We are proud to introduce Maisie Wilcox, the recipient of the 2025 British Association of Lung Research and Breathing Matters [BALR-BM] Summer Studentship, a research programme we sponsor to support the next generation of researchers in the fight against interstitial lung diseases and infections.
Maisie is a talented biomedical sciences student from the University of Manchester, with a strong background in respiratory research. Having just completed a year in one of the UK’s leading clinical research organisations, Maisie is now embarking on a summer project that builds directly on her placement experience.
“Hello, my name is Maisie, and I am a 3rd year biomedical sciences student from the University of Manchester. I have just finished my year in industry with the Medicines Evaluation Unit at Wythenshawe Hospital. I am excited to start my summer studentship and delve deeper into my prior research from my placement.
My project is titled “Effects of bacteria and heme on neutrophil-endothelial interactions in COPD”—looking at a functional neutrophil adhesion assay alongside changes in adhesion genes of endothelial cells.
Thank you for this amazing opportunity!” – Maisie
This project is of particular interest to the Breathing Matters community. Neutrophils, which play a central role in bronchiectasis and many forms of interstitial lung disease (ILD), are known for both defending the body against infection and contributing to tissue injury when dysregulated. The study explores how bacterial triggers and free heme – a by-product of tissue damage – affect the way neutrophils interact with blood vessel walls, offering important insights into how inflammation takes hold and progresses in the lungs.
While the immediate focus of the project is on COPD, the mechanisms being studied – neutrophil activation, vascular inflammation and bacterial-driven immune responses – have clear crossover relevance to bronchiectasis, ILD and related lung infections. Through this studentship, we hope to support not only Maisie’s professional growth, but also the wider understanding of inflammatory pathways common across chronic lung diseases.
This initiative is part of our long-standing commitment to investing in early-career researchers whose work has the potential to improve the lives of people living with ILD and lung infections.
We look forward to seeing how Maisie’s work develops and the valuable insights it may bring to the wider lung research community. Stay tuned for an update from Maisie later in the year!