The new Department now has a critical mass of multidisciplinary investigators, which is so necessary to progress an innovative and productive research portfolio. The increase in size and expertise of the Department also provides a broader base from which to deliver undergraduate and postgraduate training and in the provision of clinical care to patients in the Guy's and St. Thomas's Hospital Trust. Research is conducted on a modular system within the framework of the Department. Each module is led by an experienced investigator. Collaborations between modules are strongly encouraged and expected.
Successful modules tend to hold their own grants and students.
Most of the modules formally come together regularly for research meetings to update each other on progress and to seek opportunities for collaboration. The immunology module had another successful year. The function of these cells in terms of cytotoxicity, immunological suppression and help is currently being investigated. Once sensitised, IgE responses are extremely long-lived. Dr Heather Milburn has been working on aspects of lung immunology in sarcoidosis.