We are delighted to announce that the Physiological Society’s 'Undergraduate Prize for Physiology 2025' for Best Project has been awarded to Thomas Grills, who undertook his 4th year project at DPAG. Tom went on to graduate with a First in Biomedical Sciences.
Working under the supervision of Julija Rabcuka, Dr Noemi Roy and Professor Pawel Swietach, Tom studied the effect of exchange transfusions on oxygen transport by blood in sickle cell patients. People with sickle cell disease often need large transfusions to reduce the fraction of sickling red cells. This is assumed to produce favourable outcomes. However, blood products under storage can undergo metabolic run-down that affects how well the red cells release oxygen. Tom found that some patients showed a significant worsening of oxygen release kinetics after receiving an exchange transfusion. Critically, this parameter is not routinely measured but technology developed in DPAG can address this diagnostic gap. The results may help triage blood products more effectively, and provide a basis for seeking ways of improving storage conditions or rejuvenating blood prior to transfusion.
Tom said: 'It is a privilege to receive this award and see the hard work put into this year recognised. I am extremely grateful for the support received from Julijia, Noemi and Paweł on this project, as well as everyone in the haematology laboratory at the hospital. I hope the group can have continued success in the future, transforming research into tangible impact for patients.'