson, Federation of Muslim OrganisationsResham Singh Sandhu, MBE, Leicestershire Interfaith ForumPradip Gajjar, President, ISKCON LeicesterRt Revd Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani, Bishop of LoughboroughJonathan Kerry, Chief Executive, Leicester DioceseThe Very Revd David Monteith, Dean of LeicesterRevd Jenny Impey, Minister, Leicester Trinity Methodist CircuitRevd Novette Headley, Superintendent Minister, Leicester West Methodist CircuitDilwar Hussain, Chair, New Horizons in British IslamAssociate Professor David Bartram, Chair, Leicester Progressive Jewish CommunityJiten Anand, Director, InspirateSean Carroll, Director, InspirateBipin Anand, Director, ImageNovaGlynis Wright, President Leicestershire Law SocietyRavi Tara, Group Finance Director, Mattioli WoodsProfessor Turi King, Professor of Public Engagement, Leicester UniversityRevd Dr Tom Wilson, Director, St Philip’s CentrePersonalities and organisations supporting #TogetherInHope #WeAreLeicester
Leicester, Together In Hope - #TogetherInHope #WeAreLeicester University of Leicester News Centre 2020-07-17 | The University of Leicester, in partnership with Leicester City Football Club and the Diocese of Leicester, and supported by a raft of local public figures, invites the citizens of Leicester and Leicestershire to come together in a celebration of community spirit this weekend.Headed by President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Nishan Canagarajah, Foxes CEO Susan Whelan and Bishop Martyn Snow, ‘Together In Hope’ will highlight messages of encouragement and the many acts of kindness and concern for one another that have been springing up during lockdown.Sports, education, business, charity, arts, community and faith leaders and personalities are supporting ‘Together In Hope’ on social media. The project is being co-ordinated by Turi King, the University’s Professor of Public Engagement and Revd Dr Tom Wilson of the St Philip’s Centre, Leicester’s internationally recognised interfaith centre.Using the hashtags #TogetherInHope and #WeAreLeicester the coalition of prominent local figures invite anyone in – or with a connection to – the city or county to tell the world what we celebrate about Leicester and Leicestershire and how we’ll come through this current challenge and move forward together in hope.You could produce a piece of art, write a poem, make a film clip, create some spoken word, share a recipe, write a letter, highlight community and charitable work or just pose for a photo with the Together in Hope branding – either at home or beside a local landmark. Do whatever you like that lets people know how great Leicester/shire is and how we’ll continue moving forward together in hope.Professor Nishan Canagarajah said: “Leicester is an incredible city. There is so much diversity and unity in one place. It has the world at your doorstep. I am proud of Leicester and it is one of the reasons why I want to champion this great initiative, Together in Hope, to ensure we come out of this lockdown stronger and more united. It’s more important now than ever to shine a light on what is great about our city. Together we can be a beacon of hope for others.”Personalities and organisations supporting #TogetherInHope #WeAreLeicester include:Professor Nishan Canagarajah, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of LeicesterSusan Whelan, CEO, Leicester City Football ClubRt Revd Martyn Snow, Bishop of LeicesterRosemary Conley CBE, Businesswoman, author and broadcasterJonathan Agnew, The BBC Cricket CorrespondentGary Lineker OBE, BBC Sports CorrespondentMaggie Philbin, Tomorrows WorldSimon Cole QPM, Chief Constable, Leicestershire PoliceRick Taylor, Chief Fire and Rescue OfficerProfessor Robert Allison, President and Vice-Chancellor, Loughborough UniversityProfessor Andy Collop, Interim Vice-Chancellor, De Montfort UniversityGeoff Rowe BEM, Festival Director, Big Difference CompanyScott Knowles, Chief Executive, East Midlands Chamber of CommerceFlor Healy, Group Chief Executive, Samworth BrothersKevin Routledge, Chairman, Leicester RidersSean Jarvis, Chief Executive, Leicester Cricket ClubAndrea Pinchen, Chief Executive, Leicester TigersVerity Hancock, Principal, Leicester CollegeDawn Whitemore, Principal, The SMB GroupChas Bishop, Chief Executive, Leicester Space CentreKaramjit Singh, Chair, University Hospitals of LeicesterAndy Williams, Chief executive of the NHS Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland CCGsChris Stafford, Chief Executive, Curve TheatreNikolai Foster, Artistic Director, Curve TheatreRevd Mark Burleigh, Head of Chaplaincy and Bereavement Services, Leicester’s HospitalsSuleman Nagdi, Spokesperson, Federation of Muslim OrganisationsResham Singh Sandhu, MBE, Leicestershire Interfaith ForumPradip Gajjar, President, ISKCON LeicesterRt Revd Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani, Bishop of LoughboroughJonathan Kerry, Chief Executive, Leicester DioceseThe Very Revd David Monteith, Dean of LeicesterRevd Jenny Impey, Minister, Leicester Trinity Methodist CircuitRevd Novette Headley, Superintendent Minister, Leicester West Methodist CircuitDilwar Hussain, Chair, New Horizons in British IslamAssociate Professor David Bartram, Chair, Leicester Progressive Jewish CommunityJiten Anand, Director, InspirateSean Carroll, Director, InspirateBipin Anand, Director, ImageNovaGlynis Wright, President Leicestershire Law SocietyRavi Tara, Group Finance Director, Mattioli WoodsProfessor Turi King, Professor of Public Engagement, Leicester UniversityRevd Dr Tom Wilson, Director, St Philip’s CentrePersonalities and organisations supporting #TogetherInHope #WeAreLeicester
Dr Richard Buckley OBE, retires from the University of Leicester University of Leicester News Centre 2020-07-13 | Dr Richard Buckley OBE, co-founder of the University of Leicester Archaeological Services (ULAS), lead archaeologist on the Greyfriars project has retired after 25 years at the University of Leicester.Dr Buckley has over 30 years experience of archaeology in Leicester, but he is best know for his work on the discovery of the remains of King Richard III.
Clinical trial looking at ways to reduce the severity of COVID-19 University of Leicester News Centre 2020-04-21 | leicestersresearch.nhs.uk/about-us-2/covid-19-and-clinical-research/covid-19-trialsUniversity of Leicester researchers are leading the way in discovering treatments for patients with COVID-19. Clinical trials are being conducted in Leicester, which if successful, could help people across the world.Research is essential as there is no known cure for COVID-19, this trial is looking at ways to reduce the severity of the disease.
Space technology being used to help fight COVID-19 University of Leicester News Centre 2020-04-19 | le.ac.uk/spaceparkScientists at the University of Leicester are using Space technology to help fight COVID-19.Equipment normally used at Space Park Leicester to make satellites is being used to make PPE for health workers and technology to measure the Earth's temperature from Space could be used with drones to measure temperature among populations, to identify where virus hot spots are.
Decoy protein injection could stop COVID-19 - University of Leicester University of Leicester News Centre 2020-04-18 | le.ac.uk/news/2020/april/17-decoy-protein-covid-19Decoy proteins that bind and trap the coronavirus to stop it infecting cells in our bodies are being developed by the University of Leicester.Using pioneering techniques in molecular evolution, a method used in protein engineering to evolve a protein to optimise its use, the research team led by Professor Nick Brindle at Leicester, and with Dr Julian Sale at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB), are working on the creation of a new soluble protein that binds to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, thereby preventing it from being able to bind to and infect our cells.The COVID-19 virus normally infects lungs and tissues by binding to a receptor called ACE2 on the surface of our cells. The decoy mimics these receptors, but it is engineered to be more attractive to the virus, so it will bind to the decoy and not ACE2, preventing the virus from ‘hijacking’ and reproducing within our cells.Nick Brindle, Professor of Cell Signalling at the University of Leicester’s Departments of Molecular & Cell Biology and Cardiovascular Sciences, said:“This is an innovative approach in the ongoing fight against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. By ‘hijacking’ the receptors on cells in our lungs and other tissues the virus can grow and spread throughout the body and lead to disease.“By creating an attractive decoy protein for the virus to bind to, we are aiming to block the ability of this virus to infect cells and protect the function of the cell surface receptors.“If this approach is successful, it could have the potential to prevent new cases of this deadly disease across the globe.”The initial set of results will be available in two to three months.To facilitate their research, Professor Brindle’s team is using a technique called Cryo-Electron Microscopy (Cryo-EM), which enables scientists to image whole virus or parts of the virus in a native environment. The biological sample is frozen rapidly and then imaged by targeting a beam of high energy particles called electrons, which have a wavelength much smaller than the biological molecules being imaged.As part of its world-leading efforts to support research into COVID-19 and diagnostic testing, the University of Leicester has been working on a number of research projects including the development of a diagnostic mask that could potentially detect the presence of coronavirus before symptoms appear.In addition, the University has donated thousands of items of PPE from its laboratories and lent diagnostic machinery to both the local NHS Trust and the national diagnostic hub at Milton Keynes.
Insert strip for face masks could help detect Coronavirus University of Leicester News Centre 2020-04-06 | An engineering researcher at the University of Leicester is helping to design an insert strip that can be placed into a face mask and used to detect COVID-19.More information available here; le.ac.uk/news/2020/february/28-coronavirus-masksA new approach to testing for coronavirus (COVID19) is to be trialled by researchers here at the University of Leicester, which could determine whether a person is infectious or not – even before symptoms are present. If successful, the approach could greatly simplify large scale screening for the virus and curb the spread of the disease.Researchers will use simple, low cost face masks which are adapted using 3D printed strips that can trap exhaled microbes whilst the mask is worn for 30 minutes.Using the adapted mask to screen for coronavirus could allow very large groups to be checked at once, potentially helping to curb the spread of the virus and avoiding long stays in quarantine.Mike Barer, Professor of Clinical Microbiology in our Department of Respiratory Sciences, said: “Coronavirus is spread from the mouth, throat and respiration system of infected individuals. This new approach is exciting because it could help us determine whether a person is infectious or not, even before symptoms of the virus have appeared.“Measuring how much of the virus is breathed out by using the mask sampling approach will allow us to compare levels of the virus exhaled by different individuals, and could help us focus control efforts on preventing spread. The mask can easily be processed in any standard virus diagnostic laboratory. Successful development of this approach could be transformative.”The pilot work is being funded by an urgency grant through the University’s QR Global Challenges Research Fund allocation (Research England), as part of the global drive to manage the coronavirus outbreak. The adapted mask has previously been successfully used to screen patients for tuberculosis and this research was recently featured in The Lancet Infectious Diseases.The trials will be conducted at the University of Leicester in partnership with the NHS and international partners, including a partnership in South Africa to use the mask technology to test for influenza.Researchers will first target patients with other respiratory virus infections and compare mask with throat swab results, then if successful, move on to trials with COVID-19 infections. It will be a minimum of 2-3 months before researchers can sample possible COVID-19 patients because they need to fully validate the new approach first.The materials for each mask currently cost around £2 as the inserts are individually 3D printed at the University of Leicester, but if manufactured on an industrial scale the sampling masks would cost just pennies.Professor Barer’s team is currently in the process of bidding for Government funding to develop this work further.
Air quality improvements during the COVID-19 lockdown University of Leicester News Centre 2020-04-06 | The COVID-19 lockdown has led to a significant decrease in Nitrogen Dioxide emissions. The improvement in air quality hasn't been seen as a positive by everyone as this report shows.
Could we use existing drugs to treat Coronavirus? University of Leicester News Centre 2020-04-06 | Could existing drugs be used to treat Coronavirus, allowing hospital beds and ventilators to be reserved for only the very sick and most in need?
