Health, lifesciences and wellbeing

We combine innovative research and education in health, well-being, and life sciences. We delve into the intriguing connections between society, the environment, and the well-being of both people and our planet. Our research explores people, animals and plants across their life span.

We welcome collaborations with interested partners to create impactful and pioneering global research. By working together, we can tackle some of the world's most significant health challenges. Whether you are a multinational corporation, SME, third sector or public sector organisation, we can connect you with the right expertise, facilities and people to meet your needs.

We offer a flexible range of options for collaboration, giving our partners access to our world-leading research from across the University. Our interdisciplinary approach includes partnerships with healthcare providers, industries and above all, the public - an approach which is at the forefront of the innovative and cutting-edge translational research. Our partners include Royal Devon University Healthcare, Quorn, Exeter Chiefs and Parkinson’s UK.  

Exeter Innovation in numbers

600

600 health projects with businesses each year, worth an estimated £20M

1300

With over 1,300 academic/research staff and 6,000 students, we conduct cutting-edge research on a variety of health-related issues

100%

100% of Life Sciences and Health research was rated world-leading or internationally excellent in the Research Excellence Framework 2021

As world leaders in neuroscience, our work dives into brain diseases, illuminating pathways to better patient care. We explore everything from fundamental biomedical science to creating and providing treatments for individuals and communities.

We are an Alzheimer’s Society Centre of Excellence for dementia care research, with extensive collaborations and partnerships. Our research looks at improving treatment and care to support dementia patients.

Our treatment in mental health and addiction combines work on cognitive control and impulsive behaviour with neuropsychology and neuropsychopharmacology. Partnered with the NHS, we have a dedicated Mood Disorders Centre which conducts assessment, treatment and training for people who suffer from depression.

We can work with you to explore external funding opportunities to deliver key collaborative R&D projects.  

Contacts:

Gemma Mendham
Physical Activity, Mental Health and Nutrition
Email: G.Mendham@exeter.ac.uk

We are global leaders in Sports Science research, our innovative approaches and technologies have revolutionised scientific understanding. Partnering with top universities, local businesses, global giants, and national sports bodies, we drive positive societal change.

We share knowledge by validating new products, shaping policies, enhancing partner value, and fostering benefits for elite athletes, patients, and the wider community.

By working with us, we’ll connect you to relevant expertise and facilities, including our European Centre for Environment and Human Health (ECEHH) - a dedicated World Health Organisation (WHO) Collaborating Centre where we conduct world-class research to investigate the interactions between the environment and human health.

Our research specialisms include Children’s health and exercise; elite performance; human movement; interdependencies between the environment and human health; metabolism and nutrition; psychology, and skill acquisition.  

Contact:

Gemma Mendham
Physical Activity, Mental Health and Nutrition
Email: G.Mendham@exeter.ac.uk

We are proud of our diverse team of experts who conduct multidisciplinary research in the rapidly growing fields of bioengineering and biomedical sciences. Our expertise encompasses cellular and molecular biology, stem cell research, infectious diseases and medical mycology, genetics and genomics, experimental and therapeutic medicine, novel drug targets, and vaccine candidates. This skill set allows us to push the boundaries of knowledge and innovation, helping us understand and decode living organisms' complexity.

We offer our partners access to world-class research facilities and expertise. Whether you're a large pharmaceutical or biotech company, an SME or startup, or a public sector organisation, we can assist you at the different stages of the translational pathway, from scientific discovery to clinical trials and implementation. 

Contact:

Dr Kourosh Norouzi
Biopharma, MedTech & Public Health
K.Norouzi@exeter.ac.uk

We invite collaboration proposals for new clinical trials.

In the last five years, we have invested in supporting commercial clinical trial setup and delivery. A proficient Commercial Clinical Trials Lead and experienced clinicians and academics with a global reputation in clinical trials delivery oversee trials.  

The state-of-the-art Mireille Gillings Neuroimaging Centre offers a distinct opportunity for trial delivery and patient benefits. We collaborate closely with NHS Trusts across the region including the Royal Devon University Healthcare (RDUH) NHS Foundation Trust to deliver these services. Focus areas include Neuroimaging, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and Psychedelics.

Our specialised Health Technology Assessment Unit (PENTAG) conducts assessments for national policymakers in England and Wales. 

Contact:

Dr Zoe Maniou
Clinical Trial Lead
Z.Maniou2@exeter.ac.uk

Our team of engineers, health scientists, and clinicians drive Medical Technology advancements across health and healthcare – from diagnostics and monitoring to treatment and prevention. Partnering with industry, healthcare, pharma, and the public, we improve lives by translating research from 'bench to bedside'.

For example, our world-leading diabetes experts pioneered precision medicine for type 1, type 2, and monogenic diabetes, enhancing global diagnosis, treatment, and healthier lifestyles.  

Our experts in Healthy Ageing research are creating solutions to help us remain independent, productive, active, and socially connected for longer.  

We are also home to leading health economics researchers who can inform the design, assessment and delivery of health technologies and interventions. 

Contact:

Dr Kourosh Norouzi
Biopharma, MedTech & Public Health
K.Norouzi@exeter.ac.uk

Richard Cassidy
Health & Care Services
R.L.Cassidy@exeter.ac.uk