Professor’s new role helping to promote nanomedicine across the UK

Swansea University Medical School’s Professor Steve Conlan has taken up a key role helping to highlight UK nanomedicine research.

He has been appointed Chair of the British Society for Nanomedicine (BSNM), the UKs leading organisation which seeks to give industry, academia, clinicians and the public access to news of ongoing nanomedicine research throughout the UK.

Professor Conlan, who is the Medical School’s head of enterprise and innovation, explained that the field of nanomedicine – the application of nanotechnology to healthcare –  is still relatively new, but its global benefits are multiplying every year, with 50 nanomedicines already in clinical trials.

He said: “Nanomedicine is a growing and diverse area of research providing new and innovative treatments that are benefiting patients on a global scale. 

“Here at Swansea we have access to cutting-edge technology teamed with world leading researchers and teachers in the field. Through BSNM we will be able to promote and share research ideas and form new collaborations that will benefit the nanomedicine community and aid in the development of much-needed diagnostics and therapeutics.” 

BSNM aims to explain ongoing science and commercial developments so the public can understand and stay in touch with this exciting area as it impacts future healthcare. 

Professor Conlan will share the post with co-chair Dr Tom McDonald, from the University of Liverpool.

One of their first responsibilities is to host a series of online early career researcher events to build on the success of annual events held around the UK over the past 10 years.

The first of these take place on November 25 and 26 and will provide an opportunity for ECRs to showcase innovative research and discuss outputs and opportunities with other researchers and experts in the field of nanomedicine.

It will also offer researchers the chance to network and collaborate with the wider nanomedicine community during interactive breakout sessions.

Junior researchers (PhDs and Post-docs) can share their work through a 15-minute presentation. Anyone interested in taking part should contact britishsocietyfornanomedicine@gmail.com no later than Friday, October 30.  

The free event will be held on Zoom and those interested can register to attend via Eventbrite, or at BSNM.