Researchers to use new technology to better understand lung inflammation in cystic fibrosis
Published: 21 May 2026
Professor Robert Gray will share in more than £1.3million investment to carry out cutting edge research into cystic fibrosis
Professor Robert Gray will share in more than £1.3million investment to carry out cutting edge research into cystic fibrosis.
Three research awards, by the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, have been made to scientists based at the University of Glasgow, the University of Leicester and the University of Bristol, each addressing the research priorities of people with cystic fibrosis in different ways.
Professor Gray, Professor of Respiratory Medicine in the School of Infection & Immunity, will use exciting new technology to better understand lung inflammation through an £800,000 Strategic Research Centre award.
Cystic fibrosis lung disease is characterised by repeated cycles of infection and inflammation that cause lung damage. Despite several decades of work, we don’t understand inflammation in CF, how best to measure it, or how to treat it. The Defining the Inflammatory Environment in CF (DEFINE-CF) Strategic Research Centre, led by Professor Robert Gray at the University of Glasgow, will address these knowledge gaps.
Prof Gray and colleagues aim to use a new cutting-edge technology called spatial mapping alongside, other methods, to learn more about inflammation in people with cystic fibrosis. They will be able to see which cells in the lungs of people with cystic fibrosis are involved in inflammation and how they talk to each other.
These studies will provide important information on how to treat lung inflammation in cystic fibrosis in the future. Their findings will add insight into managing and treating inflammation in people with CF throughout the body.
Professor Gray said: “The DEFINE-CF SRC will highlight potential ways to develop new treatments for inflammation in CF. It brings together an international grouping of experts in CF and lung inflammation to address this challenge, and we are incredibly grateful to Cystic Fibrosis Trust and the CF community for supporting us in this work.”
Dr Lucy Allen, Director of Research and Healthcare Data at Cystic Fibrosis Trust, said: “These research awards open up innovative and exciting new areas of research in CF, allowing multidisciplinary research teams to work together and support two early career researchers to continue to work in CF. Thank you to all of our supporters - your generous donations make this possible.”
Enquiries: ali.howard@gla.systa-s.com or elizabeth.mcmeekin@gla.systa-s.com
First published: 21 May 2026