Blog posts

Celebrating Women at NHLI

At NHLI, we seek to foster an inclusive, equitable and supportive environment for all who come through our doors.  

To mark International Women’s Day (8 March) and Women at Imperial Week (9-13 March), we spoke to several women across NHLI who were nominated by their colleagues for the impact they make and the inspiration they provide. 

 Jo Feary, Senior Clinical Research Fellow 

I lead a team who deliver high-quality, cutting-edge research in occupational lung diseases and am regarded as an international and national expert in the field. The aspect I enjoy most about my work is the direct relationship between my research, how it impacts on clinical care and how it influences policy across the globe. 

Asha Patel, Associate Professor in Advanced Therapies 

I lead a dynamic research team exploring next generation nucleic acid therapeutics. Currently, we are developing innovative polymer and lipid nanoformulations of mRNA encoded proteins to restore tissue homeostasis. One of the most rewarding parts of my job is bringing together a diverse, talented group of scientists whose unique experiences and perspectives spark creative solutions to complex challenges. We’re all driven by a shared passion for transforming these discoveries into real world impact. 

Nicola Ruivo, Section Manager 

As a Section Manager at NHLI, I am committed to building strong and trusting working relationships through a personable approach, creating an environment where academics, researchers and students feel supported and confident. By combining operational excellence with a collaborative mindset, I ensure the support I provide is of the highest standard and contributes meaningfully to the success of research initiatives. 

Kushalinii Hillson, Clinical Research Fellow 

I am a paediatric respiratory doctor, currently doing a PhD in developing non-invasive tests that can be used to target treatment in preschool wheeze. At present, treatment for recurrent preschool wheeze is purely by symptoms reported by parents. I enjoy my research as it involves working with preschool children with recurrent and severe wheeze, who have significant symptom burden. This also has a direct and indirect impact on their parents, their wider family, as well as on their quality of life. I undertake several bedside tests when they come into clinic and follow them up over the course of a year, which is highly satisfying. I have had the pleasure of getting to know these children and their parents, gaining their trust, and getting to know them well, over the course of their follow up. Preschool wheeze remains poorly managed, and an under-researched area, due to the perceived difficulties in undertaking tests in very young children, even though these children account for most acute childhood asthma presentations. It is humbling to see the level of engagement of parents and children in research, to help advance our knowledge in this field, to improve management in the future. 

 

Alicia D’Souza, Associate Professor in Cardiac Electrophysiology 

At NHLI, I lead a research group studying the biology of the heart’s natural pacemaker and conduction system. What I enjoy most is the collaborative environment and the opportunity to support the next generation of scientists while working on research that has real potential to improve how we understand and treat heart rhythm disorders. 

Jamilah Meghji, Clinical Associate Professor in Respiratory Medicine 

My work sits between TB and respiratory research. I am interested in understanding the lasting impact of TB disease on lung health, and much of my work describes the burden and impact of post-TB lung disease in Africa. We have now started to look at this in the UK, which is an exciting new focus. I am also investigating how we might deliver integrated TB and respiratory care in Africa, through collaborations in Kenya, Tanzania and Nigeria – this work aims to make clinical care more person-centred and offers important opportunities to improve patient outcomes. 

My research involves collaborating with peers and students from around the world, across cultures, and across research methods. This breadth can be challenging but means that I am always learning and developing, and I really value this about my work. 

Eleanor Tucker, Division Manager 

Happy International Women’s Day. I’m one of a team of four Divisional Managers in NHLI. What I enjoy most about my role is knowing that I’ve made a painful bit of university administration slightly easier for our staff and students. My overall experience of working in NHLI over many years is that it’s a department made up of exceptionally hardworking, ambitious, but also kind and altruistic people. It turns out, I’m very fond of the people I work with! 

 

Across NHLI, women contribute their expertise at every level, shaping our research, education and professional services, helping build a community grounded in collaboration, compassion and excellence. Our commitment to equality is also reflected in NHLI’s ongoing work through the Athena Swan framework, which guides our efforts to create a fair, inclusive and supportive environment for all. 

This includes colleagues in senior leadership roles such as our Head of Department, Professor Barbara Casadei, and division leaders Professor Clare Lloyd, Professor Jane Mitchell and Professor Wisia Wedzicha. Their leadership, along with the contributions celebrated in this piece, sustains the vibrant and inclusive environment we are proud to recognise today. 

Dr Adela Constantinescu-Bercu on life as a Postdoctoral Research Associate

“The ability to present complex findings in a structured and accessible way is fundamental to advancing science.”

Dr. Adela Constantinescu-Bercu is an MRC-funded postdoctoral research associate at the NHLI, currently investigating the effects of Von Willebrand Factor (VWF) on vasculature as part of Professor Anna Randi’s research group. She has presented her research at a number of conferences, including the International Society for Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) Congress in Washington DC, US, the GRC in Vascular Cell Biology in Maine, US, and the BIC International Conference in Padua, Italy, and recently saw her work published in Blood.

We spoke to Adela about her research, her experience at Imperial, and what she has learnt in her time as a postdoctoral fellow.

What is Von Willebrand disease, and what is the focus of your current research into it?

Von Willebrand Disease (VWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder. It occurs when there is either a deficiency of Von Willebrand Factor (VWF), or when its function is affected. Patients with VWD can present vascular abnormalities (angiodysplasia) in the gut, which leads to gastro-intestinal bleeding – a major unmet need in these patients, as this often does not respond to conventional therapies.

VWF plays a crucial role in haemostasis, preventing us from bleeding during vessel injury. Our lab has previously shown that VWF also regulates angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels from existing ones). My research focuses on understanding how VWF affects angiogenesis with the aim of identifying new therapeutic targets for angiodysplasia in VWD. As part of my MRC postdoctoral project in Professor Anna Randi’s lab, I developed a vascularised ‘gut-on-chip’ model to study angiodysplasia in VWD. This is a personalised approach using patient-derived endothelial cells called ECFCs and revealed that patients lacking VWF present vascular remodelling defects that can be corrected with an anti-angiogenic drug, against angiopoietin-2.

Do you have any morning rituals to set you up for the day?

My mornings are largely structured around my daughter, who is in Year 1. Preparing her for school, having breakfast together and talking about the day ahead are central to our routine. It is safe to say she knows a lot more about blood vessels that other 5-year-olds do!

Once I drop her off at school, I start my workday properly. I take a few minutes to review my own priorities, look over the experiments planned and any deadlines pending. This brief moment of reflection helps me transition into work with clarity and focus.

Do your working days follow a similar pattern, or are they quite varied?

There is a general rhythm to my week, but my days are quite varied. Some are spent in the laboratory running experiments, or supervising Masters students. Others are focused on data analysis, writing or meeting collaborators. We also have weekly group meetings as well as section meetings where we present our results, engage in interesting discussions and receive constructive feedback. I also regularly attend webinars or seminars led by internationally recognised researchers, organised by NHLI, and participate in national and international conferences.

The multi-disciplinary aspect of this project also included a more unique start. I began working on this project by moving to Milan, to join our collaborator’s laboratory at Politecnico di Milano. Here I worked with Professor Marco Rasponi, in the Bioengineering Department, learning how to design and produce the microfluidic organ-on-chip devices I then implemented at Imperial. I was there for 3 months, which proved to be an adventure not only due to the steep learning curve of a field I never worked in before (bioengineering), but also from a personal perspective, as I moved there with my husband, daughter (who was 3 years old at the time) and dog. It was a true team effort, which proved to be very rewarding, culturally and professionally.

What do you enjoy the most about being part of Professor Anna Randi’s research group?

What I value most about being part of Professor Randi’s research group is the combination of high scientific standards and a genuinely collaborative atmosphere. There is a strong emphasis on critical thinking, and discussions are both rigorous and supportive. Group meetings and one-to-one discussions are spaces where ideas are encouraged and challenged, so that these are strengthened and refined. I also really enjoy the highly collaborative environment, which facilitates a multidisciplinary approach to the research.

Professor Randi’s mentorship is also essential, given her genuine investment in the professional growth of everyone in the group. I have greatly benefited from her guidance regarding my long-term career development, particularly this year, when I am preparing to apply for my first fellowship. I consider her a role model for the researcher I hope to become. Being part of her group has shaped both my scientific perspective as well as my aspirations as a researcher.

What are the next steps in developing the vascular “organ-on-a-chip” model?

The next steps for the vascularised ‘gut-on-chip’ focus on increasing its physiological relevance and experimental robustness. Our immediate priority is to refine the system so that it more closely reflects the gut microenvironment. This includes integrating intestinal epithelial cells to recreate the interface between the epithelium and underlying vasculature, enabling us to study the crosstalk between epithelial and endothelial cells.

In parallel, we aim to introduce controlled mechanical stimulation to mimic peristalsis. This work in progress is achieved using an actuation pump to recapitulate the dynamic conditions of the intestinal environment and study how mechanical cues influence vascular integrity and tissue homeostasis.

The long-term goal is to also establish a reliable platform for translational research, which can be used to study disease mechanisms and assess potential therapeutic strategies in a system that more closely reflects physiological conditions.

Why is this research important to you, and what do you hope it could achieve?

This research is particularly meaningful to me because it connects fundamental vascular biology with real clinical implications. A deeper mechanistic understanding of the link between VWF and vascular abnormalities not only has the potential to refine the management in VWD, but also to inform broader vascular and haemostatic disorders where endothelial dysfunction plays a central role.

What are the most important things you have learnt from presenting and publishing your research?

One of the most important lessons I have learnt is that clear communication of the data is crucial. The ability to present complex findings in a structured and accessible way is fundamental to advancing science.

Presenting my work at conferences and seminars has also shown me how valuable networking is. Meeting experts from all over the world has led to new ideas, fresh perspectives and, in some cases, the beginning of new collaborations. The informal conversations after a talk or during a poster session are very important, especially at a career stage where developing an international network can shape future projects and opportunities.

The peer-review publication process has taught me resilience and openness to feedback. Constructive feedback strengthens the quality of the research and often provides perspectives that improve the final work. Publishing feels not like an endpoint, but rather like contributing to an ongoing scientific conversation.

Trialling Nalbuphine ER as a treatment for Cough in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: An interview with Professor Philip Molyneaux

“Finding a specific treatment for chronic cough in IPF could have a huge impact on patients’ lives.”

Philip Molyneaux is Professor of Interstitial Lung Disease at the National Heart and Lung Institute, the Asthma + Lung UK Chair of Respiratory Research, and Director of the NIHR Clinical Research Facility at the Royal Brompton Hospital, where he is also a Consultant in Interstitial Lung Disease.

We spoke to Professor Molyneaux about his ongoing research into the treatment of cough in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), after the conclusion of a successful phase two trial.

Can you summarise your research and what you found in plain language?

We have been trialling a new drug, Nalbuphine ER, for the treatment of cough in patients living with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). IPF is a scarring lung disease and around 80% of people with the condition suffer with chronic cough. This worsens their quality of life and currently there are no treatments available.

We recently ran a phase two clinical trial, in which 165 IPF patients with chronic cough were either given one of three different strength doses of Nalbuphine ER, or a placebo, for six weeks. We recorded the number of coughs-per-hour in each patient over the first and last 24 hours of the study and found that the cough count dropped across all three doses of the drug compared to the placebo, with the strongest dose proving to be the most effective. We also asked patients about their own perception of the rate and severity of their cough; those taking the two stronger doses of the drug noticed a significant decrease in their symptoms.

“Our research shows that the mechanisms we are targeting improve cough, helping us to gain a deeper understanding of IPF and its symptoms.”

Why is this research important? What problem does it address? 

Finding a specific treatment for chronic cough in IPF could have a huge impact on patients’ lives. Current treatments are simply borrowed cough treatments for other respiratory conditions. They are often ineffective and trialling them wastes time – something which is in short supply when it comes to IPF, which has a life expectancy of only three and a half years. 

Previous studies have shown that cough has a detrimental effect on the lives of patients with IPF. It can contribute to anxiety and depression, as well as causing incontinence and even blackouts. Plus, in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, coughing has been socially stigmatised. All these things can threaten IPF patients’ quality of life, which is why finding a disease-specific treatment is so important. 

What are the most significant findings or outcomes? 

Our trial, which recruited at the Royal Brompton Hospital’s Cardiorespiratory clinical research facility, is the first positive head-to-head placebo-controlled study into IPF cough. It shows that there is potentially a treatment which could improve IPF patients’ quality of life, as opposed to simply slowing down the progression of the disease. We hope that Nalbuphine ER could become a useful treatment for IPF cough, but more research is needed to confirm this, and to check the drug’s long-term safety.  

How might this research impact policy or the public? 

Policy, as all medical researchers will know, must change when a new drug is approved. Nalbuphine ER is a drug that has been used previously, as an injectable post-operative painkiller; our version is in a tablet format, with a different indication. If Nalbuphine ER is approved as a treatment for IPF cough after a phase three trial, treatment guidelines would hopefully change rapidly as there are no other options.  

When it comes to the public, cough takes up a lot of healthcare resources, including some people might not expect, such as occupational and speech and language therapists. If IPF patients’ coughs improve, these finite resources will be freed up for others who may need support. 

How do these findings advance knowledge or practice in your field? 

Our research shows that the mechanisms we are targeting improve cough, helping us to gain a deeper understanding of IPF and its symptoms. While this is crucial as it gives us clues into how IPF cough works and how it can be best treated, there are still many questions to ask. 

We are unsure whether Nalbuphine ER will work for all patients with IPF and cough. We don’t know if reducing cough can slow disease progression, nor do we know why some IPF patients cough more than others; perhaps this knowledge will arise tangentially from the work we are doing. Moreover, we are currently only looking at idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, so there is a possibility that Nalbuphine ER may work for those living with non-idiopathic or familial pulmonary fibrosis too. 

Does your work tie into any wider research? 

There is so much great research happening around the impact of cough and whether it is the same across all fibrotic lung diseases. From what we can tell, it seems to be very similar to IPF, which suggests that Nalbuphine ER could be used to treat cough in a range of respiratory conditions. 

We would also like to look at whether cough comes from the brain, the nerves, or the lungs by conducting MRI scans to observe what happens in the brain when someone is coughing and examining lung volume changes in people with chronic cough. 

What are the next steps? 

The next step is a phase three trial, looking at a larger patient population for a longer duration to ensure the benefit is sustained. We are hoping to start this study later this year.  

Connecting with patients and learning from the experts: Inside Imperial’s Medical Ultrasound MSc

“Learning a new skill in the medical field in 12 months sounded ridiculous, but it’s achievable if you put in the work.”

Balancing academic study with networking and even running a university society, we speak to Shahd Najjar about her experience on Imperial’s Medical Ultrasound (Vascular) MSc.

The Medical Ultrasound (Vascular) MSc gives students the opportunity to explore the scientific theories of medical ultrasound, before developing their skills on a placement in a hospital department.

Shahd tells us about what she learned from her time studying the course, and offers advice to prospective students.

Could you tell us a bit about yourself and what brought you to Imperial? 

I am an international student from Saudi Arabia. After finishing my BSc in Neuroscience, I was a bit lost and noticed that my degree lacked practice and actual life skills; I had only gained theoretical knowledge. The MSc course at Imperial was interesting, top-rated and more importantly, gave me hands on experience. 

What inspired you to pursue an MSc in Medical Ultrasound? 

Medical Ultrasound is an amazing for diagnosis and pre-surgical planning. The amount of knowledge that can be acquired through one scan is baffling.  

What have been the most valuable skills or knowledge you’ve gained from the course?  

During my hands on work with the NHS, I had the amazing chance to connect with patients, speak to them and perform scans. 

What is the most important thing you learned from Dr Mohammed Aslam, the course director? 

I observed him work for a full shift, skipping his lunch hours just to make sure patients are not waiting for too long in the waiting room. He makes sure that each scan is thorough, precise, and all the requirements of a scan are met. His work ethic is amazing and should be learned from – no matter how tired he is, he gives 100% to patients and not only that, he is so dedicated to his students.   

Were there any particular modules, projects, or experiences that stood out to you? 

One great thing was attending so many conferences during this degree. Talking to professionals and innovators in the field gave a real taste of the job and helped me in shaping my future career plans. 

How do you see this course influencing your future career or educational path? 

I’ve learned a lot, talked to a lot of people, and connected with NHLI community. I attended a workshop with Dr Barbara Casadei; it was amazing to have the opportunity to speak to her and learn about her plans. 

What have you gained from your time at Imperial, professionally, academically, and personally? 

Learning a new skill in the medical field in 12 months sounded ridiculous, but I have realised that learning something new and developing new skills is achievable if you put in the work. 

Has anything surprised you about the course or your time at Imperial? 

I was surprised to see that a work-life balance was achievable. I never thought I could have a nine-to-five job, but it was not that bad! Studying and working also seemed farfetched, but I travelled to Europe and fun created memories alongside achieving my academic goals. I also led the Saudi Society at Imperial where me and my team held great activities and had a lot of fun doing so. I was very involved in my university experience, as well as doing great academically.

What advice would you give to future students considering this course? 

Have fun, work hard and never be embarrassed to ask for help. Another important point is get involved and make connections – it is a great gateway to opening up y

our mind. 

How did founding the Saudi Society at Imperial shape your experience here? 

When I first went to the welcome week at Imperial, I was amazed to see that the Saudi Society was inactive, especially since the Saudi community at Imperial is large. I re-founded it and took responsibility by hiring and leading a team. It was very stressful; however, it is such an amazing feeling to lead a group, and now I can still see it thriving! 

What does being part of a diverse academic community mean to you? 

It’s truly inspiring to see different age groups, different cultural backgrounds and academic backgrounds. I learned a lot by speaking and connecting with people. The variety of age groups was especially beneficial to me, as I have learned a lot from the older generation. They had great advice and wisdom. 

What’s next for you? Are there any exciting projects or opportunities you’re currently working on or planning to pursue? 

Yes! I’m working on a patent and founding my own health tech company. Working at the NHS, looking at patients and looking at the problems sparked an idea, although I regret not knowing about Imperial’s great programmes which help start-up companies. So, I advise future students to make use of all resources that Imperial has to offer. I’m doing great things and I’m thankful to Imperial and the NHLI for the opportunity to tell more people about my experience and create connections.  

Find out more about our Medical Ultrasound and other MSc courses.

Material deprivation increases the burden of COPD on individuals and the healthcare system

 

 

What does a future with better lung health look like — and what will it take to get there? On World COPD Day, Professor Nick Hopkinson and Dr Keir Philip from the National Heart and Lung Institute explore new evidence that highlights the urgent need for action. COPD is not just a disease of the lungs; it’s a condition deeply rooted in poverty and inequality. From early-life disadvantage to harmful exposures like tobacco smoke, air pollution, and poor housing, deprivation shapes both who develops COPD and how they live with it.

It is well established that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is linked to poverty and inequality[1] . The exposures that cause people to develop the disease – tobacco smoke and air pollution as well as occupational dust, fumes, and chemicals are linked to deprivation. Early life disadvantage – poor nutrition, infections and lack of access to healthcare, also hampers normal lung development, increasing the risk of COPD.

On World COPD Day, we have published the results of research done in collaboration with the charity Asthma + Lung UK demonstrating that material deprivation doesn’t only cause COPD. It also influences what happens to people once they have the condition, and how this in turn increases the burden on individuals and the NHS[2].

In a large national survey of 3,472 adults with COPD, we examined how material deprivation relates to emergency and unplanned healthcare utilisation (EUHU) such as attending A&E. Material deprivation refers to not being able to afford certain basic things in life like energy bills, adequate food, or keep your house warm. Many of these are basic requirements for living well with lung conditions and avoiding acute deteriorations. EUHU are costly for both the patient and the healthcare system, and accident and emergency departments are struggling to cope. In our study we found individuals experiencing material deprivation had a 27% higher odds of more frequent unplanned healthcare use, independent of age, gender and smoking status.

A particularly important finding was the strong association between inadequate home heating and cold or damp housing and increased EUHU. Over one in four participants reported being unable to keep their home adequately warm, and cold or damp living conditions were clearly linked to a higher likelihood of emergency care.

These results further extend findings that poor-quality housing—especially cold and damp environments—is closely linked to unplanned healthcare use in COPD[3]. Such living conditions are known to worsen respiratory symptoms, increase susceptibility to exacerbations, and limit the effectiveness of self-management.

The government was elected with a manifesto commitment to deliver a cross-government health mission. The introduction of Awaab’s Law requiring providers of social housing to address problems quickly is crucial step in the right direction, but it needs to be extended to private landlords as soon as possible, alongside broader redistributive policies to end poverty, in particular child poverty.

The findings of this research reinforce the need for comprehensive policy interventions to improve housing conditions and thus improve lung health, in order to reduce avoidable emergency care, alleviate pressure on the NHS, and improve the lives of the more than one million people living with COPD in the UK.

 

 

1               Williams PJ, Buttery SC, Laverty AA, et al. Lung Disease and Social Justice: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease as a Manifestation of Structural Violence. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine 2024; 209:938-946

2               Adesibikan A, Williams PJ, Cumella A, et al. Relationship of material deprivation with emergency or unplanned healthcare utilisation in adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: analysis from an Asthma+Lung UK survey. BMJ Open Respir Res 2025; 12

3               Williams PJ, Cumella A, Philip KEJ, et al. Smoking and socioeconomic factors linked to acute exacerbations of COPD: analysis from an Asthma + Lung UK survey. BMJ Open Respiratory Research 2022; 9:e001290

Beyond the Bench: A PhD Student’s Journey

“The intellectual challenge, the varied nature of the work, and mostly the opportunity to discover new things and contribute to advancements that could one day affect people’s lives are really what drew me into research.”

Meet Krish Sanghavi, a PhD student and part of the Snelgrove Lab at Imperial’s National Heart and Lung Institute (NHLI), whose journey into research took a turn from an early ambition to study medicine. Inspired by hands-on lab work during his undergraduate and Master’s projects, Krish discovered a passion for scientific discovery and the intellectual challenge of research. Now immersed in the world of immunology and data analysis, he shares insights into the highs, hurdles, and hopes of life as a PhD student. (more…)

One Year On: A New NHS Pathway for Blood Pressure Care

“There is a growing recognition that healthcare needs to move beyond the clinic and into people’s everyday lives.”

It’s currently Know Your Numbers Week, an annual campaign led by Blood Pressure UK to raise awareness of high blood pressure and the importance of regular checks. A year on from his previous blog, How home monitoring is redefining hypertension care, we catch up with Dr Amit Kaura as he shares updates on the ongoing challenge of hypertension, including new developments in NHS care pathways designed to better support patients both digitally and non-digitally. (more…)

Meet the 2024/25 NHLI BSc Prize Winners and Nominees

“This BSc has reshaped how I see myself as a future clinician and researcher. These experiences taught me to navigate ambiguity and think critically – skills that are vital in delivering patient-centred care.”

Students on the iBSc Translational Respiratory Medicine course run by the NHLI

Each year, our Intercalated BSc (iBSc) students at the National Heart & Lung Institute (NHLI) are recognised for their outstanding achievements across our three courses: Remote Medicine, Cardiovascular Sciences, and  Translational Respiratory Medicine.

Here are our 2024/25 award winners and nominees in their own words, reflecting on their journeys, challenges, and the impact of their intercalated year at NHLI.

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From Research to Teaching: Dr Leanne Felkin on Educating and Celebrating MSc Cardiovascular and Respiratory Healthcare Students

“The more rewarding part from all of my career at NHLI is definitely my colleagues. I have never taken for granted what a complete privilege it is to be able to do interesting work with interesting people.”

Dr Leanne Felkin is the Senior Teaching Fellow for the MSc Cardiovascular and Respiratory Healthcare. A researcher turned educator, she shares her journey of transforming scientific expertise and a passion for teaching into a mission to nurture the next generation of cardiovascular and respiratory healthcare professionals.

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