Research studies

Research studies involve patients and/or members of the public who volunteer to help by providing samples or data (measurements, opinions etc) for the research.

The genetics of obesity. The Genetics of Obesity Study (GOOS) website has loads of interesting information about genes that can affect body weight, current work and patient experiences. This study aims to inform therapeutic strategies for people with severe obesity by understanding the fundamental mechanisms controlling body weight.

Can we understand more about obesity by studying thinness? The Study into Lean and Thin Subjects (STILTS) includes 2000 people with a low BMI. We are interested in understanding how some people stay thin and remain healthy with a normal diet and minimal exercise.

Body weight regulation. Faults in the MC4R gene, which is involved in regulating weight, can lead to obesity from early childhood. Find out more about this gene.

Artificial pancreas in very young children. The KIDSAP study aims to assess the ability of the artificial pancreas to improve glucose control in the most vulnerable population with type 1 diabetes – children aged 1 to 7 years. Includes a kids section to explain the artificial pancreas and why we need to involve children in medical research.

Artificial pancreas v standard treatments. The CLOuD study with 10-16 year olds aims to find out if our Closed Loop (artificial pancreas) technology can better preserve the function of beta cells in young people recently been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, compared to standard treatment (multiple daily injections). There are some useful links to help you find out more about Type 1 diabetes.

Research groups

Some of our research groups have their own websites.

Fat and Fat tissues. The TVP group works on the molecular mechanisms involved in controlling energy expenditure, the laying down of fat, and the mechanisms that control whether fat is used or stored by the body.​ Read about what they do and meet members of the group.

Obesity and neurodegenerative diseases. The Merkle Lab employs a range of cutting edge techniques to study potential mechanisms linking metabolic and neurodegenerative disease.

Systems neuroscience of body weight control. The Blouet Lab employs a multi-disciplinary approach to characterise how nutrients are detected by the brain to maintain energy homeostasis in health and disease.

Go to our Principal Investigators and Early Career Researchers pages for more information about all our areas of research.