Professor Ghada Alsaleh researches the mechanisms of ageing, with a particular focus on how regulating autophagy can influence biological ageing and age-related diseases. More recently, Ghada established the UK's first Space Innovation Lab at the Botnar Institute. This lab is dedicated to studying the effects of microgravity on human physiology and advancing research in cellular and molecular biology related to ageing, with the aim of uncovering discoveries that could significantly enhance quality of life on Earth.
On being named Associate Professor, Ghada said: ‘I’m truly honoured to have been awarded Associate Professor at the University of Oxford. This milestone reflects our shared efforts to better understand ageing in the musculoskeletal and immune systems—and to explore its impact beyond Earth. This achievement wouldn't be possible without the incredible people I’m fortunate to work with. I’m deeply grateful to NDORMS, the Botnar Institute for Musculoskeletal Sciences, the Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, my project funders, the brilliant members of my lab, and the many exceptional colleagues and collaborators whose curiosity and dedication continue to inspire me.’
Professor Alex Clarke studies immune cell metabolism, with a particular focus on autoimmune disease. His research group aims to understand how cell metabolism differs in autoimmunity and how it contributes to the development of these diseases. Alex has shown that autophagy is activated in B cells and is required for them to produce antibodies. He has recently identified metabolic vulnerabilities in germinal centre B cells and these discoveries may help to open up new therapeutic avenues.
Speaking about the title Alex said: ‘I am delighted and honoured to have been awarded the title of Associate Professor. This recognises the outstanding team it’s my privilege to work with every day to deliver our research vision. I would also like to thank the funders of this work, my collaborators, and the leaders of the Kennedy Institute and NDORMS for their continuous support.’