Keele researcher secures funding to help treat war-related burn injuries in Ukraine
International collaboration aims to enhance regenerative therapies for complex burns
A researcher at Keele University has secured international funding to advance treatment for severe burn injuries in Ukraine, resulting from the ongoing conflict.
Dr Oksana Kehoe leads the project in partnership with Ternopil National Medical University in Ukraine to explore innovative cell-free regenerative therapies for burn wounds.
The initiative is part of the Seed Funding Programme within the Twinning Initiative managed by Cormack Consultancy Group (CCG), selected from 234 applications globally.
The project addresses escalating healthcare demands in Ukraine following Russia's invasion in 2022, significantly increasing complex burn and blast-related injuries.
Such injuries pose high risks of complications, such as infections, organ failure, and psychological trauma.
Dr Kehoe, a Reader in Inflammation Biology at Keele University, emphasised the urgent and clinical relevance of the research in Ukraine’s current context.
Ukrainian hospitals report high numbers of patients with complicated blast-related burns, wounds, and scarring, demanding advanced regenerative approaches.
The research focuses on cell-free techniques that could accelerate wound closure, improve tissue regeneration, and support better clinical decisions in severe burn cases.
The UK-Ukraine Twinning Initiative facilitates over 100 partnerships between UK and Ukrainian universities, championing research and education amid wartime disruption.
Dr Kehoe, originally from Ukraine, notes the potential of this approach to enhance natural healing processes, with easier production and delivery compared to some existing treatments.
While the project primarily targets conflict-related burn injuries, its findings could also benefit civilians suffering burns from accidents and fires.