Impact

In 2019, Liam Read received funding to study idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis at the University of Nottingham.

Project title: ‘How do genetic risk factors, respiratory infection and lung scarring impact the development and prognosis of IPF?’

What is idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis?

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a condition in which scar tissue builds up in the lungs. This scar-tissue makes it difficult for oxygen to be transferred around the body, making it gradually more difficult for people to breathe. The causes are unknown and, sadly, average life expectancy for people with IPF is 3 years.

How will this research make a difference?

Over 5,000 people die from IPF each year, about the same as leukaemia, but IPF research gets less than two per cent of leukaemia’s research investment each year. That is why projects such as this one are so unusual and vital.

By investigating the impact of different factors on the development of this condition, researchers will be able to better understand the disease and be able to develop better and more targeted therapies.