Find out about our research themes and academic leads.
Centre for Skin Sciences
The Centre for Skin Sciences leads innovative research into skin, hair ageing and Alopecia Areata, supported by advanced biological models, specialist expertise and strong academic leadership.
The centre’s academic profiles include internationally recognised experts in skin biology, hair follicle science, immunology, pigmentation, diabetes and microbiome research, fostering a dynamic environment that blends fundamental discovery with translational impact, aimed at improving real-world solutions for ageing skin and hair.
We have a very strong track record of successful partnerships with companies both in the UK and internationally, developing innovative new products for consumers and patients.
Our local to Bradford charity, the Plastic Surgery and Burns Research Unit, provides training placements for plastic surgeon fellows to complete a higher degree in an area of wound healing or burns related research.
Our overall aim is to develop a substantial skin and hair sciences portfolio centred on high quality, high impact research with a balanced mix of translational and basic projects set in a high performing, financially sustainable centre of research excellence.
Find out more about the work of the PSBRU.
The Centre for Skin Sciences Academic Faculty
Dr Kirsten Riches-Suman
Associate Professor in Biomedical Sciences
Dr David Ansell
Assistant Professor in Skin Science
Dr Stephen Sikkink
Senior Scientist
Richard Baker
Research Assistant
Dr Sobia Kauser
Assistant Professor in Biomedical Sciences
Professor Julie Thornton
Emeritus Professor of Skin Science
Dr Karthic Swaminathan
Lecturer in Skin Sciences
Dr Sara Henderson
Lecturer in Biochemistry
Dr Antony Scimone
Assistant Professor in Microbiology
Dr Farshid Sefat
Associate Professor in Biomedical Engineering / Regenerative Medicine
Dr Mark Sutherland
Assistant Professor of Biochemistry
Professor Ajay Mahajan
Professor of Plastic Surgery and Director of the Plastic Surgery and Burns research Unit (PSBRU)
Professor Krzysztof Poterlowicz
Professor of Bioinformatics and Biomedical Data Science