Centre for Health, Immunology, Microbiology and Environment

CHSE is a group of academics, researchers and professional consultancy staff dedicated to assessing and solving issues around occupational and environmental health – mainly those involving bioaerosols (airborne particles such as bacteria or fungi that can cause severe health problems).

The centre examines the health and vitality of the natural environment, exploring the relationship between healthy ecosystems and the physical and mental wellbeing of the people who live and work within them.

This group researches human pathogens of bacterial, fungal and viral origin. Its studies encompass pathogens that affect a variety of different organ systems, host immune responses, and the development of both synthetic and natural antimicrobial treatments.

The group is also interested in implementing innovative and sustainable technologies to create bio-based biomedical devices and treatments, linked to a circular bioeconomy (where biological resources are reused and recycled to reduce waste and support long-term environmental health).

To carry out its research, the group uses a range of specialist equipment and facilities, including a lab that can produce biobased gels and myco-materials, alongside analytical techniques to evaluate natural products.

The group leads national and international collaborations with industry, academic and clinical partners which support a vibrant lab community of PhD, master’s and undergraduate students.

Its diverse expertise allows it to address contemporary research challenges, including antimicrobial resistance, childhood respiratory infections, multidrug-resistant urinary tract infections and chronic wound infections.

This group focuses on better understanding the impact and limitations occupational, environmental and public health risks have on quality of life at work and in public spaces.

Its work spans the globe, with local projects here in Wales, as well as collaborations with local and national governments and industrial partners in the UK, Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

The Ozone Research Group collaborates with industry specialists, academic institutions and governing bodies to reduce the number of airborne and surface-bound pathogens in clinical and domestic premises in a wide range of settings, such as agriculture and food processing.

It does this by using ozone gas or ozonated water to disinfect bacteria, viruses and fungi so organisations can meet regulatory standards.

Working alongside small-to-medium-size enterprises (SMEs) and trade associations, the group is providing a regulatory roadmap for approving new disinfection devices using traditional chemicals alongside ozone and ultraviolet-C light (UVC).

It also has unique, specialist facilities for disinfecting indoor air and industrial biofilms.

This Welsh Government-funded equipment platform helps drive sustainability and efficiency within the Welsh food and drink manufacturing industry.

It’s available to the Centre’s national and international partners that are looking to reduce food waste or convert biomass – like plants or waste – into fuel or other valuable chemicals. 

This suite of analytical equipment determines the identity and quantity of naturally derived chemical compounds. It can extract and characterise products of known or unknown identity from natural materials, as well as reveal certain physical characteristics of gels and materials.

It also has a plant stress tester that measures plant health and vitality, providing insights into the overall health of an environment for plants and people.