Human systems physiology: Respiratory, cardiovascular and metabolic function in response to stresses such as exercise and hypoxia
Our research centres on human systems physiology. We are interested in the effects of stresses, such as exercise and hypoxia, on metabolism and on respiratory and cardiovascular function.
Technological innovation is vital to achieving breakthroughs in this area. We have a long track record in this area. Most recently we have developed an airway molecular flow sensor that uses laser absorption spectroscopy to analyse the gases in the airway. This allows us to make measurements that have simply not been possible before. As well as studying the physiology of healthy individuals, we are using it to study patients in critical care, and those with diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cystic fibrosis. In 2022, the Royal Society of Chemistry awarded our team the Sir George Stokes Horizon Prize for this technology. As well as developing new technologies, we also exploit new discoveries, made at the molecular and cellular level, in order to understand whole-body function better.
We are an outward looking group, with collaborative projects across the University of Oxford – in particular with the chemistry and engineering departments in the physical sciences, and with the clinical departments of medicine, anaesthesia and intensive care. We also collaborate with a number of different hospitals.
Much of the work within our group is either undertaken by graduate students working towards a doctorate or by early career postdoctoral scientists developing their careers. In many cases, the students are jointly supervised with other colleagues and this adds breadth to their research training. The laboratory has an international feel with students coming from many different countries. Recent students have been funded through Rhodes Scholarships, Marshall Scholarships, Felix Scholarships, Clarendon Bursaries, Wellcome Trust Studentships, as well as through funding arising from their native countries.
Our team
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Peter Robbins
Professor of Physiology
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Nick Talbot
Associate Professor and Consultant in Respiratory Medicine
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Matthew Frise
Academic Visitor
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Graham Richmond
Affiliate Postdoctoral Research Scientist
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Nick Smith
Affiliate Postdoctoral Research Scientist
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Jéssica Luiz
DPhil Student
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Dominic Sandhu
Research Assistant
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Tishan Wellalagodage
DPhil Student
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Haopeng Xu
Postdoctoral Research Scientist
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David Holdsworth
Associate Professor and Consultant Cardiologist
Join the Robbins Lab
GRADUATE STUDENTS
Graduates interested in joining the group can find general information from the Medical Sciences Division Graduate School web pages. This includes information concerning possible sources of funding both internal and external to Oxford.
post-doctoral researchers
Possible sources of funding include:
- The British Heart Foundation
- The Medical Research Council
- The National Institute for Health Research
- The Wellcome Trust
- Other relevant medical charities - e.g. Asthma & Lung UK
OPPORTUNITIES TO VOLUNTEER
We are currently recruiting healthy volunteers for a study concerning blood flow through the lungs (please contact Dr Mary Slingo if interested) and healthy smokers for a study concerning lung function (please contact Dr Nick Smith if interested).
Latest publications
Cerebral blood flow as a mechanistic framework across neurological disease
Journal article
Patel S. et al, (2026), Discover Neuroscience, 21
Protocol for efficient purification of endotoxin-free human recombinant tau protein
Journal article
Karabova MK. et al, (2026), STAR Protocols, 7, 104800 - 104800
Granule cells reorient cortical trajectories to separate contexts.
Journal article
Garcia-Garcia MG. et al, (2026), Nature
Regulated HSPG Signaling Directs Epicardial Behavior to Support Cardiac Formation.
Journal article
Redpath AN. et al, (2026), Circ Res