Professor Paul Martin and Dr Amber Young, from the University of Bristol, demonstrated how discovery science is working side-by-side with cohort studies to develop a better understanding of scarring. Professor Martin’s interests lie in identifying the genes that underpin scarring, whilst Dr Young is hoping to establish the world’s first cohort and gene bank of children’s burns. Research Nurse Amy Bamford, from the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, spoke about a Scar Assessment Tool, developed to objectively measure scars. It will be instrumental in identifying the most effective treatments for scar reduction. All of this research, currently amongst a range of 'base camp' investments by the Foundation, is vital in setting the groundwork for testing future scar free therapies.
Our research also includes the development of pioneering new treatments to reduce scarring. Amongst these pioneers, Professor Liam Grover, from the University of Birmingham, spoke about a new anti-scarring dressing, and how it has been developed and tested over the years to reach the clinical trial stage that we are now funding. This is one of the flagship programmes to be supported within The Scar Free Foundation Centre for Conflict Wound Research.
The patient is at the heart of what we do and we involve those with a lived experience of scarring across our research. During the afternoon, guests also heard from Afghanistan Veteran and Co-Founder of the CASEVAC Club David Wiseman, and patient representative Ana Hobbs. The CASEVAC Club, which represents injured soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan, are involved with projects underway at the Centre for Conflict Wound Research. Ana, whose daughter was born with a cleft palate, sits on our Cleft Advisory Panel.
We would like to thank all of our supporters who attended and participated in the showcase.
