Plastic Surgery and Burns Research Unit (PSBRU)
The Plastic Surgery and Burns Research Unit (PSBRU) was founded by the late Professor David Sharpe following the fire disaster at the Bradford City football club in 1985.
In our 40th year, we will be remembering the events of 11 May 1985, the 56 people we lost and 258 others who were injured, but also reflecting on the successes of the PSBRU and the advancements in treatments of burns and related injuries that have been made possible with the support of our community.
Today, the PSBRU is led by Professor Ajay L Mahajan, Consultant Plastic Surgeon, who along with his collaborators and research fellows carries out research activities at the University of Bradford.
Research activities at the PSBRU have explored various ways in which wound healing and scarring can be improved to deliver the best possible outcome for our patients. Our research lays down a strong foundation for our young doctors who set out to pursue a career in plastic surgery and encourages them to embark on innovative projects.
The University of Bradford provides the infrastructure for the PSBRU, which includes laboratory space, academic supervision, administration and professional support led by Associate Professor Dr Kirsten Riches-Suman. It is attached to the Centre for Skin Sciences, but funded separately which means every donation contributes directly to the resources of the Unit. The activity of the PSBRU depends directly on donations from the public, who have supported the Unit so generously over the years.
Support the PSBRU
You can support us by making a donation which will help us to continue with our laboratory research and improve the future of health care.
How the PSBRU is helping people
A number of our research projects have focused on improving wound healing following burns and other injuries.
Apart from the unsightly appearance of the scars, adverse scarring can lead to contractures, thickening and tightening of the skin that can affect the movement of limbs. Our research projects have investigated the role of myofibroblasts, the cells that play a key role in wound repair, and the organisation of collagen, a common protein in the body also important in healing, in wounds. This has also been relevant in work with patients with breast cancer to improve scarring in breast skin tissue after radiotherapy treatment.
We have also looked at instances where healing may be impaired, such as in the elderly; looked at the role of steroid hormones in wound repair; the role of hair follicles in skin repair; we have also looked at the possibility of using the pro-inflammatory reaction following a burn injury, in conjunction with stem cells to improve the wound healing process and reduce scar tissue formation.
Our research has shown that vitamin D, also known as the “sunshine vitamin” could be a cost-effective treatment in managing burns and chronic wounds.
Research has also been done on facial recognition computer technology to aid clinicians in their initial burn assessments which is vital for the initial management of patients with burns.
The initial aftermath of the Valley Parade fire also led to the invention of the Bradford Sling® by Professor David Sharpe which we picked as one of the University's significant research innovations.
Staff and Fellows
Profiles of our current team are below. To date various research projects have been carried out under the valuable supervision of CSS staff Professor Vladimir Botchkarev, Dr Natalia Botchkareva, Dr Ian Naylor, Professor Valerie A. Randall, Professor Julie Thornton, Professor Desmond Tobin and Dr Kirsten Riches-Suman.
Fellowships
David Sharpe Fellowship
Prof David Sharpe OBE (1946-2023)
Founding Director of PSBRU
Professor Sharpe organised the response to treat the burns injuries in the immediate aftermath of the Valley Parade tragedy, conducting more than 20 operations in the first few hours. Many had burn injuries to their hands, which inspired him to invent the Bradford Sling, which revolutionised the management of hand injuries worldwide. This led to the creation of the Plastic Surgery and Burns Research unit in 1985.
He retired in 2014 but continued to play an important role in promoting the PSBRU and engaging with the community until his death in 2023. The PSBRU was established with money from public donations and the tremendous efforts of many local groups. Over the years, the public along with the support from local media such as the Telegraph and Argus and our Lord Mayor have kept the research unit afloat. The unit will always retain a special connection to the city, the football club and to those who support our work through donations.
Prof Sharpe did so much for his patients, the PSBRU and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery as a whole that his contributions to the field will be remembered forever by the ongoing contributions to research by the 'David Sharpe Fellow'.
Current Director Prof Ajay Mahajan with Prof David Sharpe.
Bradford City FC Supporters Fellowship
The Bradford City AFC stadium fire was one of the worst sporting disasters in this country. The research unit that was established following this disaster continues to strive towards improving lives for patients in future. The people of Bradford and fans of Bradford City FC known as 'the Bantams' have always had the research unit close to their heart and have generously supported its existence. One of the Research Fellowships is named The Bradford City FC Supporter's Fellowship to honour this association between the PSBRU and City fans.
Research and Clinical Fellow in Plastic Surgery
These research and clinical fellows positions particularly aim to promote careers in Plastic Surgery. Research helps build a strong inquisitive mind and lays the foundation to critically analysing any clinical situation. At the same time, it is essential to progress one’s clinical experience in plastic surgery. With this in mind we are offering this dual fellowship that will meet both criteria.
Fellows are involved in the clinical activities of the plastic surgical department at the Bradford Royal Infirmary on a part time basis where they gain valuable clinical experience in plastic surgery. The other part time work is in our Research labs at the Plastic Surgery and Burns Research Unit at the University of Bradford. Fellows are registered at the University of Bradford as a MPhil student and awarded a postgraduate degree subject to satisfactory progress.
Appointments are for a two-year period. At the end of this period, fellows can choose to pursue an academic path or a clinical path. For the academic route, there is the potential to convert the MPhil program to a MD / PhD program depending on satisfactory progress. For the clinical path, fellows will be considered for appointment as a Specialist Registrar in Plastic surgery subject to attaining necessary clinical competence and a position being available. Successful fellows are in a very strong position to apply for National Training numbers in Plastic Surgery to secure a future career as a Plastic Surgeon.
Our research successes and alumni
We are proud of the fact that the PSBRU is one of only 20 research units across the UK that are registered on the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (BAPRAS) website. It has had 30 research fellows over the years most of who are established Consultants in the various parts of the UK.
Plastic surgical trainees have studied for a higher research degree via two to four year placements in the PSBRU. MD/MPhils degrees were awarded to 18 fellows; while six were awarded a PhD, a notable achievement within the short time period.
In addition to numerous conference proceedings, 41 peer-reviewed publications were published in high-impact journals. This research was widely disseminated at national (21) and international (25) scientific meetings and some awarded best paper prizes e.g. by European Tissue Repair Society (ETRS), European Association of Plastic Surgeons (EURAPS) and British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (BAPRAS).
PSBRU Alumni
Mohammad El-Nemr (current)
Lucy Trevor (2022);
Alina Chelmus (2019). Consultant in Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon, Emergency County Hospital, Piatra Neamt, Romania
Kirsty Smith (2018) Consultant in Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon, Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield
Jing Tay (2018); Speciality Registrar in Plastic Surgery, London.
Debabrata Mondal (2014);
Shola Adekunle (2014);
Chris J Lewis (2013); Consultant in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals, Newcastle.
Ben H. Miranda (2011) Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Department, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust;
Nanda Kandamany (2010) Consultant in Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon, Royal Hobart Hospital, Hobart, Australia.
Shahidul Huq (2009) Consultant in Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon, Royal Stoke University Hospital, Stoke-on-Trent.
Susan Stevenson (2009) Consultant in Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgeon, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals, Newcastle.
Jeremy M. Rawlins (2005) Consultant Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgeon, Royal Perth Hospital, Australia;
Kamil Assad (2005) Specialist Registrar Plastic Surgery, Hull NHS;
Wee L. Lam (2005) Consultant Plastic and Hand Surgeon, Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Edinburgh;
Richard O. Karoo (2004) Consultant Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgeon;
Ben K. Chew (2001) Consultant in Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Canniesburn, Glasgow
David AL Watt (2001) Consultant in Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Bradford Teaching Hospitals;
Killaroi Tzafetta (2000) Consultant in Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, St Andrew's Centre for Plastic Surgery and Burns in Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford;
Stuart McKirdy (2000) Consultant, Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals;
Nick Collis (1999) Consultant in Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NHS Hospitals;
George Spyrou (1998) Consultant in Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon, Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield;
Jim J. Kirkpatrick (1997) Consultant in Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Canniesburn, Glasgow;
Aidan M. Fitzgerald (1996) Consultant in Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic, Surgeon Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS;
Stephen J Southern (1996) Consultant in Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic, Surgeon Pinderfields General Hospital, Wakefield;
Mr Charles Malata (1995) Consultant Aesthetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon, Addenbrooke's University Hospital, Cambridge;
T C. Teo (1993) Consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon. North Downs Hospital, Caterham;
Ivan T. Foo (1992) Consultant in Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Bradford Teaching Hospitals;
David J Coleman (1989) Consultant Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon, Churchill Hospital Oxford.
Supporters of the PSBRU
- Bradford City Football Club (BCFC)
- BCFC Community Foundation
- Bradford District Metropolitan Council
- The Lord Mayor's Office
- Bradford City ('Bantams') Fans
- Bradford City Supporters Trust
- Shipley Bantams
- City Gent
- Bantamstrek
- Bantamspast
- Bradford Telegraph and Argus
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Bradford Royal Infirmary
- West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service
...and many others in the City of Bradford and Bantams across the world.
A note on our logo and the lily of the valley flower
Our logo has a number of meaningful elements that represent the history of the PSBRU.
The lily of the valley flower flower blooms in May, the month of the fire and shares part of its name with Valley Parade, Bradford City's home ground where the tragedy happened in 1985. The shape of the flower seems to bow in remembrance of the 56 people who lost their lives, and its nature as a spring flower also represents renewal and healing through the research activities of the PSBRU.
The Claret and Amber colours represents Bradford City Football Club that sustained an unforgettable loss of fans on the day, but recovered from the ashes and has carried on to strongly support the research unit over the years.
Contact Us
For general research enquiries and interest in fellowships
Professor Ajay L Mahajan
Consultant Plastic Surgeon and Director of PSBRU
[email protected]
+44 (0) 1274 364609
For charity donation enquiries please contact
PSBRU Administrative Assistant: [email protected]
or donate directly through the PSBRU JustGiving page.
Social media
Facebook: Plastic Surgery and Burns Research Unit - PSBRU
Instagram: instagram.com/bradfordburnsunit
X (Twitter): @BradfoBurnsUnit
Professor Ajay Mahajan : Director and Supporter