The Centre for Diabetes aims to increase knowledge at the forefront of diabetes research and develop new approaches for diabetes therapy.
Members of the Centre for Diabetes play a key role in research both locally and globally through senior positions in Diabetes UK and the EASD (European Association for the Study of Diabetes).
Professor Peter Flatt, head of research group, has been named as the leading insulin researcher in the UK, based on the significance and impact of his published research. This ranking was produced by Expertscape and published in association with Diabetes Times.
Professor Flatt has published over 500 original scientific papers in leading peer-reviewed journals and his work has been cited more than 18,500 times.
Our research group have established fruitful collaborations with numerous Centre’s of Excellence worldwide (see Research Network)
We aim to:
- Publish research of national and international status.
- Increase knowledge of pancreatic islet function and endocrine control of nutrient homeostasis.
- Better understand the pathophysiology of diabetes and promote new treatment options.
- Exploit intellectual property and actively pursue technology transfer to alleviate the world-wide burden of diabetes
- Contribute to the prosperity and knowledge-based economy in Northern Ireland.
- Provide a supportive and high quality training environment for research students and postdoctoral fellows and assist career progression.
- Participate in productive national and international networks with Centres of Excellence in diabetes research actively contribute to the global diabetes community.
- Promote impact through public engagement, conferences and involvement with diabetes patient organizations
- Promote awareness of diabetes and the wellbeing of individuals with diabetes.
Research themes
Insulin secretion and gene therapy
Bioengineering and proteomics of candidate insulin-secreting surrogate cells suitable for unraveling the mechanisms of pancreatic beta cell function and dysfunction and paving the way for the future gene therapy of diabetes.
Antidiabetic actions of structurally modified peptides
Investigating the impact of structural modification of biologically active brain-gut peptides on the regulation of feeding, pancreatic beta cell function and anti-hyperglycaemic activity.
Discovery, targets and action of antidiabetic drugs
Characterization of novel antidiabetic agents, isolation of new compounds from natural sources, elucidation of their sites and modes of action and potential therapeutic role in promoting insulin secretion and antidiabetic actions.
Mechanisms of pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction and insulin glycation
Involvement of glucose, lipid and drug toxicity and glycation of insulin and other pancreatic beta cell proteins in insulin secretory dysfunction, insulin resistance and pathogenesis of diabetes.
Collaborations / Partners
The Diabetes Research Group has made several key research discoveries leading to development of intellectual property and a strong international patent portfolio for commercialisation through Innovation Ulster.
Diabetica Limited was formed by three academic co-founders (Profs Flatt, O’Harte and McClenaghan) to help commercialise research findings and develop new drugs. The co-founders won the prestiguous inaugural ACES Academic Enterprise Award for Innovation in Life Sciences in Stockholm in 2008.
DRG member research was acknowledged through the prestigious membership of the Royal Irish Academy, Nordisk Medal awards and RD Lawrence Lecturer and Distinguished Research Fellowship awards.
The DRG contributed two impact case studies in REF2014, including ‘Generation of peptide therapeutics for industry’ and the ‘Development and commercialisation of human clonal beta cells for end-user communities’.
Opportunities for recruitment
Opportunities exist for recruitment of a number of highly motivated research students and Fellows.
- Overseas personnel from Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Egypt, Gambia, India, Jordan, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and Taiwan, in addition to those from the Republic of Ireland and the UK.
- Projects offered are in key areas of ongoing research, and provide a unique experience for innovative diabetes and biomedical training.
- A friendly team environment exists which has previously secured 100% PhD completion within 2-4 years registration.
- State-of-the-art equipment and expertise is available in a number of modern areas of biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology and peptide chemistry.
- Work is conducted in an internationally recognised research environment which places considerable emphasis on peer-reviewed publication, training and career progression.
Professor of Biological & Biomedical Sciences
Professor Peter Flatt
Professor of Biological & Biomedical Sciences
Professor Peter Flatt holds a BSc Hons and PhD from Aston University. He was a Research Fellow at the University of Uppsala, Sweden (1978-80) before taking up an academic appointment at Surrey University in 1980 . He is currently Professor of Biomedical Sciences at Ulster University, a position that he has held since 1989.
Professor Flatt is Head of the Diabetes Research Group, having served as Director of Biomedical Sciences Research Centre (1992-94) and Head of the School of Biomedical Sciences (1994-97).
He is author of over 500 full scientific peer-reviewed papers (h-index 55) on various aspects of diabetes and editor of four major diabetes research texts including New Antidiabetic Drugs (Smith-Gordon, 1990) and Nutrient Regulation of Insulin Secretion (Portland Press, 1992).
Professor Flatt is founding Chairman (1991-) of the Islet Study Group of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD), member of the EASD Council (1997-01), Scientific Secretary and Committee Member of Diabetes UK (1991-97; 2001-04) and a member of the Grants Review Board of the Juvenile Diabetes Federation International (1996-99).
He is a recipient of the Mary Jane Kugal Award (1999) of Juvenile Diabetes Federation International, Biochemical Society Medal (2005), and was elected to membership of Royal Irish Academy (2006), Ulster University Distinguished Senior Research Fellowship (2006) and Diabetes UK Dorothy Hodgkin Award Lecturer (2008). Patent holder, Academic co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer/Director of Diabetica Ltd.
Research Interests
- Insulin secretion
- pancreatic islet cell function and demise
- antidiabetic drugs and gene therapy
- Brain and gut peptides
Teaching Interests
Administrative Roles
- Head Diabetes Research Group
- Course Director BSc Hons Biomedical Science Undergraduate Programmes
Professor of Endocrinology & Metabolism
Professor Finbarr O'Harte
Professor of Endocrinology & Metabolism
Professor Finbarr O'Harte holds a BSc Hons and PhD from Queen’s University Belfast.
He was a Research Fellow at Creighton University, Omaha, USA (1989-91), University College Cork (1992-93) and Ulster University (1993-95) before taking up an academic appointment at Ulster University in 1995. He was promoted to Reader in 2000 and Professor of Endocrinology and Metabolism in 2005.
Finger is a patent holder and academic co-founder of Diabetica Limted, an Ulster University start-up company focused on innovative diabetes therapeutics.
He has over 180 peer-reviewed publications (h-index 37) with many presentations at national and international conferences and was recipient of the Nordisk Medal of the Irish Endocrine Society (2005). He currently holds the position of the President of the Irish Endocrine Society.
Research Interests
- Structurally modified peptides in therapy and drug development
- Regulatory peptides in control of feeding and obesity
- Incretin hormone analogues in diabetes therapy
- Hormone receptor modelling and NMR
- Glucagon receptor antagonists in diabetes therapy
Teaching Interests
- Diabetes Metabolism and Therapeutics
- Hormone Action
- Endocrinology
Administrative Roles
- Placement Tutor BSc Hons Food and Nutrition
- Module Co-ordinator for Biochemistry and Molecular Nutrition, Biochemical and Molecular Approaches to Nutrition
Head Of School Of Biomedical Sciences
Professor Stephen McClean
Head Of School Of Biomedical Sciences
Prof Stephen McClean began his career at Ulster as a Research officer in Bioanalytical Chemistry in 1999. He became a Lecturer in Proteomics in 2001 before being promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2009 and Professor of Bioscience Education in 2017.
He is the author of over 70 peer-reviewed publications (h-index 26), a patent holder, and has given presentations at national and international conferences.
Education
- BSc Hons Science with Business, DIS (Commendation) from Ulster University (1994),
- MRes (Distinction), Ulster University (1996),
- DPhil, Ulster University (1999)
Research Interests
- The isolation and characterisation of bioactive peptides and small molecules from amphibian skin secretions, reptile and arachnid venoms, particularly with application to the field of diabetes.
- Application of mass spectrometry methodologies for analytical problem-solving in the biosciences.
Teaching Interests
- Introductory chemistry, analytical and peptidomic methodologies, natural product discovery and biochemistry.
Administrative Roles
- Academic Lead for Education within the School of Biomedical Sciences.
- Module coordinator for: Chemistry in Practice, Biochemistry and Analytical Methodology.
Associate Dean (Academic Quality and Student Experience)
Professor Aine McKillop
Associate Dean (Academic Quality and Student Experience)
Professor Aine McKillop holds a BSc Hons and PhD from Queen’s University, Belfast and an MSc from Ulster University.
She was a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Queen’s University, Belfast (1996-98) and Ulster University (1998-2002) before taking up appointment as Lecturer in Clinical Biochemistry at Ulster University in 2002., Aine was promoted to Professor of Biomedical Sciences in 2013.
She has over 18 years experience in diabetes research with specific expertise in clinical biomarkers and novel receptor targets in pancreatic islets.
Aine has authored of over 60 peer-reviewed publications (h-index 15) and presentations at national and international conferences. She is a member of a number of professional societies and committees and holds patents with involvement in commercialisation of novel technologies.
Research Interests
- Novel therapeutic targets for diabetes
- Role of GPCRS in diabetes
- Diagnostic biomarkers for early detection of diabetes
- Clinical biochemistry and diabetes proteomics
Teaching Interests
- Clinical and Nutritional Biochemistry and Pathology
Administrative Roles
- Academic Coordinator for Teaching and Learning in the Faculty of Life and Health Sciences
Associate Dean (Research & Innovation)
Professor Victor Gault
Associate Dean (Research & Innovation)
Professor Victor Gault, PhD, is currently Professor of Experimental Medicine and Head of School of Biomedical Sciences.
Victor has over 18 years’ experience in diabetes research with specific expertise in brain-gut peptides. His primary interests focus on the function of incretin hormones and mimetics in normal physiology, their mechanism of action, and potential role in pathophysiology and treatment of diabetes and related disorders. Victor’s most recent research has highlighted the beneficial effects of long-acting gut peptides on improving cognitive function in diabetes and obesity.
Victor has published over 170 scientific articles in high impact peer-reviewed journals (h-index of 37 and 3956 total citations), presented his research at numerous national / international conferences and has attracted significant external research funding. He is the holder of several international patents in the use of peptide analogues in diabetes-obesity therapy and a member of several professional societies / committees and Editorial Boards.
He has also been recipient of several prestigious awards for his research including: Distinguished Research Fellowship (Ulster University), Nick Hales Young Investigator Award (Diabetes UK), European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) Rising Star Award, and RD Lawrence Lecturer Award (Diabetes UK).
In addition to his significant administrative responsibilities and research activities, Victor continues to teach in the areas of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Clinical Biochemistry and Professional Skills.
Dr Yasser Abdel-Wahab
Reader
Dr Yasser Abdel-Wahab holds an MB. BCh. (1985) from Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt and a PhD (1993) from Ulster University. He is currently a reader in the School of Biomedical Sciences.
Dr Abdel-Wahab has over 22 years’ experience in diabetes research with specific interests in the discovery, isolation and characterization of novel antidiabetic agents from natural sources, including plants and amphibian skin secretions. Also, he has expanded his research into anti-diabetic actions of structurally modified peptides and glycation of pancreatic islet peptides and proteins.
Dr Abdel-Wahab has over 180 scientific outputs including over 80 scientific papers in high impact peer-reviewed journals (h-index 28) and has been invited speaker at many national and international conferences and is holder of several patents.
In addition, Dr Abdel-Wahab has various administrative research and teaching roles in Human Anatomy and Physiology, Diabetes and Natural Anti-Diabetic Drug Discovery, Clinical Biochemistry and PGCert Diabetes.
Professor Nigel Irwin
Professor
Dr Nigel Irwin holds a BSc Hons in Biomedical Sciences from Ulster University (2001) and a PhD in Experimental Therapeutics for Diabetes also from Ulster (2004). He also has a Diploma in Industrial Studies (2001) and is a Fellow of HEA (2008).
Nigel began his research career in diabetes during his time as a Research Assistant in Diabetes/Electrophysiology, at University of Nevada, Reno (2000-2001). This was followed by appointment at Ulster as a Research Associate (2004-2007) and a Research Fellow (2007-2009) in Diabetes. He then became a Lecturer in Pharmacology (2009-2014) and Senior Lecturer in 2014.
He has almost 20 years experience in diabetes research with specific expertise in exploitation of gut-derived peptides for the treatment of diabetes and related disorders. His recent research has been integral in deciphering the link between diabetes and increased bone fracture risk.
Nigel is holder of several families of patents, is the recipient of research awards, and a member of healthcare science advisory boards as well as engaging in consultant activity.
He is also a member of several professional societies/committees and holds editorial roles for various respected Journals.
Research Interests
- New perspectives on gut peptides for the treatment of diabetes
- Pharmacological characterisation of current and novel antidiabetic drugs
- Diabetes and bone quality
Teaching Interests
- Pharmacology
- Immunology
- Drug Discovery
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
Administrative Roles
- Module Co-ordinator
- Senior Radiation Protection supervisor
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical science undergraduate attendance monitor
- Various Editor-in-Chief and journal editorial roles
Lecturer in Pharmacology and Molecular Pathology
Dr Charlotte Moffett
Lecturer in Pharmacology and Molecular Pathology
Dr Moffett’s present research is funded by a prestigious 5-year RD Lawrence Fellowship awarded by Diabetes UK which explores how infertility develops in women with obesity-diabetes.
In particular, she is investigating whether using drugs to balance the levels of different gut hormones could help these women to have children in the future.
This research builds on a strong portfolio of recent and ongoing research looking at the role of non-classical islet peptides in beta-cell function and the intra-islet adaptive responses to pregnancy, increased insulin demand and type 2 diabetes.
Such research has explored the relevance of local alpha-cell production of GLP-1 and the modulatory effects of established and new antidiabetic drugs on the process of islet cell transdifferentiation necessary for building beta-cell mass.
Senior Lecturer in Cellular and Experimental Diabetes
Dr Andrei Tarasov
Senior Lecturer in Cellular and Experimental Diabetes
Dr Tarasov studies physiology of hormone secretion by pancreatic islets of Langerhans. This work takes advantage of techniques for real-time monitoring of metabolism or signaling within the islet cells, such as imaging by various modes of fluorescence microscopy and patch-clamp electrophysiology.
To account for the heterogeneity of the cells within the islet and the heterogeneity of the islets themselves, high content routines have been implemented into the real-time imaging technology alongside the analytical apparatus for logical separation of cell subpopulations.
Sensing of extracellular glucose is implemented via changes in energy metabolism in all types of pancreatic islet cells. This coupling, indispensable for regulation of pancreatic hormonal output, is a major source of conundrums in the diabetes research and hence a long-standing interest of Dr Tarasov’s.
He had studied the interaction of the β-cell metabolism with the intracellular ‘energy sensors’, ATP-sensitive channel and AMP-dependent protein kinase and researched the impact of polymorphisms associated with type 2 diabetes on this coupling.
The logical progression for this work were studies on the regulation of β- and α-cell mitochondrial metabolism by the events downstream of the plasma membrane depolarisation, such as elevation of cytosolic Ca2+. Currently, his research aims to explore how glucose regulates the metabolism over longer periods of time and to identify the factors affecting the onset or offset of the metabolic activation of the secretory function.
In addition, Dr Tarasov explores the crosstalk between different cell types within pancreatic islet, which is mostly implemented by the soluble peptides (hormones) they secrete. The peptides then induce changes in intracellular molecules such as cAMP and DAG, thereby influencing the secretory abilities of the target cells
Core Technologies Officer (Cell Technologies)
Dr Keith Thomas
Core Technologies Officer (Cell Technologies)
Keith Thomas’s current research focuses on the creation of novel immortalised beta cell lines with enhanced insulin secretion. These enhanced cells will enable improved in vitro drug testing models.
Keith has vast experience of in vitro cell biology and drug testing on a variety of cell models. This experience has been gained over the last 14 years with Ulster University and includes functional assays utilising Embryonic Stem cells, healthy (non-disease) human cell lines, various cancer cell lines and insulin secreting beta cells.
During this period of time he has extensive use of various flow cytometry analysers (BD and Beckman Coulter), this experience includes up to 12 colours on a single sample and multiple 8-colour panels on both in vitro and in vivo samples.
Professor of Metabolic Medicine
Professor Carel Le Roux
Professor of Metabolic Medicine
Professor Carel le Roux (MBChB, MSC, FRCP, FRCPath, PhD) graduated from medical school in Pretoria South Africa, completed his Senior House Officer training in metabolic medicine at Hammersmith and other London hospitals and his PhD at Imperial College London under guidance of Professor Sir Stephen Bloom.
He was appointed as Senior Lecturer in 2006, promoted to Reader in 2009 at Imperial and accepted a Chair as Head of Pathology at University College Dublin in 2011, a position that he continues to hold in addition to the fractional post of Professor of Metabolic Medicine at Ulster.
Professor Le Roux’s translational research program focusses on how the gut -brain crosstalk and particularly how the mechanisms of bariatric surgery allow better clinical care for patients. His group is at the forefront of research on the role of gut hormones in diabetes remission after bariatric surgery, a surgical procedure that is getting increasingly seen as an integrated physiological solution to the challenge of obesity.
Professor Le Roux’s research therefore aims to improve the quality of life of the growing number of the victims of the obesity epidemic but can also be used to shed light on the mechanisms of glucose regulation by the body and the development of diabetes. This research has produced more than 350 publications with > 17,000 citations.
Lecturer In Biomedical Sciences
Dr Dawood Khan
Lecturer In Biomedical Sciences
Dr. Dawood Khan is a Lecturer in the School of Biomedical Sciences at Ulster University. A Vice-Chancellor’s Research Scholarship recipient, he earned his PhD investigating the role of non-classical islet peptides in pancreatic function and survival. His research portfolio encompasses experimental diabetes, obesity, gut peptides, pancreatic and intestinal adaptations, and fertility-related disorders, including cystic fibrosis-related diabetes. With a keen interest in the gut-reproductive axis, Dr. Khan’s work is published in top-tier journals such as Nature Communications, Scientific Reports and Diabetologia.
As a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) and a Master’s in Education (MEd), Dr Khan is an educator and researcher, recognized with multiple commendations for his leadership and teaching excellence. He coordinates critical modules like Medical Cell Biology, Pharmacology, and Clinical Biochemistry and is recognized for his innovative use of digital tools to enhance learning. As a study advisor, he supports the academic and professional growth of final-year students.
A prolific contributor to the scientific community, he has published significant peer-reviewed articles in leading journals, presented at international conferences, serves as a reviewer for various high impact journals and supervised numerous postgraduate researchers. Dr. Khan has secured competitive research and travel funding. His current research explores the therapeutic potential of incretin hormones on fertility and metabolic health, with an emphasis on obesity and diabetes. Additionally, he contributes to public outreach and science communication, organizing lab tours and engaging with community initiatives to promote biomedical research.
As the School Sustainability Champion, Dr. Khan integrates sustainable practices into education and research, fostering environmentally responsible scientific inquiry. His efforts in gender equality and diversity have contributed to the Athena Swan initiative within the School of Biomedical Sciences.
Research Interests
- Gut-reproductive axis and its role in metabolic diseases and infertility
- Mechanisms of incretins and multi-receptor hybrid peptides in obesity and diabetes
- Non-classical islet peptides and their impact on pancreatic function and survival
- Cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD)
- Nutritional and hormonal modulation of reproductive health
Teaching Interests
- Biomedical sciences and Biotechnology
- Medical cell biology and pharmacology
- Clinical biochemistry and Animal physiology/ anatomy
- Evidence-based healthcare practices
- Integration of digital tools in student-centered learning
Professional Membership
- Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)
- Professional Member, Diabetes UK
- Professional Member, European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD)
- Professional Member, Society of Endocrinology
- Professional Member, The Physiological Society
Administrative Activities
- School Sustainability Champion for the School of Biomedical Sciences
- Module Coordinator for key courses in the School of Biomedical Sciences
- PhD and international exchange student supervisor
- Study Advisor for final-year undergraduate students
- Radiation Protection Supervisor, Diabetes Radioimmunoassay Laboratory
- Contributor of Ulster’s Research Excellence Framework
Prawej Ansari
Prawej Ansari received a B.Sc. (Hons) in Pharmacy with distinction from the International Islamic University Chittagong, Bangladesh in 2013. He was awarded a Masters of Pharmacy degree Magna Cum Laude from the North South University, Bangladesh in 2015. He is a registered Pharmacist since 2014 and worked as a Teaching and Research Assistant during his Master’s degree. He has published more than 25 journal articles and has served in the role of reviewer and editorial board member. Ansari joined the Diabetes Research Group in September 2016 as a PhD researcher. His research focuses on the isolation and characterization of phytochemicals with insulin releasing and glucose lowering effects for treatment of type-2 diabetes.
Supervisors : Dr Yasser Abdel-Wahab and Professor Peter Flatt
Sarah Craig
Sarah, from Ballymoney in County Antrim, graduated in 2017 from Ulster University. She gained a BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Science with a Diploma in Professional Practice with first class honours. During her university course, she completed a one-year placement in Randox Laboratories where she developed a keen interest in research and development. Sarah joined the Diabetes Research group as a PhD researcher in September 2017 to work on xenin-based peptides as potential therapeutics for type 2 diabetes.
Supervisors: Victor Gault and Nigel Irwin
Mark Campbell
Project title: Therapeutic Importance of Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoid Receptors in Type 2 Diabetes.
Description: The project focuses on investigating the use of novel cannabinoid compounds as a potential therapy for type 2 diabetes
Supervisors: Professor Aine McKillop and Professor Victor Gault
Daniel Holmes
Project title: Assessing the Effectiveness of Blue Whiting Protein on Satiety and its use as a Functional Ingredient within the Diet
Description: Daniel's PhD project is about utilising and adding value to the Blue Whiting fish - the most abundantly landed fish within the UK. Blue Whiting is a small bony fish which is not often consumed here in the UK but instead is ground up and used as an agricultural fertiliser and feed. The objective is to see if crude Blue Whiting protein hydrolysates can be used as therapeutics in the area of satiety to counter metabolic disorders.
Supervisors : Professor Finbarr O'Harte and Dr Lynsey Hollywood
Natalie Klempel
Natalie grew up in the United States and graduated with a bachelors in Kinesiology from Texas Woman’s University, Denton, Texas. This generated a burning interest in anatomy and pathology, leading to completion of MSc in Human Anatomy (with merit) from the University of Dundee. In September 2016, Natalie joined the Diabetes Research Group for PhD studies. Her research focuses on the mechanism of action of an alpha cell toxin and the essential role of glucagon in diabetes.
Supervisors : Professor Peter Flatt and Dr. Charlotte Moffett
Adeoluwa Owolabi
Project title: Novel fatty acid receptors in islet cells as therapeutic targets for diabetes
Description: Description: G-protein coupled receptors (GPRs) are the largest family of transmembrane receptors in the body. They are involved in numerous physiological processes including glucose homeostasis. The project focuses on activation GPR55 and GPR120 and their potential as therapeutic targets for diabetes. Knockout cells for both GPR55 and GPR120 developed using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing will be used to determine agonist specificity for the activation of their respective receptors. Furthermore, the project will be focusing on identification of downstream signalling pathways initiated that regulate glucose homeostasis upon activation of GPR120 and GPR55.
Supervisors: Professor Aine McKillop and Professor Peter Flatt
Aimee Coulter-Parkhill
Description: The aim of Aimee's research is to utilise novel venom-based peptides from the Mexican blonde tarantula, and other related tarantula species, to investigate the antidiabetic potential of these peptides.
Supervisors : Dr. Nigel Irwin, Prof. Victor Gault and Prof. Stephen McClean
Ananyaa Sridhar
Anayaa's PhD project title is "Elucidating the role of gut hormones in infertility associated with diabetes, obesity and PCOS".
Diabetes and obesity are major complications associated with infertility and PCOS. The project looks at the link between these conditions, the gut hormones that play an important role in their pathology and effects of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for effective treatment.
Supervisors : Dr. Charlotte Moffett, Professor Peter Flatt, and Dr. Dawood Khan
Vishal Musale
Vishal joined the Diabetes Research Group in September 2015 as PhD researcher under supervision of Yasser Abdel-Wahab and Peter Flatt. His research work focuses on elucidating long term metabolic effects of frog skin peptides in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. He developed a strong inclination towards novel therapeutic strategies during MSc in Biotechnology at Ulster where he worked in this area. Previously, Vishal completed a BSc (Hons) degree in microbiology from Shivaji University in India.
Supervisors : Yasser Abdel-Wahab and Peter Flatt
Nathan Scott
Project title: Investigating the bioactive properties of a novel mushroom compound
Description: Investigating the bioactive components of the reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) mushroom, obtaining novel single molecular weight extracts and testing in vitro and in vivo as a potential therapeutic for diabetes and / or cancer. It is sponsored by Hughes Mushrooms.
Supervisors: Prof Peter Flatt and Prof Victor Gault
Ryan Lafferty
Ryan graduated with a Master’s Degree in pharmacy in 2014, which he obtained while studying at Queen’s University Belfast. He subsequently began his pre-registration year as a pharmacist, working in a community pharmacy in West Belfast. Upon qualification, he began working as a locum-pharmacist in the greater Belfast area. His interest in diabetes was spiked after being recruited as a consultant pharmacist for a small start-up company, who developed a novel blood-glucose monitor. This experience imparted a desire to further study diabetes, resulting in the undertaking of a PhD within the Diabetes Research Group at Ulster, which he started in September 2016. He is currently investigating the therapeutic potential of a range of novel PYY peptides, with the aim of developing a hybrid peptide with several gut-hormones.
Supervisors: Prof. Peter Flatt and Dr. Nigel Irwin
Dipak Sarnobat
Dipak Sarnobat obtained BSc and MSc degrees with upper first class honours from Shivaji University, India. Later in 2014, he completed a Master’s degree in biotechnology at Ulster University. He also worked for a period in the insulin manufacturing industry. During the MSc project at Ulster, Dipak worked on the insulinotropic properties of peptides which fired his interest in diabetes research. Dipak is currently working on a project on treatment of type 2 diabetes using genetically engineered mice to generate insulin producing cells from non-beta cell lineages.
Supervisors: Professor Neville McClenaghan, Professor Peter Flatt and Dr Charlotte Moffett
Keith Thomas
Project title: Creation and characterisation of novel human insulin-secreting cell lines for in vitro testing and potential gene therapy of diabetes.
Supervisors : Professor Peter Flatt, Professor Neville McClenaghan
Lauren Hunter
Project title: Non-classical islet peptides and paracrine interactions in the physiological and dysfunctional regulation of hormone secretion
Description: The aim of Lauren's PhD project is to identify and investigate non-classical islet peptides, in terms of the importance of their paracrine effects on the regulation of hormone secretion, and the pathogenesis of diabetes.
Supervisors: Professor Peter Flatt, Dr Yasser Abdel-Wahab and Dr Violetta Naughton
Shaun Sharkey
Project title: Extraction, characterization and exploitation of marine derived bioactive peptides for enhancing health.
Description: The objectives of this research are to;
- test the safety of fish protein hydrolysates using various in vitro cell assays,
- test oral administration of blue whiting protein hydrolysates in acute and chronic in vivo studies for effects on metabolic control,
- test the acute responses in vivo to synthetic peptides identified from blue whiting protein hydrolysates to better understand their mechanisms of action,
- examine the efficacy of fish protein hydrolysates in a high fat fed diet induced obese model.
Supervisors: Professor Finbarr O’Harte, Dr Philip Allsopp
