Glaucoma research among University of Bradford projects to receive investment

A project to develop new methods for detecting retinal damage caused by glaucoma is among research projects that have received funding at the University of Bradford.

The University of Bradford has received £57 million in research and innovation funding over the past five years, including £8 million in the year to August 2026.

The five-year total includes £890,000 in funding from the Medical Research Council to a project led by researchers at the School of Optometry and Vision Science.

The research aims to develop new methods for detecting retinal damage caused by glaucoma – potentially identifying the disease at an earlier stage and preventing avoidable sight loss.

Other research funded over the past five years includes work to develop an artificial intelligence-powered organ assessment tool to improve the use of donated organs and a project to tackle inequalities in activity levels among children.

University of Bradford pro-vice-chancellor for research, innovation and global engagement, Professor Sherif El Khamisy, highlighted that research is most powerful when it improves lives.

“These investments are supporting work that tackles some of society’s biggest challenges, from children's health and cancer to artificial intelligence, transport and healthcare,” he said.

“What is particularly pleasing is the breadth of expertise being recognised, which feeds into our commitment to economic regeneration and upskilling the workforce. These projects demonstrate how research at the University of Bradford is creating new knowledge, supporting innovation and delivering impact locally, nationally and internationally,” El Khamisy said.