PhD research may hold potential for a bioactive glass breakthrough

We are thrilled to announce Major Harry Claireaux, a Trauma and Orthopaedic Registrar in the Royal Army Medical Service, as the inaugural recipient of the Scar Free Foundation–Defence Medical Services PhD Fellowship.

The Scar Free Foundation is only able to support this Fellowship due to generous funding provided by the Veterans’ Foundation. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to them for making this exciting new collaboration possible.

On his research, Major Harry Claireaux said: 

• “I am very grateful to the Veterans’ Foundation and Scar Free Foundation for their funding.
• I am up and running with this PhD research into new treatments for conflict-related injuries.
• The team at Imperial College London and I will continue to work hard to deliver results that may shape future treatments for this exceptionally deserving population”.

• “We are enormously grateful to the Veterans’ Foundation for their generous support, which has allowed collaboration between The Scar Free Foundation and Defence Medical Services, to launch this inaugural PhD.  
• Harry is a deserving, enthusiastic PhD recipient and his drive to address an area of urgent need through pioneering research speaks to our Scar Free ethos. Conflict injuries and their complications have profound consequences. 
• We hope this PhD shows promise for bioactive glass as a safe, infection-free alternative to severe, life-changing interventions”. 

• “We are delighted to be partnering with the Scar Free Foundation to support Harry’s research and we’re grateful to the Veterans’ Foundation for their generosity.
• When Harry first presented the proposal to the Defence Medical Services we were struck both by the innovation and medical operational imperative that is central to the project.
• The outputs could be transformational in providing care to severely injured service personnel.
• I am sure this will be the first of a long line of joint Fellowships between the Scar Free Foundation and Defence Medical Services as we work towards a better future for those we care for and care about”.

• “We see first-hand the traumatic and life-changing impacts that injuries can cause to veterans, so we know that this grant will go to good use.
• We look forward to the results of Harry’s research and hope his findings bring positive change and beneficial outcomes for injured veterans in the future.” 

Unlike Bioglass putty or granules, Bouncy Bioglass is a flexible, load-bearing, 3D scaffold. It can bend and bounce, potentially providing strong weight-bearing support for large bone defects, which could minimise the risk of amputation. 

Cotton-wool-like bioactive glass is a fibrous wound dressing, which may reduce infection due to its antimicrobial properties, potentially serving as a new wound dressing.  

Advances in prosthetics and rehabilitation have led to improved outcomes for patients treated with amputation, meaning this is a course often taken for those with severely injured limbs. New treatments with bioactive glass may mean those with traumatic injuries could keep, and regain use of, their arms and legs. 

We’re very pleased to be collaborating with Defence Medical Services, whose research strategy aligns with our continued focus on conflict wounds. This, alongside the Veterans’ Foundation’s generous grant, means the Scar Free Foundation can support critical research to improve the lives of those suffering the consequences of conflict. 

With the changing landscape of modern warfare involving an increasing number of civilian casualties, the positive impact of this research may be felt far beyond the battlefield. 

The Veterans’ Foundation raises funds and gives grants to charitable organisations that support serving and former members of the armed forces, and their dependents, who are in need. Since 2016, they have raised over £23 million for life-changing projects. Read more about The Veterans’ Foundation, and take part in the Veterans’ Lottery, here: Home | Veterans’ Foundation 

Photo credits: Major Harry Claireaux: petri dish from a time-kill analysis examining the effects of bioactive glass powder on Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), scanning electron microscope images of bioactive glass.

Photo credits: AS1 Palmer, UK MOD © Crown copyright 2024: An RAF chinook makes an approach towards a landing site in the desert near El Centro USA, 16/10/2024. Chinooks from 18 Sqn RAF Odiham have deployed to Naval Air Facility El Centro USA on Exercise Vortex Warrior. Exercise Vortex Warrior will allow the Chinook Force to practise their high-merit flying skills in desert and mountainous environments. 

Photo credits: CPL Squires, UK MOD © Crown copyright 2024:Pictured: Soldiers from 27 Theatre Logistic Regiment RLC move out of the quarry away from the danger area after being attacked by a simulated chemical device during Exercise Cambrian Patrol 2024. Soldiers from across the world are readying themselves for the ultimate challenge of military fieldcraft, navigation, tactics, leadership skills and teamwork. This all takes place across the undulating terrain of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) where Exercise Cambrian Patrol has had its roots since 1959. Around 1,000 troops, spread across eight phases of the event, will be faced with a mock mission that includes covering more than 40 miles from east to west, dealing with enemy threats and various other challenges. Lieutenant Colonel Will Peltor, Officer Commanding this year’s event, said: “As we mark the 65th year since the first Exercise Cambrian Patrol took place it’s important to note that the event maintains its core standards and is as relevant today, in the modern operational environment, as it was for Territorial Soldiers nearly seven decades ago when they were being tested on their Cold War readiness.