This seminar is hosted by the Oxford Stem Cell Institute

Speaker: Professor Martin Birchall, Chair of Larynogology, The Ear Institute, Faculty of Brain Sciences, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University College London

Biography: Since 1995, I have attempted to harness the best of biomedical science to support restoration of function to people whose throats have been damaged by accident and disease, including cancer. Working with scientists, fellow surgeons and patients (I am Medical Director, National Association of Laryngectomee Clubs), I have assembled specific teams to address a variety of throat disorders. These include the understanding of laryngeal immunity to help people with inflammatory (laryngitis) and malignant (throat cancer) conditions; repairing paralysed laryngeal nerves; and investigating viral (papillomatosis) and bacterial infections of the throat.

With the ultimate goal of achieving complete replacement of the larynx for persons in whom it is destroyed by trauma or cancer, the work of these teams, underpinned by the unparalleled infrastructure and know-how of UCL, is now being brought together into parallel themes of stem-cell/tissue-engineered airway replacements, and laryngeal transplantation.

Wine and Canapés will be served after the seminar