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Dr Sumit Gupta, Clinical Research Fellow in the Institute for Lung Health.

University's lung imaging research showcased in Parliament

Honour for talented academic

Issued on 16 March 2010

A medical researcher from the University of Leicester has showcased his work in Parliament.

Dr Sumit Gupta, Clinical Research Fellow in the Institute for Lung Health, based at Glenfield Hospital, was the only University of Leicester representative in biomedical sciences at the event.

SET for BRITAIN aims to encourage, support and promote Britain's early-stage and early-career research scientists, engineers and technologists who are the "engine-room" of continued progress in, and development of, UK research and R&D, and ultimately of UK plc.

The event coincides with National Science and Engineering Week which is being celebrated at Leicester with a number of events.

He said: "I felt truly honoured and extremely delighted when selected to present our work at this popular and unique event. The experience of presenting a scientific poster at the House of Commons was unprecedented. It provided me with an excellent opportunity of presenting and debating my research work and interacting with MPs, other Parliamentarians and researchers from different parts of the world."

Dr Gupta's research work focuses on use of Computed Tomography (CT) scanning to assess the structural changes in lungs and airways of patients with severe asthma and COPD. His colleagues both from Institute for Lung Health and Radiology Department at Glenfield Hospital have made valuable contributions to this work, which is being done under supervision of Prof Chris Brightling and Dr James Entwisle.

He received his medical degree (MBBS) in 2000 from Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India. He trained as a junior doctor at various hospitals in UK working primarily in medical sub-specialities and was awarded MRCP(UK) diploma in 2006.

He is currently a PhD student at University of Leicester and a radiology speciality trainee at East Midlands Healthcare Workforce Deanery. Fifteen abstracts have been accepted to date for presentation of different aspects of his research work at various international respiratory and radiology meetings. He also has three peer reviewed publications in leading medical journals.

In 2009 he was awarded a travel bursary by The Royal College of Radiologists for presenting his research work at the European Congress of Radiology. He has also been selected to present his work at Festival of Postgraduate Research at the University of Leicester on 24 June.

As part of SET for Britain, researchers take part in a poster exhibition and judging session during the day, ending with a reception and prize-giving. Those selected represent the best in their field as part of a national competition for a prestigious Medal and substantial monetary prize. There will also be significant Runner-Up Prizes and/or Commendation Awards.

More information at: http://www.vmine.net/setforbritain/