The Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine is an active and productive member of the research community. It is dedicated to investigating disease processes to facilitate effective treatments and improve health outcomes. Departmental staff and students regularly present at meetings and conferences and publish in peer reviewed publications.
Current research activities within the Department focus on the causes and behaviour of various cancers with a specific emphasis on prostrate, kidney, breast, cervix, and bladder malignancy. Urogenital pathology and dental research are also areas of research interest.
Major areas of research
Genetics and Epigenomics
Visit the Genomic and Epigenomic Research Lab web page
Epigenetic and Genetic Mechanisms of Disease
We study the genetic factors that contribute to the development and progression of various diseases, from cancer to neurological disorders. By identifying key genetic markers and mutations, our research aims to understand the underlying mechanisms of disease and open doors to targeted therapies. Epigenetic changes—such as DNA methylation, histone modification, and chromatin remodeling—impact gene expression and influence health outcomes. We explore how these epigenetic alterations interact with environmental factors like diet, lifestyle, stress, and inflammation to drive disease processes. This research is vital for understanding the complexity of disease development and identifying preventive strategies based on personalised health risks.
Immune System and Inflammation
We investigate how genetic and epigenetic changes in immune cells affect immune responses and inflammation, which are critical in diseases such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, and chronic inflammatory conditions. Our aim is to understand the role of these changes in disease progression and identify potential therapeutic interventions.
Urogenital Pathology
Research activities are focussed on the classification, diagnosis, molecular biology, growth kinetics, and outcome prediction for adult and childhood renal tumours. Other areas of research are: the pathogenesis and spread of bladder cancer; the pathenogenesis, diagnosis and behaviour of testicular tumours and prostate cancer; and progeria kidney.
Molecular Pathology
The Wakefield Biomedical Research Unit moved to the department from Wakefield Hospital in 2009. It has a strong research focus on the molecular basis of the spread of colorectal cancer and the fundamental cause of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Prostate Cancer Research
The Prostate Cancer Trials Unit is a research unit within the department participating in international and local clinical trials to treat prostate cancer. Research activities are focussed on the classification, in particular the Gleason categories, diagnosis and effective treatment of prostate cancer.
Innovation in Pathology Education
We consider the impact and value of technology enhanced learning within medical education. We clarify what motivates students to use technology based learning and trial various methods of delivering learning using interactive technologies. We discover the links between educational psychology learning theory and our practical research findings. Technologies we have investigated include the kuraCloud platform, Peerwise MCQ writing and Facebook as a motivational and educational tool. We have investigated the best way to deliver flipped classroom and to scaffold e‑learning. Currently we are investigating how technology can best be used to deliver spaced learning medical education and how team‑based learning can be delivered by video link.
Pathology Day
Science with Schools and Kura Kaupapa Māori
Te Whakatūwheratanga
Medical Science Education lectures, perspectives from Professor Neil Osheroff