21 August 2017
The British Lung Foundation (BLF) has awarded Professor Toby Maher the role of research chair in the area of respiratory research.
The role is an academic position, created at the level of professor, which recognises a significant contribution to scholarship and research. With this appointment, in partnership with Imperial College, the BLF aims to ensure that lung health remains a key focus in research.
Professor Maher is the lead consultant for clinical trials into interstitial lung diseases (ILD) at the Trust. He runs an active clinical and translational research program that oversees a team of trial staff, PhD fellows and post-doctoral scientists. Professor Maher is also a National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) clinical scientist fellow.
ILD refers to a group of lung diseases affecting the tissue and space around the air sacs of the lungs and includes alveolar epithelium, pulmonary capillary endothelium, basement membrane and perivascular tissues. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is one form of ILD.
As BLF chair, Professor Maher’s research will focus on finding ways to improve outcomes for people living with IPF and to find out more about the biological mechanisms that cause lung scarring.
On receiving the award Professor Maher said: “This funding provides a fantastic opportunity to make a difference for people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and other related scarring disorders of the lung. I look forward to working together with the British Lung Foundation to continue to grow and drive forward research into this important area of respiratory disease”
His research will identify groups of individuals who may respond to personalised treatment, research better ways to measure changes in lung scarring as well as improve clinical trials that test new IPF treatments.
Find out more about the award and information on other recipients.